Introducing the Panerai Luminor Equation of Time PAM00656
The Equation of Time complication is a term often heard within the watch industry, but most would find difficulty explaining its purpose, and how exactly it works.
The most well-known examples featuring this complication is the Luminor PAM00670 and PAM00656, with a hefty 47mm case diameter in a 1950 Luminor case. Today I will be using the PAM00656 as the example and in showcasing its design and functionality.
The powerhouse movement powering the PAM00656
The movement P.2002/E complication was first unveiled at SIHH 2015 with the PAM00601 (Luminor 1950) limited to 100 units and PAM00516 (Radiomir 1940) limited to 200 units.
The movement is an upgrade based on the P.2002, the 8 day manual wind in-house movement with the power reserve displayed on the movement. It features 38 jewels and the balance wheel oscillates at 28,800 alternations per hour. It also has a seconds reset device which resets the seconds hand to zero to synchronise the watch perfectly with a reference time signal.
Overall design of the PAM00656
The PAM00656 was unveiled in 2016 along with the PAM00670, and features a 47mm diameter brushed Titanium case with a polished bezel, domed sapphire crystal and brown leather strap to compliment. The 1950 case features curved lugs with the quick release system for easy strap changes.
The matte brown sandwich dial features an embedded GMT function, gorgeous gold hands and symmetrical sub-dials featuring a day/night indicator at the 9pm and month indicator at the 3pm.
The date is placed at the 4pm, preserving the integrity of the dial layout. The Equation of Time indicator is the linear scale placed just above the 6pm marker...
The Equation of Time linear scale indicates the measurement of the difference between actual solar time (the time between the highest point of the sun from one day to the next), and man-made solar time (a standard average of 24 hours per day).
Mean time and solar time align exactly four times a year, typically near the equinoxes and solstices (April 15, June 13 or 14, September 1, and December 24 or 25). These differences arise because Earth's axis is tilted, and its orbital speed around the Sun varies along its elliptical path. Outside of these alignment dates, the difference shifts, ranging from a maximum of 16 minutes and 45 seconds behind (on November 3) to 14 minutes and 21 seconds ahead (on February 11).
An equation of time feature indicates the minutes to add or subtract from mean time to obtain solar time. On the Panerai PAM00656, the scale above the 6 o’clock marker spans from minus 15 to plus 15 minutes and adjusts automatically with date and month settings. It may not be essential, but it’s a unique detail that could spark some conversation.
Price of the Panerai Luminor Equation of Time PAM00656 in today's market
With a RRP of £20,700, the PAM00656 is an impressive Panerai that displays plenty of attraction and presence, yet retains the utilitarian and muted style that we enjoy.
This particular example is currently for sale on our website at just £12,450, an excellent set complete with box & papers. Click here to find out more.
