Words: Russell
Let’s start off by saying that this £33,900 will get you more than a watch. If you are lucky enough to strap on one of only 15 pieces ever made, you will also enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will see you testing your new Submersible watch in its natural habitat.
That’s right, buy this latest watch from Panerai and you’ll actually get to take it beneath the waves. But, before we dive into that side of the buying experience, let’s take a closer look at the strapping timepiece itself.
The Chrono’s DLC treated titanium 47mm case may sit large on your wrist, but it’s packing a lot of horological power in there. The in-house movement has 302 components and these allow you to control the flyback chronograph and will keep the watch ticking for three days straight.
And all of these functions are all kept safe in the water — up to 300 metres down — thanks to Panerai’s unique crown locking system. It’s an iconic piece of engineering, and one which also gives the timepiece its iconic silhouette.
The dial, too, has been given a unique shark skin textured finish with a stunning blue fading to black colouring, to call to mind the slowly disappearing light when deep sea diving.
Which brings us back to the dive. If you’re one of the 15 recipients of this watch, you’ll be flown out to French Polynesia for expert tutoring in the art of freediving from world champion Guillaume Nery.
The French athlete has held multiple world records for constant weight freediving and is now an ambassador for Panerai, creating incredible photographs and videos alongside the brand to raise awareness of the environment — in which he can dive to an incredible depth of 126 metres in one breath.
So, while you may not be able to reach such impressive depths right away, Nery will be sure to show you the mysterious secrets of the impossibly hard and solitary sport of freediving. And, once you’re done in French Polynesia, you’ll still have your great new diver’s watch — to enjoy for years to come, and fuel dinner party conversation for even longer.
Now check out the IWC Pilot’s watch Spitfire Automatic…
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