SIHH2018 – A Pair of 45mm Luminor Dues That Are A Perfect Fit

I said bigger wasn’t better when it came to the new 38mm Luminor Due Models that were released this year at SIHH2018 and it seems that way based on the press and comments I have been seeing throughout the show. For me, the new pair of 45mm Luminor Due models is what grabbed my attention the most. The PAM943 and PAM944 are a welcome addition to the Due line which was introduced a few years back and brought a thinner more wearable case for some.

PANERAI PAM943

The first one of the new 45mm pieces is the PAM943 Luminor Due in Steel. The watch features an anthracite sun-brushed dial and date window at the 3 o’clock position and a sub second dial to the right of the 9. The sandwich dial features the iconic numerals 12, 6, and 9 as well as the batons indexes which are all done in the faux vintage lume color.

The PAM943 is powered by an in-house P.4001 calibre micro-rotor automatic movement with 3 day power reserve which can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. You will also notice through the case back that there is a circular power reserve indicator on the movement. The watch is finished off with the supplied brown alligator strap with contrasting beige stitching. The PAM943 is part of the regular collection and will retail at $10,100 USD.

 

PANERAI PAM644

The next model is the PAM944 Luminor Due Steel GMT with Power Reserve. For the most part the the dial is the same as the PAM943 with the exception of the AM/PM indicator and hand on the sub second dial, GMT arrow hand,  as well as the semi-circle power reserve above and between the 6 and 5 hour markers.

One interesting addition to the PAM944 is the first use of a dome styled crystal on a Luminor Due. It really adds a nice touch to a very beautiful timepiece. I believe this subtle touch completely changes the look of the watch in a very positive way. Early indictions from people in the industry I have talked to feel the same exact way.

As with the PAM943 the PAM944 also features a see through case back which shows off the in-house P.4002 movement in this case. The P.4002 also utilizes the micro-rotor technology to power the 3 day power reserve automatic movement. The PAM944 will retail for $11,100 USD.

Taking a long look at the new Due pieces in person really gives me a sense of how Officine Panerai is trying to expand the line. I wasn’t the largest advocator and fan of the Due line when it first came out but I do have to give them credit for actually evolving the line and finding a way to cater to a brand new market within the watch industry. At 45mm the PAM943 and PAM944 is the perfect blend of the the case size we have been accustomed to with the elegance and thinness of a dress watch.