A Closer Look At The Patented $96,300 Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID Watch

(This article by Roberta Naas first appeared on Forbes.com.)

This past weekend, Panerai unveiled an all-new timepiece – one that represents a world’s first in terms of materials and one that was eight years in the making. The new Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 marks a groundbreaking advancement in mechanical luminescence.

The Panerai Laboratorio di Idee, the brand’s innovative hub, has continually pushed the boundaries of watchmaking technology overt he years, introducing multiple LAB watches. The Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800 is the result of the lab’s intense research and development throughout the past eight years. This timepiece features a fully mechanical movement that powers light on demand. The light is so ultra-bright that the markers, hands and a few other indications on the dial light up in bold green and blue hues for incredibly easy in-the-dark reading. This feat is made possible via the integration of four energy-storing barrels that convert mechanical energy into electricity.

The Submersible Elux Lab-ID Pam01800 is crafted in a 49mm Ti-Ceramitech™ case, crafted from ceramized titanium. This material, developed through a patent-pending process, involves transforming the titanium alloy surface into a dense ceramic layer using Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation. The result is a striking almost cadet-blue-like hue, reminiscent of the Aegean seas. It also boasts a hardness and fracture toughness significantly higher than traditional ceramics, while being much lighter than steel.

The watch’s innovative lighting system, as mentioned, is the key highlight. Activated by a patented pusher-protector system, the mechanism powers LEDs on the dial and bezel, providing illumination for up to 30 minutes thanks to the use of use of SuperLuminova® X2. The lighting system includes a Power Light function and a linear Power Light reserve indicator.

The Elux LAB-ID limited-edition watch will be crafted in just 150 pieces available over the course of three years. It is powered by the 363-part automatic P.9010/EL caliber that boasts a high-tech Glucydur® balance wheel, Incabloc® anti-shock device and an incredible six barrels. Four of those barrels are dedicated to the lighting while the other two power the time keeping. Water resistant to 500 meters, the watch re tails for $96,300.

The dial features a small seconds indicator at 9:00 and a counterclockwise rotating bezel with patent-pending lighting. The watch also includes Panerai’s iconic crown-protection bridge, ensuring durability and functionality.

Officine Panerai’s history in lume

The Elux LAB-ID draws heavily from the brand’s rich history in luminescence, which dates back to its famous Radiomir and Luminor compounds of the mid-20^th century. The Submersible Elux LAB-ID embodies the spirit of Panerai’s historical contributions to luminescence, particularly through the incorporation of Elux technology, a milestone that was first patented on June 15, 1966.

Elux, short for “elettroluminescenza” (electroluminescence), represented a major leap in luminescence technology. These electroluminescent panels provided uniform light, were highly durable, energy-efficient, and shock-resistant, making them ideal for a range of applications, including use by the Italian Navy. These panels were crucial for illuminating naval instruments, command centers, and internal signaling boards, especially under low-light conditions. They were notably used to create luminous pathways for helicopter landings on naval ships, enhancing visibility and safety during night operations or in conditions where visibility was nearly null. Water resistant to 500 meters, the watch retails for $96,300.