Initially tasked with designing precision instruments for the Italian Navy’s missions, Panerai pioneered technical solutions for extreme conditions and environments.
The collaboration between Panerai and the Marina Militare, or Italian Navy, is a defining chapter in the brand’s history—one that began in the 1910s and has spanned over a century.
This partnership extended beyond watches, encompassing innovations such as technical equipment and landing systems for aircraft carriers and helicopter-capable ships. Each invention exemplified Panerai’s ingenuity in crafting tools for extreme environments. In 1935, Panerai developed the Ref. 2533 prototype, featuring technical modifications that could withstand the rigors of underwater missions.
Founded in Florence in 1860 as a workshop, store, and later a watchmaking school, Panerai supplied the Italian Navy and its specialist diving corps with precision instruments for decades. Designs like the Luminor and Radiomir were covered by the Military Secrets Act for years and only launched on the international market after the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group in 1997.
Panerai continues to honor its shared legacy with the Marina Militare through timepieces that combine robust engineering with contemporary functionality. Its latest collection is inspired by Aviazione Navale—the Italian Navy’s aviation branch—whose mission is to provide embarked aircraft as force multipliers for the fleet in the most challenging environments, projecting operational capabilities at sea and from the sea wherever they are needed.
The decision to associate with the Aviazione Navale, with its heritage of operational excellence and advanced rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, reinforces Panerai’s bond with the armed forces. This connection is closely tied to the brand’s DNA of designing professional tool watches that excel in precision, durability, and toughness. This enduring partnership between two Italian institutions celebrates a mutual dedication to innovation and purpose.
The Submersible Marina Militare PAM01697 and the Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM01698 represent Panerai’s precision engineering and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the elite Aviazione Navale, both timepieces demonstrate Panerai’s ability to create purpose-driven watches using cutting-edge materials and advanced functionality while paying homage to its military heritage.
“The new Submersible Marina Militare timepieces are symbols of our enduring partnership with the Italian Navy, a relationship that began in the 1910s and remains a cornerstone of our DNA. Designed as true tool watches, these timepieces honor our legacy of engineering precision instruments for survival and adventure. This launch continues our mission to create timepieces that reflect Panerai’s military heritage while inspiring extraordinary journeys in the toughest conditions,” says Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Panerai.
Both watches are powered by the automatic P.900 calibre, which integrates expansive functions within remarkably streamlined proportions. Measuring 28 mm in diameter and just 4.2 mm thick, the movement delivers a three-day power reserve via a bidirectional oscillating weight stored in a single barrel. Its balance wheel oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and is secured by a balance cock.
The calibre also features a stop-second function for precise time setting. The PAM01697 features a 44 mm brushed 316LVM stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a matte green ceramic disk. The PAM01698’s case is crafted entirely from Carbotech, a lightweight material made from carbon fiber sheets compressed with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a high-performance polymer that reinforces the composite. Carbotech offers exceptional mechanical strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to external forces and corrosion, and its uneven matte black surface gives each watch a unique appearance.
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Both models feature green-grained matte dials with a black gradient finish inspired by Aviazione Navale aircrew flight gear and helmets, along with the “Marina Militare” signature at 6 o’clock. Grey Super-LumiNova, reflecting the colors of Aviazione Navale aircraft, ensures legibility in low light. The small seconds counter evokes a radar display and bears the historical Aviazione Navale aircraft’s anchor insignia. Indexes are 20% wider in diameter, with 45% more luminous surface area for enhanced visibility in challenging environments. The casebacks are engraved with the Aviazione Navale wings emblem—a first for Panerai—completing the timepieces’ refined aesthetic.
Designed for deep-sea exploration, both are water-resistant to 30 bar (~300 meters) and tested to 25% beyond their stated resistance. They come with green canvas straps featuring T/T stitching, a nod to military uniforms, as well as an additional black rubber strap.
The PAM01697’s stainless steel pin buckle complements its brushed steel case, while the PAM01698’s trapezoidal pin buckle is made from DLC-coated titanium. Both watches feature hours, minutes, small seconds, date, calculation of immersion time, and stop-second functions, supported by the Incabloc® anti-shock device.
In the Philippines, Panerai is available at Lucerne. Check out Panerai’s website, follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
