A microgenerator built directly into a watch movement.
Some brands look to cutting-edge solutions in the fields of aircraft engineering or the motorsports industry for innovations, while others need only blow the dust off their own archives. Panerai patented the Elux technology applied in their new Submersible Elux LAB-ID back in 1966.
But up until now, Elux technology had been dedicated to equipment for the Italian navy. It took almost 60 years for Elux to debut in a wristwatch. Paradoxically, the revolutionary novelty is a return to Panerai's roots, and the backlighting isn't the only blast from the past.
After experimenting with stylishly subtle measurements, the brand is going back to bigger and bigger watches. The case for this piece measures 49 mm in diameter, 21.9 mm in height, and retails for over USD 96,000. All the specs that the Paneristi fanbase love are combined with modern materials and approaches.
Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID
Elux is clearly the star here — a system that uses four of the movement's staggering six barrels to launch the microgenerator that powers the lighting. This little motor makes the LED lights on the dial (including 15 under the bezel) glow for 30 minutes. It's more than backlighting, it's a full-blown torch.
Light can be switched on and off using the pusher at 8 o'clock, and you can track how much energy is left for lighting by checking the linear Power Light reserve indicator at 9 o'clock on the dial. But if the lights do go out, the more familiar SuperLuminova lume will come to your aid.
The generator measuring 8 mm × 2.3 mm is built into the movement, which has a three-day power reserve. The watchmakers at Panerai say that the generator's rotor completes 80 revolutions per second to produce a high-frequency electrical signal of 240 Hz.
The case for Panerai's Submersible Elux LAB-ID is made of ceramized titanium called Ti-Ceramitech, which is light, hard, and scratch-resistant: 44% lighter than stainless steel and 10 times harder than regular ceramic.
Availability of this bright novelty in every sense of the word will be limited to 150 pieces, divided into three annual releases. Each year will have a different letter of identification, A, B, and C — extra collector's bait.