Warning
The Luminor Submersible photographed here has not been photographed with its original strap nor with its original buckle (which is a folding clasp).

 

Panerai watches are in their own league : adored by the stars (Stallone, Hugh Grant, Mike Horn...), they gather as many supporters as cynics among watch making enthusiasts.
So are they fashion gadgets for posers on the French Riviera or real diving instruments? Let's see what's hiding behind its bulky metal parts...

 

The “bottle opener” crown guard

The first characteristic of the Luminor : the “bottle opener” crown guard.

This has been the stylistic signature of the Luminor since the first models from the 1930's: it acts as a lever putting pressure on the crown ensuring a water resistant seal.  

The advantages compared to the classic screwed crowns are plentiful: instant opening/ closing, no fragility in the thread and forgetting to screw down the crown after handling is impossible.

 

A “pumped up cushion” shape case with a sober finishing

The case is harmonious despite its “pumped up cushion” shape.
The plain, brushed/polished finishing goes well with the spirit of the watch.
The Luminor Submersible is quite comfortable because it is well balanced, despite its build and its weight.

 

A very good legibility in scuba diving conditions

Tested under real conditions on a dozen dives, the legibility is indeed exceptional; the watch is evidentlyperfectly suited for "serious" use.
This unidirectional bezel has catches, allowing easy handling, even underwater.
The notches are firm, perfectly adjusted and their construction emanates seriousness.
The brushed steel finishing is original and relatively scratch resistant.
One small reservation, the bezel needs to be rinsed out after every trip to the sea because it tends to seize up a little after immersion.

 

 

A water-resistance “Divers Professional”

Even if most of the Luminor models are water resistant up to 300m, only the “submersible” versions, which are equipped with the turning bezel, are adapted to scuba diving.

It is worth taking note that « Divers Professional » engraved on the back means that this Luminor is compliant with the ISO 6425 norms that define professional diving watches.

The principal criteria are : unidirectional bezels (for measuring the immersion time or the cooking time of pasta), indication that the watch is running(here the little second hand), legibility at a distance of25 cm in dark conditions and a successful water resistance test at 125% of the indicated depth capacity on the watch (ie 375m).

 

An easy new strap change system

The new strap change system allows the easy switching of bracelets to suit the activity : rubber for diving, crocodile for evenings by the sea, etc...

Anyway, the standard look of this Submersible means that it is more suited to casual weareven if it can be "dressed up" with a leather strap. The Luminor "classics" are more versatile.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rigorous design of this Submersible makes it worthy of the best divers in its class.
The only criticism which can be made is its rather salty price for a 3-hand watch...

The + :

• originality of design
• quality manufacturing
• exclusivity

 

The – :

• price too “salty” for a simple hour / minute / second watch 
• boucle clasp not really consistent with its "diving tool" purpose

 

Further information :

• journalist's wrist size = 17 cm