For its Watches and Wonders 2022 releases, Panerai is adding a number of new models dubbed “QuarantaQuattro” to its Submersible collection of technical divers. Unlike many other models, the Submersible divers employ a traditional 60-minute uni-directional bezel, making them closer to a traditional dive watch. Panerai refers to the Submersible line as “survival instruments,” but the addition of “quattro” in the model name refers to the four pillars of the Panerai brand: lifestyle, high-tech material, partnerships, and sustainability. Panerai intends for these new models to reflect its commitment to these values.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel
Specifications:
Brand: Panerai
Model: Submersible QuarantaQuattro
Dimensions: 44mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Case Material: Stainless Steel, Carbotech, or eSteel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: P.900 caliber
Frequency: 4Hz
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Caoutchouc rubber (steel and Carbotech models), Fabric and rubber (LunaRossa Limited Edition), or recycled plastic (eSteel models)
Price & Availability: $9,600 (steel), $9900 (Luna Rosa), $11,300 (eSteel), $18,200 (Carbotech). Core models available May 2022. eSteel and Luna Rosa models available June, 2022
Slotting in between the existing 42mm and 47m sizes, these new 44mm models are intended to be more versatile. Panerai owners tend to like large and bold watches, but with the current trend of downsizing happening across many brands, some customers might find the 47mm size too large. Panerai believes, however, that some potential customers don’t want to go all the way down to its “small” 42mm, so this update makes sense.
The new releases start with the Core Assortment Collection. Steel models in this collection feature white (PAM1226) and black dial (PAM1229) versions with rubber or fabric straps made partially from recycled materials. These are the most affordable models in the line. The cases and bezels are fully brushed, and the dials offer supreme legibility during the day as well as at night thanks to the use of Super-LumiNova. The white dial variants feature applied indices with black surrounds and black hands while black dial models have polished indices, and splashes of bright blue text, as well as small seconds.
As the name implies, the new Carbotech Blu Abissio (PAm1232) is made from carbon fiber. This will make it lightweight, and the most comfortable of the line (a DLC titanium caseback and crown also help to keep the weight down). Thanks to the nature of the carbon layout, no two watch cases will look exactly the same. Additionally, the matte-black pattern looks attractive contrasted against a deep blue dial and blue rubber strap.
One of my favorite features of this model is the handset, which has black surrounds, but the inner skeletonized portions have white outlines, which looks very cool and will make legibility even better. I also love that the date disc is color-matched.
The second new collection from Paneri commemorates the fact that the brand has resumed its role as the official sponsor of the Luna Rossa team in the America’s Cup sailing race. The aptly named Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa (PAM01391) is similar to the Core steel models but features a deep metallic blue with a sunburst pattern and a red seconds hand. These models also have a matching rubberized blue crown, and the team name is commemorated on the dial. Finishing off the changes to this 1,500 pieces limited edition is a fabric and recycled rubber hybrid strap.
Finally, to best represent Panerai’s commitment to sustainable watchmaking, the brand is releasing the Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel collection. These models are comprised of 52% of its eSteel, which has the same properties as conventional steel but is recycled. The focus on sustainability is not confined to the cases, either. Two straps are supplied with each watch, the first strap of recycled PET fabric, and the second from recycled rubber. Besides being available in three unique colors (Blu Profondo for PAM01289, Verde Smeraldo for PAM01287, and Grigio Roccia for PAM01288), these models can be visually identified by new high-gloss polished ceramic bezel inserts that match the dials. A first for the brand. Each of the dials has an attractive fade to black as your eyes move from twelve to 6 o’clock.
All of Panerai’s new Submersible QuarantaQuattro models offer 300m of water resistance (aided by the distinctive trademarked crown lock), and they are all powered by Panerai’s automatic P.900 caliber. This gives them all the traditional Panerai dial layout with a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and date display. The movement provides 3 days of power reserve from one barrel, and beats at 4hz.
Overall, there is a lot for fans of the brand to like about these new releases from Panerai. The 44mm size will be wearable by more people than the 47mm models, and the new color and material combinations help keep the line modern. Additionally, some buyers will appreciate the sustainability aspects of the eSteel models. Core models will become available during May 2022, while eSteel and Luna Rosa models are available starting in June. They are priced at $9,600 USD (steel), $9,900 USD (Luna Rosa), $11,300 USD (eSteel), $18,200 USD (Carbotech). Learn more at the Panerai website here.