Minimalist dual time zone.

Traditionally a vintage-inspired “Marina Militare” diver’s watch, Panerai has recently introduced complications with minimalist, modern execution, such as the recent Luminor Perpetual Calendar.

Perhaps more practical – certainly more affordable – is the new Luminor BiTempo PAM 1360 and PAM 1361 of similar aesthetics – a GMT watch with a striking pale blue tint on a blue or black dial.

initial thought
Given its large diameter and clean dial, the Luminor can accommodate complications well, while still maintaining its typical minimalist style – if the additions are properly integrated. Panerai has done this with BiTempo, which manages to incorporate the date, second time zone and power reserve indicator without getting in the way of the recognizable Panerai aesthetic. In fact, BiTempo can deliver a time-only Luminor across the room.

That said, the second time zone isn’t a new complication to the brand – the movement is an existing one – so the novelty lies mostly in changing dial details like the enlarged date display and blue accents . While I appreciate that the light blue indicator is clear and easy to read, I find the color too muted for an understated military-inspired look.

Dual time zone
The BiTempo has a 44mm Luminor 1950 case and the iconic crown guard. The “sandwich” dial features the iconic Luminor layout with oversized Arabic numerals in the quarter, but has additional date displays, GMT and power reserve displays. Panerai copy

Thanks to the calibration, the dual time zone display is as clear as possible. P9012. The movement has a 12-hour GMT hand for the second time zone instead of the usual 24-hour hand, so there is no need for an additional 24-hour scale. And the GMT hand can be hidden under the local time hand when not in use, further enhancing the minimalism of the dial.

That said, the 12-hour clock in the second time zone means that day and night cannot be discerned from the dial, so the wearer must know this.

While the dial design is simple, the execution is slightly more complex than Panerai’s entry-level models. It has a two-piece “sandwich” construction that displays the hour markers through small holes in the dial. replica watches review

Interestingly, the dial design is slightly different from the traditional Panerai dials with printed minute scales, something that the Panerai dial tradition does not have.

Panerai has several two time zone movements in its stables, the P.9012 in BiTempo is one of the more premium movements. In addition to this, the P.9012 is powered by twin barrels that provide a three-day power reserve.

In addition to its obvious functions, the P.9012 also features a reset to zero, a countdown – when the crown is pulled to set the time, the second hand stops and immediately flies back to the 12 o’clock position, a rare usefulness in watches Function. this price range.

The movement is visible through the back of the display and has a typical Panerai aesthetic, an almost monochromatic, industrial finish with brushed brushed bridges.

Panerai Luminor BiTempo
Ref. PAM01360 (Black)
refer to. PAM01361 (blue)

Diameter: 44mm
Height: none
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: P.9012
Functions: hours, minutes, countdown to zero, GMT, power reserve indication winding
: Automatic winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: three days

Strap: Alligator leather pin buckle