Introducing: A Quartet Of Panerai Submersible Navy SEALs Releases
Panerai is known for its Navy SEALs collection created in honor and in the spirit of the US Navy SEALs. The brand recently released a quartet of new models within that adventure-focused collection. This time, the watches feature a desert theme with beige accents and desert-camo straps.
The release consists of four new references — the time-only PAM01518 in steel, the time-and-date PAM01669 in titanium and Carbotech, the chronograph PAM01521 in titanium, and lastly, the GMT PAM01513 in Carbotech. There’s plenty to unpack, so let’s dive in!
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Navy SEALs PAM01518
Reference PAM01518 forms the entry into this new sub-collection (pun intended; I apologize). This is currently the only base Submersible without a date, resulting in a clean yet asymmetrical dial. The stainless steel case measures 44mm across, excluding the large crown lock, by 13.3mm thick. Panerai specifies an ample 300m depth rating, and a sapphire crystal and a steel screw-in case back sandwich the mid-case and movement.
Speaking of the movement, there is nothing new to mention here. Inside ticks the familiar automatic P.900 caliber with its 28,800vph frequency and three days of autonomy. This is Panerai’s version of a Richemont group caliber.
We then come to the look of this watch, which is the main draw here. You get a grainy vignette dial that deepens from gray to black. You also get beige lume, matching the beige desert-camo fabric insert of the rubber strap. Crosshairs in the sub-dial and a “NAVY SEALS” signature complete the theme. The PAM01518 costs €10,400.
Panerai Submersible Navy SEALs Titanio PAM01669
Next up, we have PAM01669 in Grade 5 titanium, adorned with a Carbotech unidirectional bezel. Carbotech is Panerai’s proprietary carbon-and-resin material. It consists of sheets of carbon rather than the flakes seen in forged carbon watches. The result is a simpler, layered aesthetic. You will need the lightness of titanium as this PAM01669 has a whopping 47mm case. Panerai does not specify the thickness, but it is safe to assume this will not slip under your shirt’s sleeve. You get the same non-display case back, although in titanium this time, and the same 300m water resistance rating.
Inside ticks the automatic caliber P.9010. There is some confusion about this caliber in the watch world since it appears to have had its hacking function removed at some point. Here, however, Panerai specifies there is a “stop-seconds device” present. You should, then, be able to set this 4Hz movement precisely before letting it unwind its twin barrels to achieve its three-day autonomy.
You get the same aesthetic recipe of a vignette dial, beige lume, crosshairs, and a desert-camo strap. This time, you also get a date window at 3 o’clock and that cool-looking Carbotech bezel. The PAM01669 costs €13,900.
Panerai Submersible Chrono Navy SEALs Titanio PAM01521
Okay, so what if you like the looks of these watches but you want something more complicated? Look no further than the Navy SEALs chronograph PAM01521.
This 47mm blacked-out titanium beast has a party trick up its sleeve. The flyback chronograph features a third pusher at 4 o’clock, allowing you to jump the central minute-counting hand backward in one-minute increments. This means you can count down to an event with the chronograph. The automatic caliber P.9100/R facilitates this cool function.
Considering the 9mm thickness of the caliber and the case’s 500m depth rating, I can only assume this is a rather chunky watch. We will surely take its measurements if we get to go hands-on with it at some point. The PAM01521 costs €35,000.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro GMT Navy SEALs Carbotech PAM01513
Last but not least, we have the new QuarantaQuattro GMT in full Carbotech. You get the familiar 44mm Submersible QuarantaQuattro package but in lightweight layered carbon. Inside we find caliber P.900/GMT, the GMT-and-date version of the caliber that powers the PAM01518.
As mentioned, Panerai layers its carbon sheets, resulting in a characteristic striped look. The case features a stack of horizontal layers, while the bezel is noticeably cut at a different angle. In my humble opinion, the resulting uneven striping looks quite cool.
The Navy SEALs Carbotech GMT costs €20,100.
Initial impressions
Let me start with a point of criticism so that I can finish on a high note. I am not sure I love the Navy SEALs connection. There is a distinct difference between military-issued watches and military-licensed ones. These are merely inspired by the Navy SEALs and fitted with their branding. Considering the state of the world, I could understand if some might perceive this as a bit tone-deaf. If Panerai watches are actually saving lives in combat, go for it. But just as adventurous branding, I am not so sure…
That said, I do really like the resulting aesthetic. The beige lume does not look like faux patina here, and it suits the desert-camo vibe to a tee. I can even live with the vignette dials, which, if you follow my writing, you know is a big statement coming from me. To me, the design comes alive most in combination with the darker Carbotech and blacked-out titanium cases.
What do you think of the new Panerai Submersible Navy SEALs models? Let us know in the comments below!
