Shining Light: Panerai Introduces Submersible Elux LAB-ID with Powerful Luminescence on Demand
With the Submersible Elux LAB-ID, Panerai once again provides beautiful proof that the mechanical movement is one of the oldest and most reliable machines in the history of mankind. The brand— legendary for its pioneering work in the field of luminescence— presents a diver’s watch that sets new standards in the field of illumination without the use of any batteries.
Featuring six barrels and four patent systems, it is capable of transforming the mechanical energy stored in four of its six barrels into luminosity that lights up elements on the dial, the hands, the triangle on the bezel and a linear power reserve indicator for the light function. Another impressive element of the Submersible Elux LAB-ID is that it stays illuminated continuously for a full 30 minutes on a full charge. The powerful light function is activated by opening the patented pusher-protector system and clicking on the dedicated pusher located at 8 o’clock.
The conversion of mechanical energy into light is possible thanks to a micro-generator incorporated into the self-winding caliber P.9010/EL with a power reserve of 3 days for the time indication. Equipped with custom-made coils, magnets and a stator designed to optimize energy efficiency, its high-speed rotor rotates at 80 revolutions per second and generates a high-frequency electrical signal of 240 Hz.
The design, developed by Panerai’s Laboratorio di Idee engineers, is based on the brand’s innovations in the field of luminescence, such as the famous Radiomir and Luminor compounds and a historic patent called “Elux”. An abbreviation of “elettroluminescenza”, Italian for electroluminescence, Elux is a technology patented by Panerai on June 15, 1966 to enhance the luminescence of marine instruments used by the Italian Navy.
In addition to its luminescent technology, Panerai presents a new material: Ti-Ceramitech, a high-tech material obtained through a process of titanium ceramization by plasma electrolytic oxidation, which transforms the surface of the titanium alloy into a dense ceramic layer. According to Panerai, it is 44% lighter than steel and 10 times more resistant to fracture than ceramic. Water resistant to an impressive 500 meters, the case has a bold diameter of 49mm.
The Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID is limited to 150 limited-edition pieces, with an availability of 50 pieces per year over three years, each priced at $96,300.
To learn more, visit Panerai, here.