As the 37th running of the America’s Cup is set to take place in Barcelona this September, Panerai, as the official sponsor of the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team, has unveiled five new timepieces to honour the sailors.
These new additions to the Luna Rossa collection are presented in Steel and Carbotech, with blue and white dials. They also feature novel creatives inspired by Luna Rossa’s boat materials and aesthetic codes. All five of these watches are boutique exclusives.
“These timepieces embody the shared legacy of Panerai and the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, and we are honored that our official sponsor has once again found inspiration from our bond with the sea,” says Max Sirena, team director and skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. “With their unmistakable design and cutting-edge functionality, these watches will serve as our indispensable companions throughout our journey towards success in the 37th America’s Cup.”
Blue like the sea and the official red hue of the Luna Rossa team form the aesthetic foundation of three of the new watches. All three models feature a bi-material strap with a strip that bears the emblematic ‘Luna Rossa’ logo. The PAM01404 and PAM01408 are equipped with the PAM Click Release System. This system enables the straps to be easily swapped, and create distinct looks for different moods and styles.
Luminor Luna Rossa Chrono Carbotech (PAM01519) is an “Experience Edition” that allows owners of the timepiece to partake in an immersion experience. This 37-piece limited-edition (to commemorate the 37th edition of the America Cup) is set in a 44mm Carbotech case. It has a blue sun-brushed dial featuring a Speed Tachymeter Scale. This measures the average speed of the wearer over a defined distance.
Carbotech comprises thin sheets of carbon fibres that are compressed at a controlled temperature under high pressure, together with a high-end polymer, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), which binds the composite material, making it stronger and more durable. Carbotech has a tendency to season over time according to wear, giving each watch a specific look.
Purchasing a Luna Rossa Chrono Carbotech will grant the 37 watch owners access to special experiences scheduled to take place in Cagliari. Together with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various activities and workshops connected to the world of sailing and the sea.
Each participant in the Luna Rossa experience will also receive an NFT containing information to support their experience, such as a specific training card, technical information about the watch, a warranty booklet, and finally, an artwork created specifically by the Panerai Studio.
Luminor Luna Rossa Quaranta (PAM01408) cuts a sleek impression with its black 40mm Steel DLC (diamond-like carbon) case. DLC is a non-crystalline carbon that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. On the Luna Rossa Quaranta, it forms a coating over the steel, giving it a deep-grey matte finish, while also improving its durability and scratch resistance. This watch has a blue sun-brushed dial, displaying the date at 3 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock. It is powered by the automatic P.900 calibre with a three-day power reserve.
Luminor Luna Rossa Quaranta BiTempo (PAM01404) is for the world traveller. Displaying two time zones, the tip of the central GMT hand is gilded in red as a tribute to the colour of the Luna Rossa team’s boat sail. The date is at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock. This watch has in a 40mm brushed steel case and polished steel bezel. The dial is sun-brushed blue while the caseback is sapphire crystal. It is powered by the automatic P.900/GMT calibre, with a three-day power reserve.
The other two models, references PAM01378 and PAM01381, are both Luminor Due Luna Rossa with white dials. PAM01378 is set in a polished 38mm steel case matched with a white Saffiano leather strap that bears the team’s name and red stripe logo. Meanwhile, PAM01381 is set in a polished 42mm steel case matched with a grey bi-material strap. Both of these straps are interchangeable with others from Panerai’s range of straps.
Both timepieces have matte white sandwich dials that feature the Panerai logo with the inscription Luna Rossa with numerals and indices in dark grey Super-LumiNova. The small seconds, in red hands, are highly legible thanks to the overall neutral tone of the timepieces. Both are powered by the automatic P.900 calibre with a three-day power reserve.
Commenting on the new timepieces, Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué said: “Our collaboration with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team represents the perfect union of two brands that share the same spirit of innovation, passion for excellence, and love for the sea. Through our common values, we aim to inspire and empower contemporary navigators, pushing boundaries and exceeding limits in pursuit of their dreams.”
