Introducing: New Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Models PAM01697 And PAM01698

Panerai is no stranger to working with the Italian Navy. The two have joined forces on watches, technical tools, and other products for over a century. As watch enthusiasts, we’ve become accustomed to these collaborative projects featuring the bold Marina Militare typography on the dial. Today, the partnership expands and is dedicated to the Aviazione Navale, or the Italian Navy’s aviation branch. Let’s take a brief look at a pair of new, serious-looking Submersible Marina Militare models.

Watches like today’s new Submersible Marina Militare pieces will likely resonate with collectors. As this informative article shows, adding these two words to the dial is typically reserved for the most desirable Panerai watches. Indeed, from the earliest days of the Paneristi during the ’90s, these were the watches everyone wanted but so few could find or afford. Today’s releases should please those who detest “FOMO,” as neither is categorized as a limited edition.

Two Submersible Marina Militare models for the Aviazione Navale

Panerai has dedicated the latest models to the Italian Navy’s aviation group. This group operates planes and helicopters as battle units within the branch. As we’ll see, the group’s uniforms inspire the color scheme of the watch dials and straps.

The Stainless steel PAM01697 and Carbotech PAM01698

The latest Submersible Marina Militare models come in two flavors. The PAM01697 is made from stainless steel and includes a dark green Ceramix unidirectional, external rotating dive bezel. Both watches come with a green canvas strap and a large trapezoid pin buckle. A second black rubber strap is included in the package. Like most watches from the brand, strap changes are simple due to a small push-button on the back of the lugs.

Panerai chose to use Carbotech for the second reference, known as PAM01698. For those new to the material, Carbotech is a lightweight and carbon fiber-based material. The carbon fiber layers are blended under temperature and pressure with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), which reinforces the matrix. The result is a substrate lighter than titanium that also boasts impact and corrosion-resistant properties. It features a similar Carbotech external dive bezel. Both models feature commanding 44mm by 53.5mm cases. The thickness is surprisingly reasonable at 13.3mm. That’s not bad for a large watch with a 300 meter depth rating.

Each model has a solid, screw-in caseback. Panerai fans will notice a difference in these pieces compared to past Marina Militare references. The brand has emblazoned the case back with the Aviazione Navale logo for the first time. Also, note that the logo is perfectly aligned and horizontal.

Dark green gradient dials

Each Submersible Marina Militare model has a matte-finished dark green dial that gradually darkens to black towards the edges. Then, a sub-second dial contains a radar-like printed motif for the track. Internally, an embossed anchor depicts a symbol of the Italian Navy. The running second-hand and typical skeletonized Submersible handset has matte black surrounds. Interestingly, Panerai chose to increase the size of the indices on these watches. 20% larger indices result in 45% more luminous coverage. The hands and indices use gray Super-LumiNova X2.

The P.900 automatic

Finally, let’s wrap up with the movement. The familiar caliber P.900 automatic powers the Submersible Marina Militare. This movement is 4.2mm thick, which aids the watch’s overall thickness. It has a frequency of 28,800vph and a 72-hour power reserve. Naturally, a quick-set date function and hacking are part of the package.

Submersible Marina Militare pricing and availability

The new Submersible Marina Militare watches are now available at authorized dealers and on the official Panerai website. The stainless steel PAM01697 retails for € 12,100, while the Carbotech PAM01698 is pricier at €18,900. Like most special pieces, the prices reflect the special nature of these releases. Obviously, they’re not for everyone, but I imagine that die-hard fans, collectors, and those who love the Marina Militare verbiage will show interest. Let us know your thoughts on these latest releases.