Panerai In-house P.3000 Movement

Last week, Panerai introduced another in-house movement in Florence - P.3000.

From the preferred timepiece for divers of Italian Navy force in the World War II, to a world famous luxury brand that has several in-house movements, Panerai has walked a long history. The new P.3000 movement was entirely manufactured by Panerai.

P.3000 Features Old Large Balance Wheel(13.2mm)

Last week, Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati invited some their loyal watch fans, they gathered in Florence, which is the birthplace of Panerai. After talking about astronomy and the impressive Jupiterium, Bonati unexpectedly shown a few masterpieces to guests, from the first prototype in 1936 to the newest Panerai series, including the Mare Nostrum re-edition that was exhibited at 2010 SIHH.

At the beginning of establishment, the first group of wristwatches published by Panerai in Florentine family equipped with Rolex, Corteber and Angelus movements. Since 1993, Panerai has introduced Unitas movements in many historic watches. Unitas has always been a powerful "engine" to keep panerai in good performance.

Bonati introduced the new P.3000 movement in "Time and Space" exhibition in Florence, Unitas 6497 manual winding movement would pass into history immediately.

P.3000, 16½ in diamater, 5.3mm thick. P.3000-1 features small seconds, P.3000-2 has small seconds and date, besides small seconds and date, P.3000-3 also adds GMT function. P.3000 works 21,600 alternations per hour, it has 21 jewels and two barrels, 3 days power reserve. Tick comes from the old large balance wheel, whose diameter is up to 13.2mm.

P.3000 is a simple movement and can easily pass C.O.S.C test, but this is not the future choice of Panerai movement. At the press conference, Bonati said: "Our movements will no longer be detected by C.O.S.C., instead, we will establish a comprehensive internal quality inspection system and Manifattura standards that suit for modern watch-making industry."

Until now, Panerai has introduced seven in-house movements. Early 2010, Panerai equipped P.999 in 42mm Radiomir. But, this movement was primarily designed for Asian market and in line with the requirements of small wristwatches. Actually, Panerai positioned 42mm Radiomir as ladies watch.

Will P.3000 compete with P.999 ? Bonati answers: "P.999 is not suitable for large Luminor case."

Plates are satin finished, you can view the internal structures through the transparent case back. A series of Panerai new models that equip with P.3000 movement will be shown at 2011 SIHH, after exhibition, Panerai relaiters will sell these watches in the market, with the price from 5000 to 7000. Compared with the price of other Panerai watches, this manual winding one is not cheap, but no doubt, it is a wise step towards the road of entirely independent innovation, especially SWATCH has reduced its external distribution of semi-finished products.