Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 106: Distinctive Diver With Anthracite Dial…

The Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 106 is a rare beast. Like a the Megamouth Shark, the PAM 106 is a marine phenomenon that draws immediate attention when one surfaces. With its full Ti/SS bracelet and gorgeous brushed anthracite dial, the Luminor Submersible PAM 106 sports a techno-industrial chic that sets it apart from the Panerai pack.

Like its early 2000s running mate, the high-polish Luminor Submersible PAM 170, the brush-finished PAM 106 is defined by its full bracelet, titanium construction, and *THAT* metallic brushed anthracite dial…

The centerpiece of the Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 106 is the anthracite dial. More than a metallic finish, this grain pattern runs vertically 12-to-6 across the face of the dial. While similar in texture to a metallic sunburst treatment, the bold unidirectional flow of the metal imparts a dynamic look evocative of motion, speed, and latent energy.

And this Luminor Submersible offers icing on the cake, or more precisely, tritium patina on the dial. As one of the final Panerai models to employ the classic lume material, the Luminor Submersible PAM 106 benefits from the rich “patina” hues that develop as the paint ages (modern luminova is chromatically static). Over time, this PAM 106 has developed a deep ecru/yellow shade on its indices and numerals, and it exhibits some of the most advanced and even Panerai tritium aging we have had the pleasure to examine.

A small seconds subdial at nine o’clock and a dial-colored date disc at three demonstrate Panerai’s attention to detail when executing this design. The subdial is cut into the anthracite base in order to add the visual interest of a second plane to the board-flat dial, and concentric circular guilloche within the register adds nuanced beauty. The date disc proves that Panerai was paying attention; a clashing color in this critical spot could have ruined the dial.

Naturally, the Luminor Submersible PAM 106 is a true dive watch. Like the other Panerai “Subs,” the PAM 106 features a unidirectional rotating dive bezel that can be used to time intervals of up to 60 minutes. The iconic crown guard provides all-aspect protection from blows, and the crown locking lever remains as clever today as it did upon its first appearance in 1950. A simple flip of the lever unlocks the crown for winding or time-setting; it sure beats fiddling with a screw-down when your hands are wet.

Inside the delightfully light titanium case, Panerai fits a COSC Swiss Chronometer-grade automatic movement. The Panerai caliber OP III is based on the time-tested and bombproof Valjoux 7750, so the inside of this Luminor Submersible is as rugged as the exterior. With a 42-hour power reserve and hacking (stop) seconds for precise synchronization to a dive clock, the PAM 106 is ready to take the plunge.

Along with its contemporary running mate, the Luminor Submersible PAM 170, departs from the Panerai norm by swapping the usual strap for a Rolex-style bracelet.

Well, maybe it’s not a “Rolex-style” bracelet, but it’s a true full-metal jacket to rival the best from Geneva. Panerai’s stylish signature, the Luminor Submersible’s “Device Protecting the Crown,” is celebrated as a recurring design motif on the links of the titanium-and-steel hybrid band. Its links taper from the lugs down to a robust double deployant clasp with secure twin-trigger release mechanics. Panerai’s milled-metal construction puts spindly stamped “dive clasps” to shame.

Moreover, the well-loved Ti/SS Luminor bracelet is a discontinued item. Like the 2001-2003 Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 106 itself, the distinctive bracelet is a ghost of Firenze’s past.