For SIHH 2019, Panerai is putting its fancy Carbotech material to work in two new watches. Carbotech is a special composite developed by Panerai that is lighter than titanium and stronger than stainless steel. This makes it an excellent material for Panerai’s large watches. This is your first look at the two new Submersible Marina Militaire Carbotech 47mm watches.
Specifications
Brand: Panerai
Model: Submersible Marina Militaire Carbotech 47mm (PAM 979, PAM 961)
Dimensions: 47mm diameter
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Case Material: Carbotech
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Panerai P.9010
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber strap
Price & Availability: PAM 961 is limited to 33 pieces. Pricing is not yet confirmed.
Analysis
Before I begin, let me clarify that there are two models. The PAM 979 is the regular production version, while the PAM 961 is the limited edition version. The differences are subtle. The Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM 979 has white markers and a black rubber strap, while the PAM 961 has green accents and a green rubber strap. Panerai really is the master of slight tweaks.
Right, onto my analysis, and the first thing is this: haven’t we seen these watches before? Well, yes and no. These two new Submersible Marina Militaire Carbotech 47mm watches are clearly based on the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech from four years ago. The basic ingredients are the same: 47mm wide Carbotech case, 300 meters water resistance, small seconds at 9 o’clock, large markers, and self-winding movement. But as Paneristis know, the devil is in the details.
There are a couple of key changes here. The dials of these new Submersibles are carbon. Also, gone is the faux vintage lume seen in the earlier model and in its place is solid color lume. These two changes have a profound effect on the way the watch looks and feels. To me, they look more modern and purposeful. I suppose you could also say they look more hip. Gasp.
Underneath, the two new Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech 47mm watches also get Panerai’s newer P.9010 movement, which has the same functional specs as the P.9000 – self-winding, 4Hz beat rate, 72-hour power reserve, and all that – but is slightly thinner and has a balance bridge secured on both ends instead of a balance cock. Hopefully, this means that these two watches are thinner than the watch they are based on. Panerai could really afford to slim down some of its watches.
Conclusion
Panerai has done it again, haven’t they? They have taken an existing watch, made slight changes to it, and are sure to have Paneristis go crazy over it. Regardless of how I may feel towards the way they do their business, I can’t help but think that these watches are really cool. I think they successfully capture the spirit of street fashion and they look like watches that well-heeled nillennials might want. And that’s really important for any watch brand: winning over younger watch fans. The Panerai Submersible Marina Militaire Carbotech 47mm PAM 961 is limited to just 33 pieces, and prices are yet to be confirmed. Learn more at panerai.com
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