Panerai Introduces The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676
Mike Horn is one of the greatest explorers of our time. Just going through a list of some of his biggest adventures gives you a pretty good idea of the seemingly limitless world that Horn lives in. His accomplishments are impressive if not stunning. During the last two decades, Panerai has been Horn’s steady partner. They’ve teamed up to raise environmental awareness, and the South African-born Swiss professional adventurer wears the brand’s watches, of course. Their latest collaborative effort is the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro PAM01676. This new model is the perfect watch for Horn’s escapades. Let’s find out more.
If you are unaware of Mike Horn’s exploits, let me give you an idea. He has circumnavigated the globe twice (once on the equator and once on the Arctic Circle), traveled for four years on his boat to raise environmental awareness among young people, and climbed four of the world’s highest mountains. More recently, he was the first man to cross the South Pole and the North Pole. Those are just some of the amazing feats that show Horn loves a good challenge. He and Panerai have joined forces multiple times in the last two decades to create special Mike Horn editions of the Panerai classics. The latest creation is a 44mm blue Submersible perfectly suited for adventures in the water and on land.
The story of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro PAM01676 Mike Horn Edition
The latest Panerai Mike Horn Edition is based on the brand’s Submersible QuarantaQuattro models. Most of you will know that the latter part of the name is Italian and refers to the 44mm case size used for the brand’s line of modern dive watches. But this new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition is not merely one of the regular ones with a new dial color. Enthusiasts will immediately notice the absence of a date window. On top of that, the luminous hour markers that join the characteristic numerals are bigger than usual. It creates an interesting take on the Submersible that emphasizes functionality in harsh conditions.
Let’s go over the basic specs for the watch. The new PAM01676 has a 44mm fully brushed stainless steel case with a 13.3mm thickness. Its unidirectional bezel features a ceramic blue insert with a 60-minute dive scale and luminous pip. This insert matches the blue vertically brushed dial with contrasting yellow details. The applied hour markers and hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova X1. At the 9 o’clock position, you will find the running seconds sub-dial with its white luminous markers and a yellow hand hovering above it. The model name and depth rating are also executed in yellow to inject the watch with some extra color.
The details that differentiate this watch from the regular models
The combination of blue, white, and yellow gives the watch a crisp aesthetic that sets it apart from the regular models, especially the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Blu Profondo. Plus, while not exclusive to this edition, the rubberized blue crown fits the overall design nicely and adds functionality with its grippy texture. However, as mentioned, the hour markers are larger for this Mike Horn edition to make the time more legible in low-light conditions. Panerai increased the diameter by 20% to be able to expand the luminous surface area by 45%. This brings increased practicality whether you’re out on your latest adventure in the wilderness or just out in the city at night.
Hidden behind the steel case back that bears Mike Horn’s signature is caliber P.900. This movement is based on a ValFleurier ébauche shared among Richemont’s watch brands, such as IWC. This automatic caliber operates at 28,800vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve. The new Submersible QuarantaQuattro PAM01676 also comes with two straps. The first is blue rubber, and the second is a blue bi-material strap, both featuring a Panerai-branded trapezoidal brushed steel pin buckle. Finally, this watch is not limited in production, and it is available now for €12,100.
Final thoughts on the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition
Overall, I like this new Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676. At first glance, the watch looks like a regular Submersible QuarantaQuattro. In all honesty, that’s already a very capable dive watch with 300m water resistance. On top of that, it has the charm and functionality that characterizes the Panerai style. However, the Panerai designers optimized this watch to meet Horn’s needs during his adventures. I like that doing so has led to a simpler yet bolder version of the regular watch. If you are a Mike Horn fan or like the simplicity of the oversized dial design, this new PAM01676 might be for you. The watch adds seemingly simple solutions to a dial that offers great practicality, which is what a tool watch should bring.
What do you think of this new Panerai Submersible model? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
