There are lots of areas in which Panerai can be considered class leaders. Very few brands can challenge them when it comes to cushion cased dive watches or retro Italian style. However, I think one of the key areas of the watch business that they understand better than absolutely everyone is that buying a watch is about so much more than the wristwatch itself. It’s about the associated lifestyle, the thrill of something new and to sum it all up in one word, the experience. Which leads us to their latest release, the Panerai Submersible GMT Titanio Mike Horn Experience Edition PAM01670.
Panerai have released a handful of Experience Editions at this point, including the Forze Speciali and platinum Annual Calendar. Each of them comes with a thematic and exciting experience for the new owners associated with the corresponding timepiece. For example, the military Forze Speciali came with a Navy style bootcamp and the Annual Calendar came with a curated Italian city break. While we’re talking about experiences, Panerai are also offering one Oracle Time reader the chance to visit Watches & Wonders next year – full details here – no watch buying necessary. Encouraged, though.
Bhutan
Focussing in on the Submersible GMT Titanio Mike Horn Experience Edition PAM01670, owners of the watch will be invited to join famous explorer (and Panerai ambassador for 20 years) Mike Horn on a breathtaking expedition to Bhutan. Panerai describe the experience like this: “The journey will challenge both mental and physical boundaries to freely unfold guests’ personalities as modern heroes, while performing adrenaline pumping activities supported by their survival instruments. From preparatory trainings before trekking to witnessing its unique landscapes, cultural heritage and remote beauty, nestled in the Himalayas, participants will engage in hiking sessions as well as activities offering a sensorial deep dive into Bhutan’s history, culture and natural splendour and showcasing the country’s mystical blend of ancient and modern traditions.”
As for the watch itself, it measures a substantial 47mm in diameter in titanium with the case crafted using a Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technique. DMLS is an additive fabrication process similar to 3D printing, allowing Panerai to carefully control the tiniest aspects of the design ensuring optimal strength and weight. On top of the titanium case sits a unidirectional diving bezel produced in Carbotech, Panerai’s proprietary carbon composite material that’s even lighter than titanium.
The Panerai Submersible GMT Titanio Mike Horn Experience Edition PAM01670 features an openworked dial. It’s equipped with central hour, minute and 12-hour GMT hands with a subdial at 9 o’clock for small seconds and day-night indicator. The GMT indicators feature orange-tipped triangle hands that are designed to represent the colours of Bhutan’s flag.
On a mechanical level the most interesting part of the display is actually the polarized date function, denoted by the inscription ‘Optical Polar Date’ around the flange at 3 o’clock. It works by having the typical date disk created from a special transparent material that makes both the disk and numerals totally invisible except through the polarized aperture at 3 o’clock. It’s a really cool concept that means the date disk doesn’t obscure any of the openworked portions of the dials, which is really nice because I always find date disks to be the most unsightly part of a skeletonised display.
The movement that’s revealed beneath the invisible date disk is the P.4001/S, an automatic calibre equipped with a double barrel system providing a 3-day power reserve. A power reserve indicator is also visible through the exhibition caseback to help you keep track. You can also see the tungsten micro-rotor off centre beneath Mike Horn’s signature.
Considering that this watch comes with an expedition to Bhutan with a renowned explorer, it’s virtually impossible to gauge its value. It’s priced at £65,900, which would be madness for a titanium GMT even with a high-quality movement, carbon bezel and 500m water resistance. But given the story and experience attached, it ultimately seems about par for the course. It’s also a limited edition of just 30-pieces, heightening its exclusivity yet further.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Panerai
Submersible GMT Titanio Mike Horn Experience Edition
Ref:
PAM01670
Case:
47mm
diameter, titanium
Dial:
Open-worked
Water resistance:
500m
(50 bar)
Movement:
Panerai
calibre P.4001/S, automatic, 31 jewels, 341 parts
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
3
days
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date, GMT, AM/PM indicator
Strap:
Black
bi-material
Price:
£65,900,
limited to 30 pieces
More details at Panerai.
Oracle Time