Panerai Honors a Century-Long Bond with the Italian Marina Militare

For over 100 years, Panerai and the Italian Navy — the Marina Militare — have shared a legacy built on precision, innovation, and resilience. This enduring partnership began in the 1910s, when Panerai was entrusted with creating precision instruments for the Navy’s most challenging missions.

From the earliest depth gauges and compasses to pioneering water-resistant military watches, Panerai shaped the way naval personnel measured time and navigated extreme environments. Today, that history finds new expression in the Submersible Marina Militare collection, inspired by the Aviazione Navale — the Navy’s aviation branch.

A Partnership Forged in Innovation

Panerai’s collaboration with the Marina Militare extended well beyond wristwatches. Over the decades, the brand developed technical equipment and landing systems for aircraft carriers and naval helicopters. Each invention reflected Panerai’s relentless focus on engineering solutions for survival in unforgiving conditions.

In 1935, this partnership produced the Ref. 2533 prototype, a watch built to endure the rigors of underwater operations. Its design DNA still runs through Panerai’s professional-grade dive watches today.

Inspired by Naval Aviation Excellence

The Aviazione Navale serves as the Navy’s airborne force, capable of projecting operational capabilities across sea and land in some of the world’s most challenging environments. This new Submersible series draws from that spirit — combining military-grade performance with modern watchmaking artistry.

The PAM1697: Stainless Steel Strength

The Submersible Marina Militare Ref. PAM1697 features a 44mm brushed stainless steel case with a polished and brushed unidirectional bezel inlaid with a green matte ceramic disk. A sapphire crystal protects the green grained matte dial, while the engraved caseback proudly displays the Aviazione Navale wings emblem.

Key Details:

• Water resistance: 300 meters

• Movement: Swiss automatic Panerai caliber P.900, 3-day power reserve, Incabloc anti-shock

• Dial: Grey SuperLuminova hands and indices; small seconds counter styled like a radar screen, complete with engraved Aviazione Navale anchor insignia

• Straps: Green canvas with stainless steel buckle, plus an additional black rubber strap

The PAM1698: Carbotech Mastery

Where the PAM1697 leans on steel’s timeless durability, the Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech Ref. PAM1698 pushes material innovation forward. Carbotech — crafted by compressing carbon fiber sheets with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) under high heat and pressure — offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

Notably lighter than titanium or ceramic, Carbotech ensures remarkable comfort on the wrist while its matte black, patterned finish makes each watch visually unique.

Key Details:

• 44mm Carbotech case and bezel

• Engraved titanium DLC caseback with Aviazione Navale wings emblem

• 300-meter water resistance

• Same P.900 movement and dial design as PAM1697

• Straps: Green canvas with titanium buckle, plus an additional black rubber strap

A Statement from Panerai’s Leadership

“The new Submersible Marina Militare timepieces are symbols of our enduring partnership with the Italian Navy, a relationship that began in the 1910s and remains a cornerstone of our DNA,” says Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Panerai. “Designed as true tool watches, these timepieces honor our legacy of engineering precision instruments for survival and adventure. This launch continues our mission to create timepieces that reflect Panerai’s military heritage while inspiring extraordinary journeys in the toughest conditions.”

Legacy Meets Modern Mastery

With the PAM1697 and PAM1698, Panerai bridges its century-old naval heritage with cutting-edge materials and military-grade performance. Both models embody the durability, functionality, and distinctive style that have made Panerai a benchmark in professional timekeeping.

From underwater missions in the 1930s to modern naval aviation, Panerai’s partnership with the Marina Militare remains a testament to precision engineering, rugged elegance, and a shared commitment to thriving in the extreme.