Panerai unveils stunning concept watch at SIHH, the Lab-ID, in a limited edition of 50 pieces

Very few watch brands have achieved as much as Officine Panerai has, based on just two main collections. The Italian manufacture, with its roots in Italian naval history, has stayed very true to the DNA of the Luminor and Radiomir, each year offering subtle new features that have kept fans happy and hungry for more.

At this year’s SIHH, the manufacturer unveiled its stunning concept Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech 3 Days (PAM700). The 49mm case for the Lab-ID, which stands for Laboratorio Di Idée, is made from carbotech, a composite material introduced by Panerai at SIHH 2015 with the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech (PAM616).

The outstanding feature of this carbon composite is its dense, uneven blackness, the appearance of which varies from cut to cut, making each dial unique. Carbotech is also lighter and more resistant to external stresses, while being hypo-allergenic and not subject to corrosion.

Taking its play with carbon further, a coating of carbon nanotubes has been used for the first time for the display dial. The optical properties of this special coating absorb light, reducing reflection to a
minimum and giving the sandwich dial a startlingly deep black appearance. The blackness is contrasted by the bright blue indices and markers.

Powering the Lab-ID is the P3001/C semi-skeletonised, hand-wound calibre, featuring components made from a new integrated Tantalus-based ceramic that requires no additional lubricants. The watch comes in a black leather strap with matching blue sewing.

They always say if you don’t evolve, you stay like a rock in the same place and people don’t see you anymore. So you need to evolve. For Panerai, what can we do? It can be the material, the movement, or other improvements. You have to create a difference. Sometimes, the innovation is the main thing,” says Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati.

“In previous years, we have presented ceramic, carbotech, bronze ... We take this from our DNA, from the sea. Last year, we had the titanium case and we put in [the tourbillon]. This year, we have put together different technologies in order to create a concept watch that is full of innovation while keeping the original DNA of the brand. That’s why we realised the Lab-ID.”

Particularly unusual is the fact that despite being a concept watch, which normally means a unique piece not yet in production, the Lab-ID comes in a limited edition of 50 pieces and with a whopping 50-year guarantee.