Introducing: The Panerai Submersible 42mm

January 14, 2019

With newly installed CEO Jean-Marc Pontrou now at the the reins of Panerai, it's looking like the Submersible figures to be an area of focus for the Swiss watchmaker with Italian roots. After all, there are several new introductions to Panerai's lineup of dive watches C the simplest and smallest of these being the Submersible 42mm, which we have right here. Another indicator may be that each of these new watches is now simply named Submersible, the name Luminor no longer preceding it.?Of course, the cushion shaped case is still of the Luminor type, with its tell-tale trademarked crown protector. Each new reference also features water resistance to 300 meters and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a lume pip. The first Submersible 42mm is a sleek black number with a black ceramic bezel and white and blue accents. The second ?has a grey dial with a blue ceramic bezel. Each is outfitted with a the caliber OP XXXIV, which while not an in-house Panerai movement strictly speaking, is produced by the Richemont Group to specifications requested by Panerai. You may remember the OPXXXIV from the Luminor Due 38, which saw its debut just last year at SIHH. Initial Thoughts The Panerai Submersible 42mm is the Submersible at its most basic and more wearable. For a brand that tends to make watches a degree of magnitude larger than what is considered the industry average, a 42mm diver is on the small-to-moderate side, and I could see this looking and fitting great on my seven-inch wrist. While I enjoyed wearing and reviewing the Luminor Due 38 this summer, I think that as far as Submersibles are concerned, going south of 40mm might be a risky move. This watch feels like a great size.? The Basics Brand: PaneraiModel: SubmersibleReference Number:?PAM00683 (black); PAM00959 (blue)Diameter: 42mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Black (PAM 00683), Grey (PAM00959)Indexes: Applied, lume filled stick markers for 12 and six o'clock, round markers for other hoursLume: Yes, hour markers and handsWater Resistance: 300 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black (PAM00683) or blue (PAM00959) rubber strap The Movement Caliber: OP XXXIV (based on ValFleurier bauche)Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, dateDiameter: 12.5 lignesThickness: 4.2mm Power Reserve: 72 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 23 Pricing & Availability Price: $9,500For more click here.