Borna Bosnjak
Famous for its military-devised, utilitarian design, the Panerai Submersible diversifies with a slew of new 44mm references. A variety of materials and finishes is united under one name Submersible QuarantaQuattro.Formerly attributed to the Luminor range, the Submersible collection achieved autonomy in 2019, but retained the patented crown-protection system. Already featuring more than 20 models, the Submersible is readily available in two sizes, 42mm and 47mm. The seven new references, comprised of three distinct materials, join the Submersible OroCarbo PAM01070, the only currently listed 44mm version.All Panerai's 2022 Watches and Wonders novelties have the three-day P.900 calibre ticking away in the back and boast a 30-bar water resistance, consistent with existing time-only Submersibles.Submersible QuarantaQuattro in stainless steelAs part of Panerai's sponsorship of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, they dedicated 1,500 pieces of the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa in their honour. Distinct from the rest with its blue sunburst dial with red accents, it bears the Luna Rossa name at the 6 o'clock. Two non-limited colourways round out this offering, with textured black and white dials. Bold indices filled to the brim with luminescent material aid in legibility, matched by skeletonized sword hands. A chamfered date window balances out the classic Panerai sub-seconds at 9 o'clock.A red and blue Luna Rossa fabric and rubber strap matches the Luna Rossa dial, while the other two models feature natural rubber straps in black and khaki green.The surfaces all receive a brushed finish. It alternates between circular brushing on the bezel and top side of the cushion case, transitioning into a vertical brush on the case sides and lugs with a sharp, chamfer-less cut. The only polishing is found on the serrated edges of the crown and bezel, giving a subtle highlight. Protruding from the case, the lugs are drilled to ease strap changes which is a welcome touch on a tool watch. Being a Panerai, we must mention the patented crown device, which protects a flat crown on the right-hand side.Model and Reference No.Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa PAM01391Submersible QuarantaQuattro PAM01229Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco PAM01226Case MaterialSteelWater-Resistance30 bar (~300 metres)DialBlue sunburst dial (PAM01391)Black matte dial (PAM01229)White matte dial (PAM01226)StrapBi-material Luna Rossa strap, blue fabric with black rubber (PAM01391)Caoutchouc black (PAM01229)Caoutchouc military green (PAM01226)MovementP.900Power Reserve3 daysPrice$14,200 AUD (PAM01391)$13,800 AUD (PAM01229, PAM01226)Carbotech? makes a return in the Blu AbissoPanerai has extensively used the lighter-than-titanium composite for its watches, including the Submersible. The highly scratch-resistant material is used for the case and graduated bezel, while the DLC-coated titanium crown and caseback continue the lightweight theme. The only light touch to the case comes in form of the white lume pip to aid with bezel orientation in low-light environments.The abyss-blue dial inspired the name of this model, with its highly contrasting white highlights. In place of AUTOMATIC, we see the Carbotech? branding proudly displayed. A matching blue strap completes the PAM01232.Model and Reference No.Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech? Blu Abisso PAM01232Case MaterialCarbotech?Water-Resistance30 bar (~300 metres)DialBlue matte dialStrapCaoutchouc dark blueMovementP.900Power Reserve3 daysPrice$26,100 AUDeSteel? brings ceramic novelty for PaneraiPresented as recently as last year, the e-material is a new concept for Panerai. What began as a 98.6% recycled titanium Submersible eLAB-ID and continued with the 58.4% recycled eSteel? Luminor Marina now continues with the brand new eSteel? Submersibles.The same 44mm case is composed of eSteel?, with the engraved crown protection device indicating its presence. The finishing is identical as the regular steel offerings, save for the rubberized crown like on the QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa. The previously alluded to ceramic novelty is embodied by the polished ceramic bezel insert, a first for the Panerai brand.The highly reflective surface nicely matches the gradient dials on the eSteel? Submersibles, which fade to black as the colour moves towards the 6 o'clock. At the very start of that transition, the printed eSteel? logo replaces the AUTOMATIC script of the conventional steel models.Model and Reference No.Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel? Verde Smeraldo PAM01287Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel? Grigio Roccia PAM01288Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel? Blu Profondo PAM01289Case MaterialeSteelWater-Resistance30 bar (~300 metres)DialGreen polished gradient (PAM01287)Anthracite polished gradient (PAM01288)Blue polished gradient (PAM01289)StrapRecycled PET green (PAM01287)Recycled PET grey (PAM01288)Recycled PET blue (PAM01289)MovementP.900Power Reserve3 daysPrice$16,200 AUD
10.04.22