It’s difficult to find an Italian watchmaker bigger than Panerai, and none of them have the kind of deep-seated history with the military. From World War II when it was asked by the Italian Navy to develop timepieces to be visible underwater (which would become the Luminor Submersible when it was sold to civilians in the ‘90s) to the more recent Navy SEALs collection, Panerai has a love and appreciation for those who put their lives on the line.
Now, as part of its Xperiences Program, the brand has debuted a very large and very limited version of their Submersible Chrono Marina inspired by the Aviazione Navale (the aviation branch of the Italian Navy).
BEYOND THE WRIST
What separates Panerai’s Experience Editions from your typical limited run is the emphasis on, well, actual experiences. Since 2019, the brand has been pioneering what they call a “unicum initiative” in the luxury watch world, which connects timepiece ownership with transformative adventures. Limited to just 35 examples, the new Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition (ref. PAM01699) represents the fifth chapter in their Military Experience series, and it might be their most immersive yet.
Unlike your average watch purchase, this timepiece transcends your collection to offer something much more valuable. This time around, buyers of the watch will get to spend three days at the Naval Air Station in Grottaglie, Italy, embedded with actual Aviazione Navale personnel. We’re talking tactical simulations, helicopter missions, and the kind of military training most civilians will never experience. Even if just temporarily, you’ll be able to peek behind the curtain as an honorary member of this elite brotherhood.
TACTICAL OPERATION
In creating the PAM01699, Panerai didn’t just slap some aviation-inspired aesthetics onto an existing model. Every element has been calibrated for operational functionality. Housed in a very large 47mm brushed grade 5 titanium case, the watch obviously provides substantial wrist presence, but benefits from its material’s lightweight nature as well. According to Panerai, this model is 40% lighter and 60% harder than its stainless steel counterparts.
Surrounded by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a scratch-resistant matte black ceramic insert, the green-grained matte dial with black gradient finish draws direct inspiration from Naval Aviation flight gear and helmets, while the small seconds counter cleverly mimics a radar display. And a first for Panerai, the Aviazione Navale wings emblem is displayed on the caseback.
CHRONOMETRIC WARFARE
The beating heart of this tactical tool is Panerai’s impressive P.9100/R automatic calibre, featuring no fewer than five patented innovations. Most notable is the flyback chronograph function with vertical clutch and column wheel, allowing for instant reset and restart of timing functions with a single press rather than the usual three. This presents a critical advantage for synchronized operations.
The patented countdown mechanism allows time-to-target tracking to be easily set using the pushers at 4 and 10 o’clock, while Panerai’s signature crown protector design maintains their iconic silhouette while optimizing pusher placement. Powered by twin spring barrels delivering a 3-day power reserve, the movement represents serious horological firepower underneath its military-inspired exterior.
AMPHIBIOUS CAPABILITIES
Despite the aviation inspiration, Panerai hasn’t forgotten their underwater heritage. Like other 47mm Submersible Marina Chronos, the PAM01699 boasts a staggering 500m of water resistance (and we know Panerai actually tests to at least 625m, a full 25% beyond its stated specs). This capability is complemented by the aforementioned bezel for tracking immersion time, making this chronograph as capable beneath the waves as it is above them.
Completing the military motif, the package includes both a green cotton canvas strap with T/T stitching for land operations and a black rubber strap for aquatic deployments.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Panerai Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition (PAM01699)
Case Size: 47mm
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Movement: In-house P.9100/R automatic
Beat Rate: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Water Resistance: 500m+
Bezel: Unidirectional with matte black ceramic insert
Band: Green cotton canvas strap or and black rubber strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 35
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Limited to just 35 pieces worldwide, the Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition PAM01699 has a price of $60,800. Head over to Panerai’s website to contact a concierge about ordering.
Recap
Panerai Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition PAM01699
Leaning into its history with the Italian military, Panerai is offering a new Submersible Chrono Marina inspired by the Aviazione Navale. However, this limited-edition timepiece also comes with a highly unique experience where you buyers get to spend 3 days at the Naval Air Station in Grottaglie.
