The Luminor 1950 case of the new chronograph has a detail which has a striking effect on the design of the watch, derived from some of the historic models: the winding crown and the device for protecting it are fitted on the left side. The reason for this choice lies in the history of Panerai, which more than 70 years ago produced examples designed for commandos who preferred to wear the watch on the right wrist, with the compass and depth gauge on the other wrist. To keep the shape of the device protecting the crown aesthetically pure, the push-piece which controls all the chronograph functions is positioned on the right side of the watch, at two o’clock. In spite of the case diameter of 47 mm, a classic size of the period models which were worn over the diving suit, its weight has been substantially reduced through the choice of titanium, a material which among other things is strongly resistant to corrosion and is also hypo-allergenic.

Other elements which have their roots in the history of Panerai are the cambered crystal protecting the dial and the structure of the dial itself, which is formed of two superimposed plates enclosing the luminous substance, visible through the holes cut in the upper part corresponding to the indexes. This structure, combined with the legendary cleanness of the dial design, ensures the greatest clarity and legibility even under the poorest lighting conditions.

Through the transparent back the hand-wound P.2004/9 movement can be seen, revealing details of its original construction with large brushed finish bridges, chamfered and polished angles and screws with a mirror-polished finish. With its three spring barrels, the movement is supplied with a constant force for eight consecutive days and the power reserve indicator is on the back of the movement, so as to keep the design of the dial as minimalist as possible.

Prominent among the functions of the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio is the chronograph, which has a single push-piece to operate the starting, stopping and zeroing of the time interval being measured. Fitted with a column wheel, a component used in the most sophisticated movements because it provides the greatest accuracy, the chronograph also has a friction clutch, which avoids any uncertainty in the movement of the chronograph hand. The minutes counter at nine o’clock stands out immediately because the hand does not move continuously but in jumps: it clicks forward one position as each minute is recorded. The P.2004/9 calibre is also fitted with the device for zeroing the seconds hand, which stops and zeroes the small seconds hand instantly when the crown is pulled out. The hand will not start moving again until the winding crown is returned to its original position, thus enabling the watch to be synchronised to the exact second, for example with a time signal.

The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio (PAM00579) is supplied with a strap of natural leather and a second strap made of rubber, as well as the screwdriver for replacing the buckle and the special tool for changing the strap. The watch is water-resistant to 10 atmospheres (equivalent to a depth of about 100 metres).