Imagine packing everything – and I mean everything – that Panerai does well into one watch. What you’re now imagining is the new Panerai Luminor California 8 Days DLC 44mm PAM00779. It’s a Paneristi dream come true.
What on paper could have been a mess is instead one of the most well-balanced Panerai’s to date. The signature Luminor case is made from DLC-coated titanium, surprisingly light and nigh indestructible. Even the crown-protecting bridge lever is tough to damage. It’s partially thank to that lever that the Luminor California 8 Days boasts a non-too-shabby 300m of water resistance, a good deal higher than most Radiomirs.
The modern materials contrast with the dial, which is pure old-school Panerai. The California layout give it a more military feel, one of the reasons collectors have gravitated towards the ex-Florentine watchmaker over the years. It’s also just very, very cool. It’s a simple two-hander so the whole thing looks nicely unfussed, but those two hands stand out with a flash of blue.
So far so Panerai. That is until you get to the strap. I’m not normally a fan of cuff straps. It’s not the straps faults, it’s just that the watches can never live up to them. Here the thick, dive-ready leather matches perfectly with the Panerai itself, enough that even if I’d look ridiculous wearing it, I need it.
The movement is simple and reliable – just what you want from a watch like this. It’s hand-wound, but with a huge 8-day power reserve you won’t need to keen an eye on it too much. Anyone can remember to wind once a week.
All in all, it’s a stunning watch and a breath of fresh air from Panerai. Instead of pussyfooting around the watchmaker has dived headfirst into a Paneristi’s wishlist and emerged with this black pearl of a watch. Best of all? It’s only EUR 7,900 – just under £7,000.
Price & Specs:
- Model name: Panerai Luminor California 8 Days DLC 44mm (ref. PAM00779)
- Dial/Case: 44mm diameter, titanium with DLC coating case
- Movement: Calibre P.5000, in-house, mechanical, hand-wound movement
Water resistance: 300m - Power reserve: 192h
- Price: €7,900
More at: www.panerai.com
