The P.9100 is an automatic calibre with chronograph functions created by Officine Panerai, masterfully constructed in the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. Released for the first time in 2013, it is one of the most performant automatic calibres on the time pieces market. As per all of the manufactured products of Panerai, the P.9100 calibre is crafted using only the best materials available to watch makers nowadays, and provides craftsmanship that is unrivaled, guaranteeing the highest quality and reliability and confirming once again the values the Panerai company stands for.
There range of Panerai watches that feature this movement is quite comprehensive, including the following models:
- Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium (PAM00615)
- Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium (PAM00614)
- Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Ceramica (PAM00580)
- Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Oro Rosso (PAM00525)
- Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Acciaio (PAM00524)
The most notable and appealing feature of this Swiss watch movement is undoubtedly the chronograph function. Featuring a column wheel and a vertical clutch, the P.9100 does have a unique feature in its chronograph function in that the central hand is used to display the minutes of the chronograph, with the hand moving once for each single minute, allowing for an entire 60 minutes worth of recording using this special function.
Not only that, but the chronograph is paired with a fly back function as well. This special feature of the P.9100 allows the user to set back the hands of the chronograph instantly to zero and automatically restart it, without first having to stop it, set it to zero, and then restart it all manually. A simple push button located at 8 o’clock controls this function, along with resetting the chronograph hands when it has stopped moving previously.
It is a nice feature that really finishes off the overall chronograph functioning, one of the big allures of this movement.
Measuring in at 13 ¾ lignes (31 mm) in diameter, the P.9100 is 8.15 mm thick and is made up of 302 components, as well as 37 jewels. With two spring barrels in series, the calibre has an impressive power reserve of 72 hours – this is because of the ability to use thinner springs, which creates and even supply of energy for the duration of time.
The P.9100 also features automatic winding, which is achieved through the directional rotor that is on ball bearings and operates two arms terminating with hooks. This allows the springs of the two barrels to be wound with each movement that the rotor makes.
The Glucydur balance wheel oscillates at 28,000 vibrations per hour, the equivalent of 4 Hz, which is supported by single bridge with a KIF Parechoc anti-shock device. This guarantees the time piece’s durability, making it possible for the wearer to use this watch in the most endurable conditions of weather and activity without any problem and sign of wear.
The collection making the most of this Panerai calibre is, undoubtedly, the above-mentioned Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono launched in 2015 at Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva. The two Automatic Titanium models are fitted inside solid titanium cases of 47mm in diameter, which is exquisitely engraved with the S.L.C. motif. They have a sturdy aspect, making reference to military values and symbols, while maintaining the Panerai classical look and high precision features. The underwater model of the same collection features a resistance to water pressure of 300 meters.
