Panerai Luminor Chronograph Yachts Challenge 2019 ref. PAM00764 – PAM00788 – PAM001020

The association of Panerai with the International Circuit for Classic Sailing Yachts is a long story that has led to the creation of multiple watches, under the name Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge (PCYC). Often regarded as some of the nicest watches in the collection, just like the Luminor 1950 PCYC ref. PAM00653 we reviewed recently (my favourite Panerai watch), the Italian brand unveils three new pieces with the PCYC logo on the dial and a marked departure from the vintage inspiration of previous models.  More modern and sportier, let’s take a look at the PAM00764, PAM00788 and PAM001020.

The 2019 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge collection launches three new watches – as it is often the case with these nautical-inspired pieces. The previous collection, dating back to 2017, already houses three chronograph watches – two with flyback functions (ref. PAM00654 and PAM00653) and a more complex watch with a regatta complication and a larger case (ref. PAM00652). All of them had a classic, slightly vintage flair with warm colours and 1940s dials. Although the 2019 models share multiple technical elements with these previous models, the visual impact is bolder, more modern and much sportier.

The 2019 Panerai Yachts Challenge – common points

Sharing the same technical base, the three watches distinguish themselves with different colour combinations on the dial and cases made from different materials. The recipe used on the PAM00653 we reviewed a few months ago hasn’t changed either, only the habillage (external features) has been updated.

All three models of the 2019 Panerai Yachts Challenge are housed in 44mm cushion-shaped cases.  The patented protecting device for the crown on the right side of the case means that the chronograph pushers are located on the left side of the case, at 8 and 10 o’clock. On a daily basis, the reset pusher appears to be extremely practical to actuate with your right thumb. The unusual position of the start button, however, does require some getting used to.

All three models, reference PAM00764, PAM00788 and PAM001020, also have the same movement and same functions – no more complex regatta or split-seconds watches – but the usual flyback chronograph movement. The Calibre P9100, an integrated automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, has an interesting layout with both the elapsed seconds and minutes displayed on the central axis – making it easy to read. It also adds a running seconds counter and a 12-hour sub-dial (but fortunately, no date…)

Being nautical watches, the usual tachymeter scale on the inner flange has been graduated in knots (rather than the automotive-inspired km/h or mph). The flyback function allows for instantaneous successive timings. The Calibre P9100 is modern and beats at 4Hz and boasts a 3-day power reserve when fully wound by its central automatic rotor.

The Luminor Yachts Challenge PAM00764

The first model in this 2019 Panerai Yachts Challenge collection, the PAM00764, is a sporty titanium piece with a black dial and blue accents. The 44mm case alternates brushed and polished surfaces and comes with a black rubber strap.

The dial of the PAM00764 is also about sports and modernity, with a black background, no faux-patina on the indexes and hands, and all the chronograph indications are highlighted in blue. Even the chronograph pushers feature a small blue band. The three hands for the time are metallic with white luminous material, just like the cut out Arabic numerals and hour markers.

The Panerai Luminor Chronograph Yachts Challenge 2019 PAM00764 is water-resistant to 100 metres and will be priced at EUR 12,900 – a relatively limited increase compared to the steel PAM00653, which was priced at EUR 12,000.

The Luminor Yachts Challenge PAM00788

The second model in the 2019 Panerai Yachts Challenge collection, the PAM00788, is the boldest and sportiest of the lot. While identical mechanically to the watch presented above, its case (still 44mm) is made of matte black ceramic, with a black DLC-coated titanium caseback. The device protecting the crown (protected as a trademark) is also in black ceramic. Finishing the sporty and stealth look is a black rubber strap.

The layout of the dial of reference PAM00788 is identical to the model shown above, with a matte black background, blue accents for all the chronograph indications and contrasting hands for the time – which are coated in black to match the case. The Arabic numerals, the hour markers, and hands are all coated with white luminous paint. One difference is the knot scale that is printed on the dial and not on the inner flange.

The 2019 Panerai Luminor Chronograph Yachts Challenge Ceramic PAM00788 is also water-resistant to 100 metres. It will be priced at EUR 15,500.

The Luminor Yachts Challenge PAM001020

Last but not least, Panerai also has a more elegant, more luxurious proposal in its 2019 Panerai Yachts Challenge collection. The reference PAM001020 has the same specifications as the two models above, however, its case is made of warm, brushed and polished 5NPT gold. Due to the material, the water-resistance is rated at 50m. Delivered on a blue alligator strap, this one is earmarked to be worn at the Yacht Club and not on deck.

The dial is also more elegant on this PAM001020, with a deep blue colour and a satiné sunray finish. The dial still retains its sandwich construction, with white Arabic numerals. On this model, the chronograph indications are indicated with silver-coated hands while the time is displayed by gold-coated hands. Specific to this model, the movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, with a transfer of the PCYC logo.

The 2019 Panerai Luminor Chronograph Yachts Challenge Gold PAM001020 will be priced at EUR 27,500.

More details at panerai.com.