Officine Panerai recently launched a new addition to their Quaranta family – the Luminor Quaranta Carbotech PAM01526 features the first use of the brand’s proprietary Carbotech™ composite material in this model. It is also the first Luminor Quaranta model with a water resistance rating of 300m.

Even though the composite has been used for quite a while now, a quick reminder/ summary for those unfamiliar with it – Carbotech™, manufactured by compressing carbon fibre sheets along with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), is all about being lighter whilst maintaining a tough and robust material. The watch weighs less than 100g, is 80 per cent lighter than steel, 73 per cent lighter than ceramic, and 64 per cent lighter than titanium. The cutting of the composite’s sheets means that the matte black surface of the dial case differs from timepiece to timepiece. The case back for the PAM01526 is titanium DLC.

The Luminor Quaranta models are all 40mm (hence the name), but 100m water resistance is what we’re familiar with for this collection family. The new Luminor Quaranta Carbotech however, has water resistance of 300m.

The sandwich dial is matte green, with white Super-LumiNova treated hands and markers. There has been some discussion about whether white or a vintage-look beige-coloured lume would have been a better choice for an ‘army green’ coloured watch – I find myself on the side of those who would probably prefer beige.

Visible through the case back is Panerai’s reliable automatic P.900 which beats at 28,800VPH and has a power reserve of 72 hours. In this instance, it has black DLC treatment to match the Carbotech™ case.

Coming on a green rubber strap with a DLC-coated brushed titanium buckle but delivered with a second brown calf strap, the Officine Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech™ has an Australian RRP of $20,200 including GST.

[Photo credit; Officine Panerai]

Categories: Panerai, Watch Profile, watches, Women's watches