As the Luna Rossa sailing team prepares for the 38th America’s Cup in Naples during summer 2027, Panerai has renewed their partnership with Italy’s premier racing squadron through two new timepieces that capture the essence of competitive sailing.
Since becoming official sponsors in 2019, Panerai has consistently celebrated this collaboration through watches that blend maritime functionality with the team’s distinctive gray and red livery. The latest duo – the Luminor Luna Rossa PAM01653 and limited edition Luminor Chrono Flyback Luna Rossa PAM01654 – represents the evolution of this successful partnership.
Italian Racing Spirit
The time-only PAM01653 embraces elegant simplicity through its classic Luminor silhouette enhanced by Luna Rossa’s signature colors. The 44mm case crafted from AISI 316LVM stainless steel represents a refined version of standard 316L steel, vacuum arc remelted for increased purity and superior corrosion resistance – essential qualities for any sailing-inspired timepiece.
The running seconds subdial at 3 o’clock maintains perfect balance with the crown-locking bridge, while the gray dial features a vibrant red seconds hand that immediately signals the Luna Rossa connection.
The manual-wind Caliber P.6000 movement provides reliable timekeeping with a 72-hour power reserve, operating at 21,600vph through the same proven caliber found in other time-only Panerai models.
The Luna Rossa branding replaces usual text on the lower dial, creating subtle yet unmistakable team identification. The bi-material rubber/textile strap continues the color theme with gray surfaces highlighted by a thin red stripe running down the 6 o’clock side, completed by Panerai’s trapezoidal stainless steel buckle.
Limited Edition Precision
The chronograph variant elevates the concept through titanium construction and limited production of just 150 pieces. While maintaining the 44mm case diameter and 100-meter water resistance, the PAM01654 features a display caseback with sapphire window showcasing the internal movement. Bright red accent rings around the chronograph pushers at 9 o’clock create visual drama while maintaining functional clarity for timing sailing maneuvers.
The Caliber P.9100 automatic movement demonstrates Panerai’s chronograph expertise through flyback functionality and innovative design. Despite operating at 28,800vph and incorporating complex chronograph complications, the dual-barrel architecture maintains the same impressive 72-hour power reserve as its time-only sibling. The centrally-mounted minutes hand provides precise elapsed time readings, while the hours subdial sits opposite the running seconds register for optimal dial balance.
Both watches feature domed sapphire crystals and Panerai’s signature crown-protector bridge, maintaining the brand’s distinctive aesthetic while incorporating Luna Rossa’s racing DNA. The 24mm to 22mm tapered straps ensure comfortable fit during active pursuits, with the chronograph version receiving a matching titanium buckle.
Panerai’s commitment to the Luna Rossa partnership extends beyond mere branding – with 15 different Luna Rossa models currently available, the collaboration has clearly resonated with collectors beyond sailing enthusiasts. The decision to make the PAM01653 a standard-catalog offering rather than limited edition reflects this broader appeal.
Pricing reflects Panerai’s positioning strategy: the time-only PAM01653 at $6,900 represents the most accessible Luna Rossa model available, while the limited chronograph at $16,400 offers competitive value within Panerai’s flyback chronograph segment. These prices demonstrate that collaboration models need not carry premium pricing when backed by genuine partnership substance.
The renewed Luna Rossa partnership positions Panerai perfectly for the Naples America’s Cup, bringing Italian sailing heritage home to Italian waters. These latest timepieces prove that successful collaborations transcend simple co-branding, creating watches that honor both brand heritage and sporting excellence through thoughtful design and accessible pricing.
