Expert Opinions: Panerai Submersible

Questions for expert watchmakers

We have selected watches from our range and asked specialists from Les Ambassadeurs and the brands concerned to give us their opinions. In the three-part "Expert Opinions" series, we present the most exciting watch models. Be curious.

Mario Ventura
Haute Horlogerie Workshop Manager, Panerai

Haute Horlogerie Workshop Manager, Panerai

Boris Lisser
Watchmaker, Les Ambassadeurs Zurich

Watchmaker, Les Ambassadeurs Zurich

What is the added value of Carbotech?

Mario Ventura: This material is derived from carbon fibre, which combines exceptional properties with a matt black colour. This aesthetic aspect gives each watch its unique character. Carbotech was developed to stand up to tough conditions: it is extremely resistant to external shocks and corrosion. To these structural properties can be added that of lightness in weight compared with stainless steel and titanium. I particularly appreciate its comfort on the wrist.

Boris Lisser: The case benefits from impressive qualities! It is made of Carbotech, with a matt black motif, unique to each watch, that varies according to the way the material is cut. Crafted from carbon fibre, Carbotech is also lighter than titanium, while still being particularly robust. Another argument in favour of the watch’s use under water – without mentioning its water-resistance to 300 metres.

                                                                   

What are the special features of the movement?

Mario Ventura: The calibre P.9010 is entirely produced by Panerai. It is sober in aspect while offering several functions such as a mechanical self-winding system, a date indication at 3 o’clock and a seconds display at 9 o’clock. Its energy is supplied by two barrels guaranteeing 72 hours of power reserve. Its reliability is without compare.

Boris Lisser: This creation is driven by the self-winding cali­bre P.9010, produced in-house. Already used in several of the brand’s watches, this movement has the advantage of unparalleled reliability. The presence of two barrels allows for increased power reserve, to the extent that this watch can run for three days without being rewound. Its dial indicates the hours, minutes, small seconds and date. For sure, a GMT function would have been an undeniable bonus for this timepiece whose design could hardly be more military, but all the same, the Submersible Carbotech PAM01616 remains a sport watch of excellent readability.

 

In what way does this watch embody the future of the Manufacture?


Mario Ventura: This model allies innovation and sportiness. On the one hand, the Carbotech is the fruit of the innovative effort of our Laboratorio di idee, which involves 20% of our Manufacture’s staff. On the other hand, with its matt black Submersible line, its luminescent blue hour markers and its water-resistance to 300 metres, the watch recalls the brand’s historical attach­ment to the marine world and to the pushing of one’s personal limits. This technical research – in particular on the materials that go into our watches – and this strong identity will continue to inspire our future developments.

Boris Lisser: Since the beginning of the Second World War, Panerai’s naval watches have possessed robust movements to brave the elements. Yet the writ­ing of the story goes on and the watches are con­stantly evolving. Everything is a question of com­bination: marrying traditional know-how and ultra-modern technology. Indeed, the PAM01616 clearly incarnates the brand’s capacity to innovate without needing to reinvent watchmaking. Under water, in extreme weather conditions or simply in the office, this watch is not just a jewel for con­noisseurs: it is also a valuable complement to any survival kit for adventurers – real or imaginary.

 

More about the watch.