Panerai military dive watches are the real deal. The oversized and distinctive timepieces were first used by the Italian Navy in the 1930s, long before Sylvester Stallone and Arnie brought them to the world’s attention. And if you want your timepiece to be tested at the highest levels, then you’re in for a treat with Panerai’s new limited edition models. Oh, did we mention that it could be you doing the testing alongside Italian Special Forces troops? That’s right, buying the Submersible Forze Speciali Experience model – limited to only 50 pieces – also includes an invitation to train with Italy’s elite soldiers. All that stands in your way is the AUD$80k price tag.
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Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience PAM01238 | Image: Panerai
Panerai watches are instantly recognisable, being bold, very legible and featuring the brand’s signature case. Prior to the ’70s, Panerai was an official supplier to the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) and at the time its watches were designed and manufactured by Rolex. Its watches are still exceptional and these two exciting limited edition models showcase Panerai at its finest.
The first, the Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali PAM01239, is limited to 300 pieces and utilises a simple blacked-out style pared with bold markers and an attractive blue ceramic bezel. The Submersible Forze Speciali Experience PAM01238 – limited to 50 pieces and with the training invitation – is more militaristic and includes a green dial, aged-looking lume and a natural rubber camouflaged strap.
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali PAM01239 | Image: Panerai
Created in partnership with Italy’s Special Forces, both watches share the same specifications. The cases are a whopping 47mm in diameter with the chronograph pushers and the characteristic crown-protector bridge increasing the size further. But in a smart move, Panerai has forged the cases from titanium, a metal significantly lighter than stainless steel. In keeping with the Special Ops aesthetic, the cases feature a black DLC coating.
The P.9100/R automatic chronograph movement is built in-house and includes a flyback function and a unique Time to Target countdown – marked on the dial between the 6 and 12 markers. Each model has its own case back illustration, with the PAM01239 displaying a Marina Militare frogman, a nod to the early Panerai watches.
These handsome models aren’t for the faint-hearted, they’re large and complex. They’re also made in small numbers and priced accordingly. But remember, for decades Panerai watches weren’t even available to the public and it took Stallone’s passion for the brand – and gifting one to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Diet and Workout Plan to wear onscreen – for the public to really appreciate these authentic Italian military dive watches. Needless to say, you might need a movie star salary to afford the latest models – The Forze Speciali is priced at £25,500 (roughly AUD$$42,900) with the Forze Speciali Experience Edition priced at £47,500 (roughly AUD$82,400).
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience PAM01238 | Image: Panerai
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience PAM01238
Diameter: 47mm
Case: Titanium with DLC coating
Movement: Panerai Calibre P.9100/R Automatic
Bracelet: Camouflage Caoutchouc Natural Rubber
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$82,400
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali PAM01239 | Image: Panerai
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali PAM01239
Diameter: 47mm
Case: Titanium with DLC coating
Movement: Panerai Calibre P.9100/R Automatic
Bracelet: Black Caoutchouc Natural Rubber
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 300M
Price: AUD$42,900
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali PAM01239 | Image: Panerai
