Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches
SIHH 2019

Panerai Submersible 42mm PAM00683 and PAM00959

Two new members join the Submersible family with smaller case sizes, ceramic inserts on bezel and contemporary colour schemes.

| By Rebecca Doulton | 2 min read |

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.

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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.

https://monochrome.website-lab.nl/panerai-submersible-42mm-pam00683-and-pam00959-sihh-2019-price/

2 responses

  1. For me, their prices are ridiculous. Panerai doesn’t have the prestige or reputation of a Rolex nor do they have the heritage, respect, hand finishing or history of JLC (two of many in, around, or below this price point).

    In my opinion, they are overpriced mediocrity.

  2. I really like these and plan to pickup the 683 as the size will be a good fit for me and I love the submersible design. Regarding Sean’s comment, I don’t understand the argument. I have a Rolex blue/black GMT and really enjoy it but can’t say the finishing is any better than my Panerai 111 or Cartier santos or even Breitling SOH. The movement certainly isn’t finished nicely. Regarding brand recognition and prestige, we are comparing Rolex w/ enormous high volume manufacturing capacity vs. a comparatively small brand. Anyway, I believe these will sell very well.

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