New Panerai releases are always a guilty pleasure for me. Whether it’s new materials, colors, or sizes, the bold brand always comes through with something that I like each and every year. Today, we break down a trio of new divers, the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro collection.

The Submersible models are the “true divers” in the Panerai lineup. With their rotating bezels and more impressive depth ratings, the watches do battle in the crowded luxury diver market. They compete in a way that only a Panerai can. Submersibles utilize the locking crown and bring big, beefy dimensions — or at least they always did the latter up until 2017. When the Submersible debuted in 1998, it was 47mm. They’re still available in that size, but a more wrist-friendly 42mm option debuted in 2017. Now, with the Submersible QuarantaQuattro models, there’s an intermediate option at 44mm. Until now, it seems only a Goldtech model existed in a 44mm case. This new trio, however, is available in more accessible materials.

Panerai PAM01229 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 3

The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro

Now, personally speaking, the 42mm versions are the pieces that fit my wrist, but many feel that they’re too “cramped” on the dial. A Panerai dial needs room to breathe, and that’s why 47mm looks so good for most of the brand’s models. The issue, of course, is that they require a Schwarzenegger wrist! Therefore, 44mm makes a lot of sense, as it strikes a nice balance between proportionality and wearability. The Submersible QuarantaQuattro models should prove successful based on that fact.

Panerai PAM01229 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 4

Common details

Before we briefly break down the three new references within the Submersible QuarantaQuattro collection, let’s highlight a few common features. Firstly, all of the watches are water-resistant to 300 meters and include a uni-directional external dive bezel. All the pieces also use the P.900 automatic movement with three days of power reserve. This movement sports a date complication at 3 o’clock, and Panerai tells us that the new date window is more legible. Personally, I see a bit of beveling that may offer a bit more contrast. Regardless, we will see it roll out on other sizes in due time. Finally, all pieces use stark white Super-LumiNova; there’s no fauxtina here. All watches come with both a rubber and a fabric strap (made of 30% and 68% recycled material respectively).

Panerai PAM01232 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 1

PAM01232 Submerisible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech Blu Abisso

The first Submersible QuarantaQuattro is the PAM01232 Carbotech Blu Abisso (I challenge you to memorize all that). This is the flagship within today’s releases because it uses the carbon fiber composite material called Carbotech. This material brings lightness, scratch resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance. It’s dark in color and is accompanied by a black DLC titanium crown and screw-in case back. Panerai chose to pair this watch with a dark blue dial, hence the “abyss” reference in the name. Both straps are a corresponding dark blue. Pricing for this lightweight watch comes in at a decidedly heavyweight €17,400.

Panerai PAM01226 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 1

PAM01226 Bianco

Next up in the Submersible QuarantaQuattro collection is the PAM01226 Bianco with its matte white dial. Here, Panerai adds an all-stainless steel case with a bezel and crown lock in the same material. Of note is the fact that this watch is very black and white. The index surrounds, the font, and hands are all black. It’s a stark watch, but it looks great on its military-green straps. Pricing for the PAM01226 will be €9,200.

Panerai PAM01229 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 1

PAM01229 — the black dial

Finally, we have the most expected watch in the Submersible QuarantaQuattro lineup, and that’s the PAM01229 with a black dial. Everything is similar to the Bianco, but Panerai chose silver surrounds and hands. Plus, as seems to be the case with more and more models, black dials come with a mix of both white and blue printed details. Unlike with the other watches, the rubber and fabric straps aren’t the same color. The rubber is black while the fabric is dark gray. The price is also €9,200.

Panerai PAM01229 Submersible QuarantaQuattro 2

Final thoughts on the Submersible QuarantaQuattro

The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro collection feels like a no-brainer to me. I’m sure the company knows its market and felt there was a proper gap. Even though a couple of millimeters “feels” trivial, most of us know that’s not the case when trying on a watch. Plus, at these prices, one should be able to get exactly what they want. As mentioned, 42mm would be my choice out of necessity, but these are great additions to the catalog.

For more information, visit the official Panerai site.

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