BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Officine Panerai’s materials research labs are some of the most advanced in all of watchmaking. They’re continually working on new materials and new combinations of materials in an effort to improve their watches and stay ahead of the competition. The latest watch from the brand, the Submersible Goldtech Orocarbo 44mm ref PAM01070 features a combination of cutting-edge materials from the brand.
The majority of the case is made of an alloy called Goldtech, which is Panmerai’s proprietary blend of copper, gold and platinum. Like Everose gold and Sedna gold from Rolex and Omega respectively, Panerai’s Goldtech will not discolour over time. I like that, and I like to think that it balances out some of the hideously patinated Bronzos going around the forums.
To add some touches of contrast to the watch, Panerai has also used its proprietary carbon-based material called Carbotech. This involves using sheets of carbon fibre that are forced to combine into one piece using high temperatures and pressures. The result is a pleasing pattern that is unique to every watch. The black caseback is made of titanium, unlike last year’s 42mm Goldtech diver the ref PAM000974 which had a sapphire crystal back.
Inside the case, which is water-resistant to 300m, is the calibre P.900. It has 23 jewels, a 4Hz beat rate and a power reserve of 72 hours. It’s also automatically wound and shock-resistant, making this an ideal watch for desk divers (let’s be real, who’s actually going to scuba dive with this?).
The black dial has been given an attractive sunray finish, meaning this watch will certainly catch the eye if the gold case doesn’t. The layout of the dial is clean as well, with only the necessary information on display along with the date which has been given a black background.
The price of one of these is $30,000 not including sales tax, which translates to €29,900, which does include VAT.
Visit Panerai here.
