In 1935, the Italian Royal Navy embarked on a programme of new underwater assault operations, enlisting the expertise of Panerai and its innovative timekeeping to aid them. It was so under wraps that the resulting designs were covered by the Military Secrets Act, not to hit the commercial market for several decades. 

This military heritage remains close to the watchmaker’s heart, evidenced in the tough and rugged creations for which it has become renowned. A new duo of watches made in partnership with the Italian Special Forces truly put their robust nature to the test, including the opportunity to put one of them through their paces in your own real-life military mission.

At first glance both the Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience Edition (PAM01238) and Submersible Forze Speciali (PAM01239) make their combat-ready credentials well known. They measure in at a chunky 47mm diameter, with a hardwearing DLC-coated titanium case fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel. Quirky touches include the small seconds and chronograph subdials, featuring a bull’s eye decoration recalling that of a marksman’s target. 

In the field precision is everything, and here it is no different. Each is powered by the in-house P.9100/R movement, with a sizable three-day power reserve. It incorporates several useful complications, including the flyback function enabling effortless resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a simple press of the pusher at 8 o’clock. More unusual is the “Time to Target” indication, which despite its dramatic name comes in handy even in more mundane everyday settings such as counting down to important events or meetings. The central chronograph hand is set at the desired interval via the button at 4 o’clock, with the stop/start pusher at 10 o’clock beginning the countdown. 

Each brings its own unique aesthetic. The Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali, limited to 300 pieces, nods to its aquatic origins with its blue ceramic bezel, reinforced by the engraving of a Marina Militare frogman on the caseback. Meanwhile the Submersible Forze Speciali Experience Edition, available in a run of just 50, is decked out in khaki green with a camouflage strap. This covert decor might come in handy, as each purchaser will be invited to Italy to join Italian Special Forces troops and get hands-on experience in a series of exercises. 

panerai.com