It’s no secret that PANERAI has deep-rooted ties with Italy. Originating in Florence, the brand is not only a symbol of Italian luxury but was also once the official supplier of military timepieces to the Royal Italian Navy. Recently, PANERAI unveiled two new collaborative models with the Italian Naval Aviation unit: the Submersible Marina Militare PAM 01697 and PAM 01698, showcasing a new era of ruggedness and refined military style.
Italians are renowned for their taste in fine living — from haute cuisine and bespoke tailoring to supercars and high jewelry. But beyond la dolce vita lies a powerful military backbone: according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Ranking, Italy ranks 10th in the world. PANERAI’s military legacy dates back to the 1910s, when it began designing instruments for the Italian Navy, including luminous tools for nighttime missions. In 1935, it introduced the prototype Ref. 2533 to support the Navy’s elite underwater commandos on their most challenging missions.
The two new timepieces — PAM 01697 and PAM 01698 — draw inspiration from the battle-tested Aviazione Navale (Italian Naval Aviation). This isn’t PANERAI’s first collaboration with the unit; earlier this year, the brand launched the Submersible Chrono Marina Militare Experience Edition PAM 01699, limited to just 35 pieces worldwide. Collectors lucky enough to acquire one were invited to join an exclusive training experience with the Italian Naval Aviation, offering a rare taste of military-grade precision, discipline, and endurance.
Both models are powered by PANERAI’s P.900 automatic movement, offering a three-day power reserve, time and date display, and the iconic torpedo-style small seconds hand. The difference lies in their construction: PAM 01697 features a stainless steel case and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a matte green ceramic insert — highly resistant to scratches and built for long-term durability. In contrast, PAM 01698 is housed in Carbotech, a carbon fiber composite material that is lighter than titanium or ceramic, corrosion-resistant, and has a stealthy matte-black finish.
Both watches are paired with a rare and rugged green canvas strap, adding to their bold military aesthetic. These new models are now available at PANERAI boutiques worldwide.
