SIHH 2019: Panerai Releases A Slew Of New Submersibles And Ultra-Limited Experience Only Pieces

When you have a portfolio of collections as strong as Officine Panerai does, it is could easy to rest on your laurels. But that’s not Panerai’s style. The brand has proved again its unique ability to infuse youth in its iconic lines and generate enthusiasm among existing Paneristi and future fans. With on-trend colors and associations with meaningful ambassadors, the brand continues to elevate their stature for collectors of all kinds. Moreover, for 2019, Panerai is taking the idea of brand experience to the next level.

For nearly a century, Panerai has made rugged watches intended for adventurers. The Submersible, in the brand’s dive watch range, was first introduced in the '50s as a professional diving instrument. It is bold, strong, and masculine. This year, the Laboratorio di Idee is introducing innovative new materials in the popular line.
 

The PAM 01616 Panerai Submersible Carbotech features an innovative carbon-fiber-based material that the brand unveiled in its new watches in 2015 Carbotech is lighter than titanium, is highly scratch and corrosion resistant with a unique layered finish that evokes stealth mode. This new iteration improves upon the PAM 00616. The matte black textured case and rotating bezel assert the strong personality of the model. The intense blue color of the Super Luminova is applied to the dot and baton indexes of the dial, as well as the principal dot index and the first 15 minute markers on the bezel, optimizing legibility. The watch's black caoutchouc bracelet with the Panerai logo and brushed black DLC coated titanium buckle provides the final rugged touch. It is available in 42 and 47mm sizes and priced at EUR 17,400 and EUR 17,900 (Vat included) respectively.
 

The second model combines two of Panerai’s material innovations: a BMG-TECH case and a carbotech bezel. The benefits of both are merged, with esistance to shocks, corrosion and magnetic fields, combined with strength and lightness. The contrast between the grey case, iconic Panerai crown protector and uniquely textured bezel works wonders. The glowing light blue Super Luminova adds life to the dial inscriptions ‘Submersible’ and 300m/1000ft, the dial’s indexes of the hours, and the 12 o’clock mark on the bezel. The Panerai Submersible BMG-TECH 47mm (ref. PAM 00799) is a very efficient, beautiful professional diving watch priced at EUR 14,900 (Vat Included).
 

The next introduction is Panerai Submersible 42mm. It is the essence of Panerai design, in a smaller case size catered to for all wrists. All the key Panerai features are present and very well balanced in the smalled size, meeting Panerai's stringent standards. The 42mm comes in two versions; a AISI 316L in brushed stainless steel, the Ref. PAM 00683 has a black dial, black ceramic bezel disc, and a black leather strap. My personal favorite would have to be the PAM 00959 with a gorgeous shark grey dial textured like the beast's skin, with a blue ceramic disc bezel, and blue strap. At EUR 9,500 (Vat incl.) it is positioned to attract newcomers to the brand.
 

It is interesting to note that two sizes are on offer this year: the 42mm pieces are equipped with the trusted automatic caliber OP XXXIV caliber based on a Val-Fleurier ébauche, a the sister company that is part of the Richemont Group; and the 47mm models are powered by an entirely in-house automatic mechanical movement P. 9010. Panerai has widened its potential targets to customers with smaller wrists, including women looking to display their adventurous qualities. The whole family boasts 300m water resistance, 3 days of power reserve, a date at 3 o'clock and a small seconds at 9 o'clock.
 

These new models speak to the adventurous spirit in all watch enthusiasts. They embody the PANERAI way of life and relate directly to the brand experience. But PANERAI takes it a notch further with their very limited editions.

This year’s limited editions are all associated with meaningful causes or personalities. They ooze adventure and make strong statements, and offer exclusive experiences available only with the purchase of a watch.

We’ll start with the Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech, in an ultra-limited edition of just 33 pieces. Its masculine military green theme highlights the camouflage look of this ultimate military watch. It bears an engraving of the lofo of the Comando Subacquei Incorso, the special forces of the Italian Navy. But it is the unique experience to which the happy owner will be invited that is the true catcher: taking part in a training session with Comsubin. It's a unique that experience money can’t buy.
 

For the last two Submersible introductions, Panerai has partnered with meaningful figures. Mike Horn, the pole-to-pole modern adventurer, inspires his eponymous Submersible edition. The timepiece is made in his spirit – robust, durable and reliable, but most importantly it uses only recycled material: one of Mike's (and Panerai's) major initiatives to protect our planet and our oceans.
 

The case, bezel, crown, and case back are made of EcoTitanium, made from recycled titanium and introduced into fine watchmaking by Panerai. The strap is also made of recycled PET plastics. The reference PAM 00984 Submersible Mike Horn Edition comes with a black dial with light green Super-Luminova coated hour markers and dots that stand out perfectly on the sandwich dial. The bezel has a new, rugged design where the markers stand out in volume out of a carved-out disc. The final touch is the engraving on the back with Mike Horn’s signature and marine fauna. Another difference on this model is that the inscriptions “Panerai Submersible” and “Automatic 300m/1000ft” are not printed on the dial itself but silk-screened on the sapphire crystal. The timepiece feels very light and comfortable, yet intensely tough thanks to its outstanding bezel. Powered by the automatic mechanical caliber P.9010, it is priced at EUR 19,900 (Vat incl.).
 

(Photography by Pierre Vogel)