Panerai’s Upgraded Luminor Marina 2025 Watch Review

While we like to think that many brands are in horology for the love of watches, but it’s also a fact of life that watchmaking is a business and money has to be made. Which is why there are such frequent price rises or extra costs for exclusive limited editions despite being fundamentally the same watch with a different colour etc. Panerai though have bucked that trend by releasing a new edition of the Panerai Luminor Marina with strictly upgraded specs across the board without increasing its price. We got hands-on with the upgraded model at Watches & Wonders.

Off rip, the core identity of the Luminor Marina remains exactly the same as it has always been. It’s the civilian interpretation of Panerai’s military dive watches, so it retains the large 44mm diameter with pronounced crown guard safety system. However, the case (steel or titanium) is now 12% thinner, which has a knock on effect on the weight, which is 15% lighter. That has a huge impact on its wearability and while I’ve never considered a full size Panerai before, it really feels like it’s not outside the realm of possibility now.

The dial has been similarly adjusted, improving its quality of life without changing the DNA of the watch. Specifically the date display has been enlarged with bevelled edges to make it easier to read. This is also the first core collection model to feature the brighter X2 grade of Super-LumiNova across its sandwich display for low light conditions, ideal for diving. It’s available in white, black or blue.

When it comes to diving, the Panerai Luminor Marina has been upgraded in that respect too. It now features a 500m water resistance rating as standard, much higher than the industry standard of 300m for a professional dive watch. Considering that the Luminor Marina has a much gentler, refined appearance compared to models like the Submersible, that’s very impressive. Like the classic motif of a swan, elegant on the surface but doing a lot of work beneath.

Beneath the surface of the Luminor is the new P.980 automatic calibre. It’s a time and date movement with a 72-hour power reserve, which Panerai sometimes call Tre Giorni or 3-day reserves. In terms of specs, that’s nothing new for Panerai or this collection, so what makes the P.980 special are its reduced proportions, allowing for the slimmer case. You can view its fine, brushed finishing through the sapphire caseback.

Pricewise, the Panerai Luminor Marina in steel is £7,600 on strap or £8,400 on V-link metal bracelet. The titanium version is also £8,400. Honestly, it’s hard not to like this update. You are getting just straight up a better watch for the same money. I double checked against historic Oracle Time articles and the Luminor Marina collection has been the same price for at least 5 years.

More details at Panerai.