Introducing: The New Panerai Navy SEALs Collection
The new Panerai Navy SEALs collection is the expansion of a collaboration that began in 2022. This time, there are three new limited-edition models and an ultra-limited piece that comes with an “experience.” Not only do we have more watches to choose from, but the pieces are now available outside of the USA at Panerai boutiques.
Last year, the Panerai Navy SEALs collection debuted with a regular-production piece and two limited editions. The PAM01324, produced in a 162-piece run, was a Carbotech Submersible GMT. The PAM01323 was a similar, non-limited 44mm Submersible in stainless steel. Finally, Panerai launched a 20-unit Submersible Chronograph Experience model called the PAM01325 in a massive 47mm Carbotech case. That watch included a Special Operations Experience that mimicked Navy SEALs training. It must have been popular because the brand is back with another take on the theme. Let’s run down the models in the new collection.
Panerai Navy SEALs Luminor Marina PAM01412
The first of the new Navy SEALs pieces is probably the most conservative. The Luminor Marina PAM01412 is a 44mm watch in what Panerai calls “Brunito” steel. This case material is stainless steel with a deliberately weathered PVD coating. No two examples will look alike, and it’s meant to have a rough-and-tumble aesthetic. The watch has a green vignette sandwich dial and a solid Brunito case back with the Navy SEALs logo. Water resistance is a healthy 300 meters, and this model comes with a black rubber strap on a pin buckle as well as a bi-material strap. Inside, this watch uses the P9010, a three-day automatic caliber with a date function. Pricing is set at £8,500 for this 862-piece limited edition.
Luminor Chronograph in Brunito PAM01409
The next Panerai Navy SEALs watch is the 44mm Luminor Chronograph in Brunito steel. This watch uses a shaded black sandwich dial and has two sub-dials with a target motif. The 9 o’clock sub-dial shows running seconds, while the other is a 30-minute counter. Panerai has outfitted this watch with a tactile rubber crown and strap. Note the tachymeter scale on the inner bezel to measure the speed of moving objects. Here, the watch uses the P.9200 automatic caliber, which has a 42-hour power reserve. This model comes with both black rubber and bi-material straps. The 100m-water-resistant chrono will be made in a series of 562 pieces and will retail for £9,500 at boutiques.
Luminor Chronograph in Carbotech PAM01419
The Luminor Chronograph PAM01419 is highly similar to the previous model except that it comes in a Carbotech case. As a reminder, Carbotech is Panerai-speak for carbon fiber that has been pressed at controlled temperatures under high pressure. The result is a light, strong, and durable technical material. This PAM01419 has a 44mm case with a 100m water resistance rating. In total, Panerai will produce 462 units, which will have a price of £15,400.
Experience Edition: Submersible Chrono Navy SEALs PAM01402
The last watch in the Panerai Navy SEALs collection is the model that comes with the Special Ops experience. Panerai loaded the 47mm Submersible Chrono PAM01402 with details. Yes, it’s similar to last year’s PAM01325, but this one comes in green and anthracite. It uses Brunito steel like most of the other watches in this year’s collection. The P.9100/R movement is inside and has a three-day power reserve. It contains a flyback function, a countdown “time to target” timer, and a 60-minute counter. It also has a unidirectional dive bezel made of titanium and olive ceramic.
As far as the experience, owners will “enjoy” a rigorous tactical training course as well as an in-person history of the Navy SEALs unit. Furthermore, owners will receive a travel pouch, an NFT that documents their experience, and artwork from Panerai. The brand will produce just 50 of these watches, and they will not be inexpensive. Get ready to spend £53,200 for both the watch and the experience.
Thoughts on the Panerai Navy SEALs collection
Whenever a brand enters into a collaboration with an exclusive partner (a car company, military unit, etc.) I always ask myself about the target audience and if I would buy one. In the case of the Navy SEALs, they’re an incredible fighting force and one that could easily dispose of me while they’re asleep! So these might not be for me, but then again, I wear dive watches and a chronograph with a NASA inscription on its case back. Therefore, I cannot pass judgment on those who are in the market for these watches and did not serve as a SEAL. Plus (and this is a real positive), the branding is pretty light on the dial.
Yes, these watches do have tactical elements like targets on them, but I think the execution is good enough to keep them from looking cheesy. The materials and colorways are certainly attractive enough. Let us know what you think of these new Panerai watches. Are they interesting to you because of their affiliation with the SEALs or not?
