Hands-On – Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm, a Hint of Elegance for the Sporty Icon

Much to our satisfaction, we have seen smaller watches re-emerged over the past few years. Even Panerai, known to be on the large side, has been downsizing its iconic design, with its 42mm Luminor Due, which is now offered for the first time in a handsome, light-weight titanium version. We go hands-on with the slender PAM00728 or Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm.

The elegant Panerai Luminor Due was introduced back in 2016, providing a dressy option in the Italian maker collection. The 42mm Due retains the classic, iconic Luminor styling but in a smaller, thinner version. The case has a great balance. It is superbly shaped with its signature bridge protecting the crown and drilled lugs. It is unmistakably Panerai but different. It is slender, sitting just great under your cuff and it wears super comfortable, which is especially true for the lightweight titanium version. Not to mention the look that is simply stunning – at least for those who like Panerai watches…

Like the first 42mm editions, the new Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio PAM00728 version feels tough and sleek at the same time. The brushed finish of the case has a gorgeous understated lustre and adds an attractive contrast to the polished bezel. The titanium version is rated water resistant to 30 meters, which is pretty disappointing for a brand famed for crafting rugged dive watches – although this would not affect the use of most people, Panerai could have shown a bit more zeal and provide a 100m water resistance, just to be in line with their reputation.

Under its slightly domed sapphire crystal, the PAM00728 is equipped with a blue “sandwich” dial with a deep, gleaming sunburst finish – a perfect match with the pink gold colour hands and the cold tint of the titanium case. Luminescent material allows for excellent legibility in the dark, as always with the signature “sandwich” dials of the brand.

Turning the watch over, the exhibition case back reveals the hand-wound P.1000 calibre, manufactured in-house and introduced in 2015. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (or 4Hz), this modern twin-barrel movement can store up to 3 days of power reserve. The overall look feels robust: it features three bridges, including a transversal balance bridge with adjustment screws for greater precision in critical tolerances. 26.8 mm in diameter and 3.85 mm thick, it is made of 152 components including 21 jewels. Nothing exceptional but a good-old manual movement. The finishing of the movement is done in a clean, contemporary look, which feels coherent with the watch’s overall styling.

A practical function, the stop seconds also resets the small second’s hand for precise adjustment. In terms of display, Panerai kept it simple, as this Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio PAM00728 remains a time-only watch, with hours, minutes and small second. No date or power reserve to obstruct the dial.

The Panerai Luminor Due 42 mm PAM00728 is paired with a qualitative blue alligator strap secured with a pin buckle. This strap provides a bit more elegance, yet this watch will definitely look good on the multiple straps offered by external strap-makers.

If you love the Panerai style but are looking for an elegant, comfortable watch, something not too chunky for desk diving, the PAM00728 might very well be the perfect wrist companion. A superb watch that I recommend you see in the metal. Price is set at a rather high EUR 8,400. Overall, see this Luminor Due as another definition of the iconic design, less focused on sports, more on style. For more information, you can visit www.panerai.com.

Technical specifications – Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm PAM00728

• Case: 42mm diameter x 10.5mm thickness – brushed titanium case, polished titanium bezel – sapphire crystal on both sides – water resistant to 3 ATM / 30m.
• Movement: calibre P.1000 with manual winding, in-house – 26.8mm diameter – 28,800 vibrations per hour – 21 jewels – 72h power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds at 9, stop seconds with zero-reset
• Strap:  blue alligator leather strap with pin buckle
• Price: EUR 8,400
• Reference: PAM00728