WORDS
Eleanor Pryor
From an ambitious three-year circumnavigation of the world to climbing peaks of 8,000 metres without oxygen assistance, Mike Horn has pushed the limits of human capability and fortitude to the extreme. The professional explorer has been a Panerai ambassador for more than 15 years, with his inconceivably challenging adventures the perfect testing ground for the watchmaker’s trademark tough and resilient timepieces. If it can survive on his wrist, you know it can survive anywhere.
A new watch, limited to 500 pieces, pays respect to their previous collaborations while continually pushing horological boundaries. The Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition echoes a model created in 2016 to mark Horn’s Pole2Pole mission, which saw him travel around the globe via the North and South Poles. This comes through in the bold colour scheme that sees a deep-blue dial punctuated by bold highlights in yellow and white, bringing a stylish edge and excellent legibility.
Its practical credentials are bolstered further still by the sizable 47mm case, constructed from hard wearing, yet lightweight, brushed titanium. And, as to be expected from Panerai’s rugged diving watch, it comes with all the essential underwater features, including a unidirectional bezel screw-down pusher and water resistance of up to 300 metres. Powering it all is the P9100 movement, equipped with a technically advanced flyback function allowing the chronograph to be effortlessly reset and restarted with a single press.
Finishing the package in style is the choice of two straps, able to be easily changed thanks to Panerai’s patented system. The rubber option in a chunky accordion design lends a sporty edge, while you can switch up the look with the new UPCamo bi-material strap, inspired by Italian Navy uniforms. It comes packaged in boxes made from recycled plastic, not only representing Horn’s pioneering work as an environmentalist, but Panerai’s own commitment to sustainable practices.