Panerai Submersible 42 Review

The first watches appeared in the early 1500s, and since then, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. Although the popularity of watches has fluctuated over the years, their classic appeal has remained timeless. The Panerai Submersible collection, particularly the 42mm model, exemplifies this enduring charm. Over the decades, the Panerai Submersible 42mm watch has emerged as one of the finest timepieces on the market.

But what sets this watch apart from the rest? What makes it unique compared to other watches? Continue reading to discover more about the Panerai Submersible 42mm diving watch and why it is considered a valuable investment.

Features and Functionality

You may already know that many watches are not waterproof and are not designed to be submerged in water. This is true for even very high-quality and expensive models. If you try to take your favorite watch underwater, you will most likely ruin it.

Many people have the problem of accidentally forgetting that they have a watch on before they go swimming or take a bath. As a result, their watch ends up getting ruined which, of course, is a big waste of money. Fortunately, there are some watch models that are resistant to water or even waterproof so you won’t have to worry about these problems.

In particular, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 42mm watch is designed to go under the water without sustaining any damage. This watch isn’t just water resistant but instead entirely waterproof. This is important because water-resistant watches aren’t able to be submerged safely.

Rather, they can sustain a bit of splashing or raindrops, but not much more than that before they get ruined. A watch that is waterproof, on the other hand, should be able to handle all sorts of water exposure. You can even take a bath or a shower with such a watch or jump into a pool with it. These watches will often fall under the dive watch category.

A Panerai dive watch is built to withstand deep water conditions, whether in saltwater or freshwater, allowing you to swim to significant depths with confidence.

This submersible watch belongs to the Luminor collection, featuring many of the visual elements characteristic of this series. However, it stands apart from the broader Luminor lineup because not all Luminor watches are submersible. This distinction makes the submersible model one of the most unique and sought-after Panerai watches.

Once you put on this watch, you won’t want to take it off. It exudes luxury in a way that few other watches can. Whether you’re looking to replace an old timepiece or add to an extensive watch collection, purchasing this model is a decision you won’t regret.

But what exactly does this watch look like, what features does it have, and how can you know if it’s the right choice for you and your lifestyle?

Design and Aesthetics

As mentioned before, because this watch is part of the Luminor collection, it does share many similarities with other Luminor watches. However, it also has some unique characteristics of its own that are sure to stand out and catch your attention. This is not to mention that there are a couple of variations in appearance that you can choose from if you are intent on buying this watch.

Bezel

To start, it has a rotatable bezel that rotates in one direction which catches the eye of anyone who wears it. It also has a crown guard that is, of course, designed in the Luminor style. You also can’t forget about the cushion case which adds an extra layer of luxury to this model.

As you browse the many luxury watch brands and models available you’ll likely find that they are designed to look good above anything else (although, of course, they function precisely as expected). After you review the Panerai Submersible watch collection, however, you’ll notice the collection prizes functionality just as much as esthetics. You can see this in how effective its submersible nature is.

Case Size and Thickness

You can bring this watch underwater as far down as 300 feet. This is certainly not a feat that most other watches can accomplish. Again, this watch was not only designed to be waterproof but instead, it was designed with divers in mind.

The submersible watch is a bit bulkier than the other Panerai watch models. Many of its usual models are quite thin and sleek because, overall, that is the type of look that is popular at the moment. This thinner look tends to go well with more refined types of clothes such as tailored suits.

This is not to say that oversized Panerai watches are bulky and ugly.

Dial Colors

It is important to remember that even these submersible watches are still crafted by Swiss watchmakers with only the finest and most careful touches. There is still a balance of form and size with these watches that makes them very stylish, even if they aren’t as thin and sleek as other Panerai models.

There are two main color variations you can get when choosing this watch. One contains a ceramic bezel that is a very fine, sky-blue shade along with a smoky gray dial. This make is known as the PAM00959. The other model has a black dial and a black ceramic bezel.

That model is known as the PAM00683. Both models are extremely classic, but the black-on-black one may be even more so. After all, black is such a sleek and timeless color that it is hard to go wrong with it.

