PANERAI UNVEILS A NEW EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN ITS MILITARY LAGACY WITH THE NEW SUBMERCIBLE CHRONO MARINA MILITARE EXPERIENCE EDITION PAM01699

Panerai & Marina Militare the collaboration between Panerai and the Italian Navy is a defining chapter in Panerai’s history, one that began in the 1910s and has spanned over a century. Initially tasked with designing precision instruments for the Italian Navy’s highly demanding missions, Panerai pioneered technical solutions that enhanced military operations in extreme conditions and environments. From the creation of luminescent tools to the engineering of high-strength diving watches tailored for Italian Navy underwater commandos, Panerai proved itself an essential partner in the Navy’s most daring endeavours.

This partnership extended beyond watches, encompassing innovations such as technical equipment and landing systems for aircraft carriers and helicopters capable ships. Each invention exemplified Panerai’s ingenuity in crafting tools for challenging environments. In 1935, Panerai developed the Ref. 2533 prototype, where Panerai’s technical modifications resulted in a timepiece that could withstand the rigors of Incursori’s underwater missions.

Panerai continues to honor this shared legacy through timepieces combining robust engineering with contemporary functionality. This latest collection is inspired by Aviazione Navale – the Italian Navy aviation branch – whose commitment is providing embarked aircraft as force multipliers of the Fleet in the more challenging environments, projecting at distance operational capabilities on and from the sea wherever they are needed. The choice
of associating with the Aviazione Navale, with its heritage of operational commitment and with some of the most advanced rotary and fixed wing aircraft, reinforces Panerai bonds with the Armed Forces, closely linked to the brand’s DNA of designing tools for modern heroes,n offering watches that excel in precision, durability, and toughness. This enduring partnership between two Italian names, celebrates a mutual dedication to innovation and purpose.

The New Experience Edition PAM01699 since 2019, Panerai launched the Experiences Program, a unicum initiative within the luxury watch industry, setting a new benchmark in clients’ treatment. The program provides
owners with access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities where they can connect deeply with Panerai’s essence, embarking on three different types of experiences, each one dedicated to the core value of the brand: adventure, military and italianity.

The Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition PAM01699 represents the next episode in Panerai’s commitment to connecting timepieces with transformative journeys. Limited to just 35 pieces, this watch is the key to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that challenges its wearers to embrace resilience and human endurance. Inspired by the Aviazione Navale for the first time ever, this edition invites participants to push their physical and mental boundaries in an experience rooted in its military heritage.

“The Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition PAM01699 is a gateway to our fifth experience within the Military Chapter. Inspired by our century-long partnership with the Italian Navy and, for the first time, its Naval Aviation branch, this timepiece embodies Panerai’s commitment to functionality. Made for modern heroes, it is designed to perform in the most daring conditions, bridging our rich military expertise with the demands of
contemporary adventurers. This launch reaffirms our mission to create not just instruments of timekeeping but tools that become essential companions of demanding endeavours,” says Alessandro Ficarelli, CMO of Panerai.

Building on the success of previous editions, such as the Italian Navy Experience in La Spezia in 2019 and the Italian Navy Experience in Brindisi in 2022, this new edition shed a light on the Italian Navy aviation branch. This is a new episode of the Military chapter, extending Panerai’s legacy into the skies and seas with the new PAM01699 as the ultimate companion. Set against the stunning backdrop of Puglia, Italy, at the Naval Air Station in Grottaglie, participants will step into the shoes of a modern hero for three days. They will learn the uncompromising discipline of the Military Corps, participating in thrilling military training activities while gaining rare insight into their usual naval aviation operations through tactical simulations and helicopter missions. Beyond that, guests will have the opportunity to flank aircrew during their flight activity, and soak in the authentic atmosphere of southern
Italian culture.

At the heart of PAM01699 is the P.9100/R automatic calibre featuring five patented innovations. With its flyback chronograph with vertical clutch – ensuring instant activation of the second hand – and column wheel, this complex calibre is made of 332 components. It has a diameter of 13 ¾ lignes and a thickness of 9,55mm. The countdown functionality makes it a critical tool for time-sensitive challenges. The flyback function of the chronograph, derives from military and air navigation history, providing PAM01699 with instant reset and restart of the chronograph while running, with only one click instead of three. This meets the needs of military operations, measuring several time intervals the fastest. Designed for ultimate reliability, the patented mechanism allows the time-to-target countdown function to be easily set using the push-button at 4 o’clock and activated at 10 o’clock. Preserving Panerai’s signature design, this flyback chronograph has been designed with the patented guide lever for pusher, which preserves Panerai’s emblematic crown-protector aesthetic while optimizing the placement of the left-hand pushers. Their position allows the pushers to be operated intuitively with the thumb, confirming Panerai’s quest for functional design. The movement also features long central chrono seconds and minutes hands, bringing readability to the next level, while the hammer reset and ‘stop and reset second in one piece’ patents guarantee simultaneous resetting of the two central hands when the crown is pulled. The caliber features also the ‘Quick Change of Time’ function.

When the crown of the watch is pulled out to the first click, it is possible to move the hour hand forwards and backwards in steps of exactly one hour, without moving the minute hand. Alongside the innovative time-keeping performance, the two spring barrels in series ensure a 3-day power reserve. The choice of the double spring barrel enables thinner, longer springs to be used, which is beneficial for the duration and evenness of the supply
of energy. P.9100/R is also equipped with the second reset function, thanks to which the seconds hand returns to the zero position when pulling the crown, allowing the watch to be synchronized perfectly and easily with a reference time signal, a perfect feature for synchronized operations.

As part of the Submersible Collection, PAM01699 is designed for deep sea-exploration, featuring a certification of 50 BAR (~500 meters) water resistance. This performance turns out to be even more impressive knowing that all Panerai timepieces are tested to +25% of the stated water resistance. PAM01699 enables its wearers to spend time underwater safely thanks to the unidirectional rotating bezel, which ensures precision in tracking the
immersion time.

Constructed from Grade 5 Titanium, the 47mm brushed case is significantly lighter yet boasts increased strength and durability, featuring an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and a high-resistance to corrosion. Titanium provides a 40% reduction in weight and is 60% harder than steel, ensuring that the watch is wearable while boasting remarkable physical and mechanical qualities, not only with sea water but also with other chemical agents. Reflecting the durability and ruggedness of aviation equipment, the unidirectional titanium bezel is enriched with a matt black ceramic insert derived from zirconium oxide powder with high resistance to scratches, corrosive agents encountered in everyday life and high temperatures.

The watch’s green-grained matt dial with black gradient finish featuring the Marina Militare signature at 6 o’clock, is inspired by Aviazione Navale aircrew flight gear and helmets, also recalled by the titanium bezel with black matt ceramic disk. Grey Super-LumiNova®, taking after the colors of Aviazione Navale aircraft, enhances legibility in low-light conditions, while the small seconds counter’s design resembles a radar display, with the historical Aviazione
Navale aircraft’s anchor insignia subtly engraved. Complementing the dial is a green cotton canvas strap with T/T stitching, delivering durability and a nod to the military uniforms. A second black rubber strap is available, making it the perfect companion for diving missions. The screwed titanium case back is engraved with the Aviazione Navale wings emblem, a first-time ever in Panerai’s collections, completing its refined yet robust design.

Complex with advanced functionality, innovative materials, and robust engineering, the new Experience edition remains lightweight with impressive water resistance, making it a reliable companion for demanding environments.