Introducing: The Panerai Luminor GMT Ceramica PAM01460

January 28, 2013

By now, we re accustomed to Panerai and its continuous release schedule during the year. What we didn t expect was today s watch, a model with a healthy water resistance rating and a new ceramic case. Oh, and did we mention that the new Luminor GMT Ceramica PAM01460 comes in a 40mm size? Let s investigate.Just a month ago, Panerai made a splash with its new Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218. The watch is a throwback to earlier days with its black-coated case and aged luminous material on the dial. However, for some of us, the problem is, and always has been, that watches like this are too large. Well, this is where the 40mm Luminor GMT Ceramica offers a solution for the small-wristed population. No, it s not an exact copy of the PAM05218, but it offers some of its stylistic traits. Plus, it becomes the only smaller GMT with a greater depth rating.The Panerai Luminor GMT Ceramica PAM01460The PAM01460 is a 40mm watch made of black ceramic with a sandblasted finish. Importantly, the trademark crown lever and housing are also made of the same material. Sadly, Panerai doesn t share the thickness or lug-to-lug, but other current versions have a roughly 15mm profile. The difference, however, is that this new Luminor GMT Ceramica becomes the first model in the line with a depth resistance of 300 meters. This compares to existing references with just 100 meters, a figure that has caused consternation among some Paneristi. To help exploit this newly developed additional water resistance, Panerai includes a black 22mm rubber strap alongside a black calfskin one with white stitching. Each strap uses the brand s toolless PAM Click Release System, making it easy to swap both the strap itself and the pin buckle.The sandwich dial makes an appearanceThe new Luminor GMT Ceramica sports a black sunray sandwich dial. For those not versed in Panerai speak, this means that the dial has cutouts for the hour numerals and indexes. White Super-LumiNova X2 peers through these openings. Panerai fans tend to prefer this detail over printed lume. Otherwise, the watch has a white-on-black date wheel at 3 o clock and a small seconds indicator at 9. The black-framed hour and minute hands match a luminous, arrow-tipped 12-hour GMT hand. Finally, white printing displays the BiTempo (dual-time) designation. Of special note, this becomes the first BiTempo without a minute track around the dial edge. This makes a huge difference and is more stylistically consistent with larger, simpler Luminor models.Using the Panerai P.900/GMT 12 HThe Luminor GMT Ceramica shows off its movement through a screw-in Grade 5 titanium case back with a smoked sapphire display. Inside, we find the brand s P.900/GMT 12 H automatic caliber. The 23-jewel power train has a three-day power reserve and one barrel. It also has a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a quick-setting function for the date and 12-hour hand.Final thoughts and availability - the Luminor GMT CeramicaPanerai s Luminor GMT Ceramica PAM01460 enters the collection as a serial-production model. That s good news. Also, as a member of the small-wristed set, I m here for additional 40mm releases, especially if they look as purposeful as their larger brethren. While I don t always love complicated Panerai watches, this piece still gives off the straightforward tool-watch vibes that come to mind when thinking of the brand. The tougher part to swallow will be the $15,300 / US$15,800 price tag. Then again, that s consistent with other ceramic pieces and, actually, slightly less than larger models. Overall, it s a nice release, and I hope the PAM01460 answers the call of those who are looking for a full-spec Panerai in a smaller size.Watch specifications Brand Panerai Model Luminor GMT CeramicaReference PAM01460Dial Black sunray with sandwich construction and white Super-LumiNova X2Case Material Sandblasted black ceramicCase Dimensions 40mm (diameter)Crystal SapphireCase Back Grade 5 titanium with smoked sapphire display, screw-in Movement Panerai P.900/GMT 12 H: automatic winding with hacking seconds, 28,800vph frequency, 72-hour power reserve, 23 jewels, 186 componentsWater Resistance 30 bar (300 meters)Strap Black calf leather with white stitching, sandblasted titanium DLC trapezoidal buckle, and PAM Click Release System on strap and buckle; additional black rubber strap with PAM Click Release includedFunctions Main time (hours, minutes, small seconds), date, 12-hour GMTPrice $15,300 / US$15,800Warranty Two years standard, additional six years with online registration