On the other hand, the gray and blue model does add a certain modern vibe to the entire watch. This is not to mention that it will more easily stand out from the rest of your appearance, unlike the black watch which will be more likely to blend in. Besides that, the gray dial actually has a texture with little bumps on it which adds a bit more character to the watch as a whole.

For both models, the dial is never cluttered by the text that rests upon it. Instead, everything is perfectly spaced out so that the watch is easy to read and yet still easy on the eyes. The visuals on the dial are also easy to read even when you’re swimming several feet underwater.

Is the Watch Comfortable to Wear?

Now that you know that this watch, especially the face, is very classy and attractive, you might be wondering about the comfort that this watch has to offer.

Many people get so focused on the appearance of a watch that they overlook the importance of comfort. This is a mistake because even if you love how a watch looks, the last thing you want is to be constantly readjusting it due to heaviness, itchiness, or general discomfort.

Thankfully, these issues are not a concern with the Panerai Submersible watch. Like all Panerai watches, it is designed with not only style and functionality in mind but also comfort. The Panerai Submersible comes in various sizes, with the 42mm version currently being the smallest available.

However, this watch is by no means dainty. It is somewhat bulkier than other non-submersible Panerai models, but its overall size is quite standard within the world of watches.

It isn’t too small and thin and it isn’t too large and boxy either. Instead, it is essentially the Goldilocks of watch sizes. For that reason, you won’t have to worry about this watch getting in the way or snagging on the sleeve of your shirt. Instead, it will blend into your wrist quite well and you might even forget that you’re wearing it sometimes. If the watch was a touch larger, it would be a bit irritating to handle, and if it was a touch smaller, it would be too dainty and hard to read.

Strap Options and Customization

If you are like me, you might not be thrilled about the rubber straps provided by Panerai. Although they look good and fit the overall appearance of the watch, they can sometimes cheapen the feel of a watch. Despite the comfort they have to offer and the fact that they are waterproof, you can always change out the straps if you really want something that looks and feels different.

For example, you could easily switch out the rubber straps for straps made of leather or a similar material. Plus, it is easy to change out the straps since the watch has an easy-release feature for exactly this purpose. Just remember that if you use a watch strap that is made of a more delicate material like suede, the strap may get ruined if you decide to take it underwater.

Panerai Submersible Price

By now, you should be aware of the majority of the features that this watch has to offer. The next thing you’ll want to know is the price and which options are within your budget.

The Panerai Submersible collection is renowned for its robust design, exceptional performance, and premium materials. These factors contribute to its pricing, which can vary significantly depending on several key elements. On the pre-owned market, the price of a Panerai Submersible can range from $7,400 to $20,000 or more. This fluctuation is primarily driven by demand, the specific model, and the materials used in the watch.

One of the main factors influencing the price is the type of materials used in the construction of the watch. Models featuring precious metals such as gold or advanced materials like carbon fiber tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Additionally, limited edition models or those with unique design elements can command higher prices due to their rarity and collectibility.

Another crucial aspect affecting the price is the condition of the watch. Pre-owned models in excellent condition, with original packaging and documentation, will typically fetch higher prices. Conversely, watches with visible wear and tear or missing components might be available at lower prices but may require additional investment for restoration or servicing.

The provenance and service history of the watch can also impact its value. Watches with a well-documented history of maintenance and care of a Panerai watch are more desirable to collectors, as they ensure reliability and longevity. Purchasing from reputable dealers or platforms that authenticate and guarantee the condition of the watch is highly recommended to avoid potential pitfalls.

Conclusion

In summary, the Panerai Submersible 42 stands as a testament to Panerai’s dedication to quality, innovation, and timeless design. This ultimate buying guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of its features, pricing, and key considerations. Whether you’re drawn to its robust construction, advanced materials, or its esteemed heritage, the Submersible 42 offers a compelling blend of functionality and style. By taking into account factors such as condition, provenance, and material composition, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences. Investing in a Panerai Submersible 42 not only ensures you own a remarkable timepiece but also a lasting symbol of craftsmanship and luxury.