Panerai has introduced two new dive watches that pay tribute to its longstanding relationship with the Italian Navy, a partnership spanning back to the 1910s. The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) and Submersible Marina Carbotech (PAM01698) draw design inspiration from the flight gear and helmets of the Aviazione Navale, the Italian Navy’s aviation sector.
Both timepieces feature stunning green grained matte dials with black gradient finishes that reflect the military aesthetic of naval aviation equipment. The distinctive coloring creates a sophisticated contrast while maintaining the robust character expected from Panerai’s professional diving instruments.
Each watch displays a Marina Militare signature at 6 o’clock, complemented by accents of grey Super-LumiNova inspired by the colors of Aviazione Navale aircraft. The small seconds counter has been crafted to resemble a radar display, with “Aviazione Navale” engraved on the dial, creating an authentic connection to the naval aviation theme.
Panerai has enhanced legibility by making the applied indexes 20 percent wider in diameter compared to previous models. This practical improvement ensures optimal readability in challenging conditions, maintaining the brand’s commitment to functional design.
Both watches feature an engraved Aviazione Navale wing emblem on the caseback, marking a first for Panerai and reinforcing the naval aviation tribute. The automatic P.900 caliber with 171 components powers both timepieces, providing reliable performance for professional diving applications.
The primary differences lie in case construction and dimensions. The Submersible Marina Carbotech (PAM01698) features a 14.25mm thick case crafted from Carbotech, Panerai’s carbon fiber-based material known for its lightweight properties and distinctive marbled appearance. The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) utilizes a 13.45mm thick case made from brushed 316LVM stainless steel, offering traditional durability.
Both models share a 44mm case diameter and 300-meter water resistance, making them suitable for serious diving activities. The watches come equipped with both green canvas and black rubber straps, providing versatility while maintaining the military aesthetic.
Panerai’s naval heritage traces back to creating precision instruments for Italian Navy missions, eventually expanding to landing systems and technical equipment. The brand’s 1935 Ref. 2533 prototype established its reputation for timepieces designed for challenging underwater operations.
The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) retails for $12,500, while the Carbotech version (PAM01698) is priced at $19,500. Both models are available immediately, offering collectors the opportunity to own timepieces that celebrate over a century of Italian naval tradition combined with Panerai’s modern diving watch expertise.
These releases demonstrate Panerai’s ability to honor its military heritage while incorporating contemporary materials and manufacturing techniques, creating timepieces that appeal to both history enthusiasts and modern adventurers.
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