Why this new Panerai Submersible Marina Militare could be the most advanced dive watch yet
The new Panerai submersible Marina Militare PAM01697 and PAM01698 watches are a deep dive into their past with the Italian navy
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PANERAI’S NEW SUBMERSIBLE MARINA MILITARE PAM01697 and PAM01698 build on the brand’s century-long relationship with the Italian Navy – this time drawing inspiration from the Aviazione Navale, its naval aviation branch.
Both models are powered by the P.900 automatic movement – a slim, reliable calibre with a three-day power reserve and stop-second function for accurate time-setting.
The PAM01697 features a 44mm brushed stainless steel case with a green matte ceramic bezel, inspired by naval aviation gear.
The dial – a green-grained surface with a black gradient – is highly legible thanks to grey Super-LumiNova and enlarged indices.
The small seconds counter is radar-inspired, with a subtle Aviazione Navale insignia engraved into the display, adding a layer of visual detail that nods to its military roots.
The PAM01698, the more technical of the two, is made entirely from Carbotech – the brand’s proprietary carbon-fibre composite that’s lighter than titanium and known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
The dial design is directly influenced by military flight gear – a green-grained finish with a dark gradient, oversized markers, and grey Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in suboptimal light.
A radar-style seconds sub-dial and Aviazione Navale insignia – engraved on both the dial and case back – give the watches a strong visual connection to their military roots.
Rated to 300 meters of water resistance, both come with a green canvas strap and a second black rubber option – ideal for swapping up for tactical situations.
Priced at £10,300 for the steel PAM01697 and £16,800 for the Carbotech PAM01698, Panerai’s latest divers are serious statements in design, materials and function – while staying true to their heroic naval origins.
This story originally appeared on Esquire UK.
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