Panerai Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628

The Panerai Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is a watch that commands attention, not with flash, but with a rugged presence deeply rooted in horological history. This isn't just another timepiece; it's a nod to the brand's legacy of crafting instruments for the Italian Navy, a heritage that's evident in every detail of this watch. The watch features the word LUMINOR in all caps right above the word PANERAI, again, written in all caps. The 9, 12, 3, and 6 numerals are clearly displayed on the dial. Right below the 12 numeral, there are two lines, one above the other. Right below the 6 numeral there are two more lines, one above the other.



Let's start with the case. At 47mm in diameter and 15.1mm thick, this is a watch that makes its presence known on the wrist. Crafted from AISI 316L stainless steel, the case boasts a patina finish, a deliberate choice that gives it a weathered, vintage look without feeling overly contrived. This isn't about artificial aging; it's about achieving a matte texture that reduces glare, a practical consideration for a watch originally designed for military use. The hand-finished patina is complemented by brushed steel elements on the bridge, lever, and buckle, creating a visually appealing contrast that adds depth to the overall design. The large crown is protected by the familiar Panerai Luminor crown guard system, with the letters "REG." engraved above the crown guard and the letters "T.M." engraved below.



The dial is where the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 truly shines, or rather, subtly glows. The grainy grey dial features Panerai's classic sandwich construction. This means the Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, along with the bar indices, are cut-outs on the upper plate, revealing a lower layer filled with beige Super-LumiNova. This not only enhances legibility in low-light conditions but also creates a sense of depth and dimension. The subtle gradient effect, darkening towards the edge of the dial, adds another layer of visual interest, while the gold-colored hour and minute hands, also filled with beige lume, complete the vintage aesthetic. It's also important to note that there are no other complications on the dial besides the hour and minute hands.



Turning the watch over reveals the heart of the Luminor Tre Giorni: the in-house, hand-wound calibre P.3000. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, this movement is a testament to Panerai's watchmaking prowess. With its large bridges and substantial 11.7mm balance wheel, the P.3000 is a movement that's built to be seen and admired. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasting a three-day power reserve thanks to its two series-connected spring barrels, this movement is as robust as it is beautiful. The decoration is minimalistic and technical, a fitting choice for a watch with such a strong utilitarian heritage. The movement is shown through a see through window on the back of the watch, encased in the same steel as the front of the watch.



The choice of a brown calf leather strap with contrasting beige stitching further reinforces the vintage vibe of the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628. The leather has a subtle, worn-in look, adding to the watch's overall character. The trapezoidal steel buckle, also featuring a brushed finish, is a nice touch, echoing the design language of the case. And for those who prefer a sportier look, a black rubber strap is included with the watch, providing versatility for different occasions. The leather strap looks to be a dark chocolate brown color. The threading is a light brown color and goes all the way around the band in a uniformed manner. The strap is attached to the watch with the classic Panerai watch band holders, as there are no lugs on this watch.



The Panerai Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is a watch that's steeped in history. Its design is inspired by the watches worn by Italian commandos during underwater missions in the mid-20th century. These were instruments where legibility was paramount, and the Luminor Tre Giorni carries that legacy forward. The large case, luminous numerals, and simple, uncluttered dial are all nods to this functional heritage. The strap is attached to the watch at the 12 numeral and the 6 numeral. The strap has multiple holes in it to fit many different sized wrists.



The patina finish on the case is a particularly noteworthy detail. Achieved through a precise artisanal process, it gives the watch a unique character, as if it has already lived a life of adventure. This isn't about mimicking age; it's about creating a watch that feels lived-in, comfortable, and ready for anything. It's a finish that will likely develop its own unique character over time, further personalizing the watch to its owner.



The choice of a manual-winding movement is another deliberate decision that connects the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 to Panerai's historical roots. In an age of automatic movements, there's something special about the ritual of winding a watch. It's a tactile connection to the mechanism, a reminder of the intricate engineering that powers the timepiece. The P.3000 caliber, with its three-day power reserve, ensures that this ritual isn't a daily chore, but rather a periodic interaction that enhances the ownership experience.



The Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is water-resistant up to 100 meters (10 bar), making it more than capable of handling everyday splashes and even a dip in the pool. While it's not a dive watch in the strictest sense, its water resistance is a testament to its robust construction and its heritage as a tool watch. Panerai rigorously tests its watches to ensure they can withstand pressures far beyond their stated water resistance, providing peace of mind to the wearer.



The grainy grey sandwich dial is a design element that deserves special mention. It's a signature feature of Panerai watches, and it's not just about aesthetics. The sandwich construction, with its cut-out numerals and indices revealing a lower layer of lume, creates a remarkable sense of depth. It's a subtle detail, but one that adds significantly to the visual appeal of the watch. The gradient effect, darkening towards the edge of the dial, further enhances this sense of depth, creating a captivating play of light and shadow.



The gold-colored hands, filled with beige Super-LumiNova, provide excellent contrast against the grey dial, ensuring legibility in all lighting conditions. The choice of beige for the lume is a deliberate nod to vintage watches, where the luminous material would often age to a similar hue. It's a detail that might go unnoticed by some, but it's a testament to Panerai's attention to detail and its commitment to authenticity.



The inclusion of a black rubber strap with the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is a welcome addition. While the brown leather strap is undoubtedly stylish and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch, the rubber strap offers a more practical option for those who want to wear their watch in more active situations. It's a reminder that, despite its heritage and its carefully crafted details, the Luminor Tre Giorni is still a tool watch at heart. The strap is also very wide and tapers down to the buckle.



The new Panerai Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is a watch that speaks to those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and a touch of rugged individuality. It's a watch that's as comfortable on the wrist of a seasoned collector as it is on someone who's just beginning their horological journey. It's a conversation starter, a piece that invites closer inspection and sparks curiosity about its origins and the stories it could tell.



The Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 is available now at Panerai boutiques worldwide, priced at €10,700. This price point positions it within the upper echelons of the Luminor collection, reflecting its in-house movement, its unique patina finish, and its overall quality and craftsmanship. It's a watch that's meant to be worn, enjoyed, and passed down through generations, a tangible link to Panerai's rich history and its enduring commitment to creating exceptional timepieces.



Case: 47mm diameter, 15.1mm thick, Patina steel (AISI 316L stainless), Domed sapphire crystal, Patina steel and sapphire crystal case back, screw-in, 100 meters (10 bar) water resistance, Signature crown-locking system.



Movement: Panerai P.3000, manual winding, 21,600vph frequency, 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, 161 components, Visible through caseback, Two series-connected spring barrels.



Dial: Gray, Grainy texture, Black vignette effect, Sandwich construction, Beige luminous indexes and numerals, Gold-colored hour and minute hands with beige lume.



Strap: Brown calf leather, 26/22mm, Beige stitching, Trapezoidal steel buckle, Additional black rubber strap included.



Price: €10,700



Reference Number: PAM01628



Notes: Patina finish achieved through artisanal process, Homage to Panerai's history of functional design for Italian commandos, Robust and reliable movement.