A Quick Look At What Panerai Has In Store For 2022
Expect new Submersible in a new case size and an Experience edition watch rounding up the ranks
What do actor Sylvester Stallone and fashion designer Ralph Lauren have in common? It’s safe to argue, not much except for their shared love for Panerai watches.
As the story goes, Stallone was in Rome for the filming of Daylight (1996) when he saw a Panerai Luminor Marina Submersible in a shop window and fell in love with it for its “star power”. (The watch would consequently make a cameo in the film.) Same goes for Lauren, a collector of vintage Panerais, who once said of his passion: “Panerai watches were not about the latest fashion, they were designed to work in specific conditions. Their form and beauty were secondary to their function; they're rugged, utilitarian and handsome.”
With its history so inextricably tied to the Royal Italian Navy of the early 20th century, and its reputation for hefty wrist-takers that garner attention and admiration at first glance, it’s no wonder Panerai is known for inspiring an almost cultish devotion from its fans. And judging from the watch line up that the Italian watch brand has for the year ahead, we suspect it has no intentions of loosening its grip.
First up we have the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro, which makes its debut in a 44mm case to round up the Submersible collection’s existing 47mm and 42mm line up. In addition to all the hallmarks of its brethren (water-resistance up to 300m; famed patented crown-protecting device; P.900 calibre’s 3-day power reserve and white Super-LumiNova), this watch also boasts a new date window for improved legibility, a feature that will be implemented throughout the Submersible collection. Undoubtedly the star of the year, the collection comes in several executions with three main models stealing the spotlight. The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech Blu Abisso (PAM01232) with a case composed of Carbotech – a material that Panerai introduced to its ranks in 2015 that is lighter than titanium and highly resistant to corrosion and scratching – paired with deep blue rubber straps as a nod to the diving watch’s aquatic nature. Then, there’s the monochromatic Submersible QuarantaQuattro (PAM01229) in steel with a contrasting black dial and rubber straps (a dark grey fabric strap is also available) reinforcing its imposing looks. And lastly, the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco (PAM01226) with a pristine white dial accompanied by rubber straps in a versatile military green. Running consistent with the brand’s focus on sustainability, there’s also the boutique-exclusive Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel Verde Smeraldo (PAM01287) to look forward to. Its case is composed of eSteel—a new recycled-based steel alloy, with the same properties of conventional steel, that Panerai used for its Luminor Marina eSteel last year—and each watch comes with two straps in recycled PET and recycled rubber. Available in blue, grey and green, the watch also features a high-gloss ceramic bezel that marks a first for the brand.
For those looking for a watch that’s less rugged and more rakish, Panerai has the new 33-piece limited edition Luminor Goldtech™ Calendario Perpetuo watch to impress. It’s equipped with the automatic P.4100 movement that allows for easy adjustments to the day, date, month and year through the crown, while a smoked sapphire crystal dial lays bare the watch’s inner workings for all to see. Even more impressive is the fact that the watch comes complete with an adventure in Florence and Tuscany for a first-hand experience of Panerai’s birth-region and heritage through a holistic itinerary of activities. While these client experiences are not new at Panerai (the brand has been offering this unique concept since 2019), the inclusion of an artist-created NFT is. Buyers of this watch are promised an NFT that not only unlocks information that’s tailored to each traveller’s itinerary, but it will also unlock benefits that unfold long after the experience ends. And that is exactly how you keep your devotees devoted.