Panerai has officially expanded its military narrative with two Submersible models that for the first time specifically honor the Aviazione Navale, the aviation branch of the Italian Navy. The PAM01697 (steel + ceramic insert) and PAM01698 (Carbotech) feature a 44-mm case, 300-meter water resistance, a “radar” small seconds at 9 o’clock, gray markers with Super-LumiNova X2, and house the proven P.900 caliber with a 72-hour power reserve. Prices: $12,500 (steel) and $19,500 (Carbotech). These are the Panerai Submersible Marina Militare “Aviazione Navale”.
Panerai has been synonymous with wet, salty and very, very useful for decades. This time, Submersible turns its sights to the sky. The new Marina Militare “Aviazione Navale” is not only a tribute to the frogmen, but also to the pilots who operate over the same waves. It is the first dedicated duet with the aviation branch of the Italian Navy – and it shows on the dial and the caseback.
Aviazione Navale on the dial and back
The most notable detail is the “radar” sub-seconds indicator at 9 o’clock with fine traces and the engraved historical Aviazione Navale anchor. The caseback bears the wings of the Aviazione Navale – a first for the regular (non-Experience) Panerai collection; until now this element was reserved for super-limited adventures.
Housing and materials: steel + ceramic or Carbotech
Both new models use the signature Submersible architecture, measuring 44 mm in diameter and featuring a massive crown guard. The PAM01697 is in 316L/316LVM stainless steel with a unidirectional rotating green ceramic bezel insert; the PAM01698 steps onto the dark side with a case and bezel made of Carbotech (laminated carbon + PEEK), which is lighter than titanium and resistant to shocks and corrosion. Water resistance? Professional 300m, with a steel caseback for the PAM01697 and DLC-titanium for the PAM01698.
Dimensions that indicate load-bearing capacity
The lug-to-lug extension is approximately 53.5 mm, so it is a "full-blooded" Panerai, but realistically wearable on most wrists. Thickness? Steel 13.45 mm, Carbotech 14.25 mm - numbers that nicely explain why the steel version feels a bit flatter on the wrist.
Light: higher indices, more lume, less glare
The dial is a matte green grained finish with a gentle transition to black towards the edge. Panerai has increased the diameter of the hour markers by 20 %, which provides 45 % more luminous surface – and in tactical grey Super‑LumiNova X2, instead of the classic “neon” green. The result is a legibility that is more technical than theatrical.
Note: Panerai is introducing the Grade X2 this year as an upgrade to the well-known X1; on the brand's official website, the X2 is listed as having a brighter coating for better readability.
Mechanics: P.900 – 72 hours of pragmatics
Both models are powered by the automatic P.900 (28,800 vph, 4.2 mm thick) with a 72-hour power reserve, date and hacking seconds. It is a compact, robust caliber from the ValFleurier house within Ricmont, which allows Panerai to have a relatively slim case with a water resistance of 300 m.
Straps and tool ergonomics
You get a dark green canvas strap with T/T stitching as standard (the military vibe is intentionally straightforward) and an additional black rubber strap for wet days. The buckle is made of steel on the Steel and DLC-titanium on the Carbotech, in keeping with the visual theme.
Prices, availability and actual targets – Panerai Submersible Marina Militare “Aviazione Navale”
The Panerai Submersible Marina Militare “Aviazione Navale” models are not limited editions. Sales are already underway: $12,500 for the PAM01697 (steel) and $19,500 for the PAM01698 (Carbotech). In Europe, the numbers translate to ~€12,100 and ~€18,900. The target audience? People who want a Submersible with a military pedigree but with a fresh aviation aesthetic – and without hunting the lottery.
Quick technical summary: Panerai Submersible Marina Militare “Aviazione Navale”
– Case diameter: 44 mm (L2L ~53.5 mm) • Thickness: 13.45 mm (steel) / 14.25 mm (Carbotech) • Water resistance: 300 m
– Material: AISI 316L/316LVM + green ceramic bezel (PAM01697) / Carbotech case and bezel (PAM01698); steel or DLC‑Ti case back with Aviazione Navale emblem
– Dial: matte green with darkened edge; gray Super‑LumiNova X2; larger indexes (+20 % → +45 % lume)
– Mechanism: Panerai P.900, automatic, 72 h, date, hacking
– Straps: green canvas (T/T), additional black rubber; steel or DLC‑Ti buckle
Who should take the steel, who Carbotech?
If you want the all-around “Panerai-feel” with a touch of pilot irony and a slightly slimmer profile, go for steel with a ceramic insert. If you’re tempted by the maximum size-to-weight ratio, striking texture, and dark, “stealth” look, Carbotech is hard to ignore—even with a few extra millimeters of thickness and a higher price tag.
Conclusion: a two-dimensional soldier
A new one Marina Militare Aviazione Navale is a diver who is not afraid of turbulence. It does not “reinvent” the iconic Submersible line, but refreshes it with seriously measured pilot references: radar at 9 o’clock, wings on the back, more light and consideration of ergonomics. If you have always liked Panerai, but you wanted less “flashy” militaryness and more technical precision, this is one of the most balanced entries into the world of Marina Militare in recent years. Next step? Tested on the wrist in daylight and in the dark – the X2 deserves a night out.
