Panerai Submersible 42mm PAM00683 and PAM00959

It looks like 2019 is geared to become the Year of the Submersible watch for Panerai, a rugged professional diver that perpetuates the spirit of the brand’s historic role as a supplier of underwater instruments for commandos of the Italian Navy. So far at the SIHH 2019 we’ve seen two other Submersible novelties – Marina Militare and Luna Rossa –  rigged for action in XXL Carbotech cases. The new PAM00683 and PAM00959 variants of the Submersible shrink in size, come with either a black dial and black ceramic bezel or grey dial and blue ceramic bezel and are fitted with an automatic movement.

Smaller case size

For many Paneristi, the brand is synonymous with large case sizes and a 47mm whopper on the wrist considered pretty standard fare. Reaching out to a wider audience, Panerai presents these 42mm Submersibles reasoning that a 42mm diameter is still big enough to be consistent with the brand’s DNA, but small enough to suit most wrists. Crafted in AISI 316L stainless steel, the case is brushed creating a silky matte finish. Two giveaways that this is a serious 300m water-resistant dive watch are the hallmark bridge protecting the crown – like the Luminor – and the unidirectional rotating bezel to display dive times.

With its notched profile, the interior of the bezel features an applied ceramic disc in either blue or black, depending on the model, with the first 15 minutes indicated with white markings. Like the iconic 1956 watch made by Panerai for the Egyptian Navy (L’Egiziano), the Submersible features peg markings on the bezel, which in this case are all treated with white luminescence.

Black or grey dials

The only difference between the two new Panerai Submersibles is the colour scheme. The PAM00683 features an inky black dial, a black ceramic insert and a black rubber strap while PAM00959 comes with a textured shark grey dial, a blue ceramic insert and matching rubber strap.

As a professional dive watch, legibility is the name of the game and the bold dots and baton markings that distinguish Panerai are large and luminous, interrupted at 3 o’clock to accommodate the date window and at 9 o’clock for the small seconds counter. The vital small seconds counter, ensuring that the watch is ticking during a dive, has a ‘Panerai blue’ hand filled with white luminescence as do the tips of the skeletonised hour and minute hands.

Automatic movement

Both models are fitted with an automatic mechanical movement – calibre OP XXXIV – which is protected under the screw-down 12-sided caseback. Beating at 28,800vph, the movement is equipped with an Incabloc anti-shock device and its one barrel provides energy for a power reserve of 72 hours, the basic standard of the brand’s movements.

In addition to the flexible rubber strap, the Panerai Submersible watches come with a spare strap made from a tough, high-tech, water-resistant material. Price for both watches will be EUR 9,500. More details on www.panerai.com.