Q&AFreediving Into Nature’s Glorious Depths—In Conversation With Panerai Brand Ambassador Guillaume Néry

How did your association with Panerai come about and what have been the major highlights of this partnership?

It was a real privilege to collaborate with Panerai, three years ago. We launched a limited edition of 15 pieces of the Submersible Chrono 47mm watch with my name. The customers who bought this timepiece also got an experience to free dive with me in French Polynesia. It was probably the first time something like this was organised by a brand. I am also really excited about the new Panerai Luminor Marina 44mm Guillaume Néry Edition and can’t wait to try that on because this time we have experimented with a different model from their existing line.

What is it about Panerai that resonates most with you?

The passion for exploration and innovation is my quest when I am freediving. And that has been in the brand’s DNA since its inception. The major motivation driving Panerai is to create the best products, and I, too, strive for the best in terms of my projects—whether it’s shooting a film or exploring an underwater site.

For Guillaume Néry, it's essential that a diver's watch is robust in size, offering high legibility underwater. Here's he's seen sporting the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Amagnetic

Crafted in titanium, the watch offers a water resistance of 300m. It is equipped with an anti-clockwise-rotating bezel, and an in-house automatic movement, with a three-day power reserve

Panerai Luminor

₹11,48,400

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Can you share some thoughts on the Guillaume Néry special edition watches by Panerai? What were your inputs, when it came to conceptualising them?

The important aspect for me was to narrate all my experiences to Panerai’s team. It was imperative to give them details of what it’s like being underwater, the requirements and the mistakes one must avoid. So, when we set out to create the first limited edition, the challenge was to understand which model from their existing collections would be most appropriate for carrying out activities such as freediving. The Submersible checked all the boxes. The size of the watch was perfect since one needs to have a bigger dial with high legibility when one is diving to great depths. I also suggested that a chronograph was a good idea to incorporate into the watch for precise time measurements—the most important factor for humans while underwater. From a design point of view, when I am underwater, I try to think of the aesthetics while moving because I feel it’s not just about the pleasure of the eyes, but also how to be efficient while undertaking a task, and for me, the watch has to follow the same philosophy.

Launched in 2019, the Submersible Chrono Guillaume Néry Edition is a combination of performance, strength and reliability, worthy of the world champion who has inspired this watch

₹17,63,300

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It s a professional diving watch, water-resistant to a depth of about 300m, and is fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel, which accurately displays the duration of the dive

₹17,63,300

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The dial is clearly legible under all lighting conditions and even in complete darkness, thanks to the luminous white markers, which stand out against the textured background in shark grey

₹17,63,300

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"I always have my watch on because that’s like a link between my time underwater and on land. But during freediving, I don’t look at it because I’m quite focused on the activity," explains Néry

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Apart from the Guillaume Néry editions, which is your favourite Panerai watch and why?

I like the Submersible Mike Horn 47mm edition crafted in Eco-titanium because it also establishes Panerai’s commitment to sustainability and a greener planet.

Read our conversation with explorer Mike Horn, another Panerai ambassador

Panerai Submersible Explore the Collection

Why did you choose freediving? What is it about this that thrills you the most, and what are the challenges?

Freediving is much more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. Apart from the competitive aspect, I love that it gives me the flexibility to explore the natural underwater habitat. One has to train one’s mind and body to go deeper, and the biggest reward is the spectacular wildlife that one gets to witness. It’s your relationship with water and how you adapt during that specific time period, when you are in complete control. The challenge is to keep the passion and motivation alive to pursue this, every single day. I try to find ways to diversify and adopt a new approach towards keeping it interesting, while also broadening my horizons.

"Freediving is much more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. One has to train one’s mind and body to go deeper, and the biggest reward is the spectacular wildlife that one gets to witness," says Panerai's brand ambassador, Guillaume Néry

Your short film—One Breath Around The World offered some spectacular insights into marine environment. How did this shift to filmmaking happen, and what are the aspects you enjoy the most?

I started filmmaking 11 years ago with my first project—Free Fall. I was still competing then and my aim was to present something that was innovative and wasn’t explored earlier. Maybe that’s the reason I started freediving because it’s not the usual choice of sport for everyone. I have always loved underwater photography, and my foray into filmmaking is an extension of that. I wanted to showcase something different underwater because every time, one usually sees a freediver engaged in record jumps or moving about with flippers. My idea was to document activities such as walking, running, jumping, climbing—anything but swimming—while underwater and without any apparatus. 

What are the challenges of filming underwater?

For most of my projects I work with my wife, Julie Gautier, who’s also an underwater freediver and choreographer. While working on films, I am also thinking of other aspects such as balancing the camera, my movements and interaction with the marine wildlife as well, which is a complex process. That’s another reason why I can’t film at the same depths that are set for record dives.

Luminor, which has been used more recently as a base for a Guillaume Néry special edition, is a far more diverse collection of Panerai's, with even precious editions such as this one in gold

₹24,68,600

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This Panerai Luminor Marina model comes in an anthracite titanium case that's water-resistant to 300m. It is topped by a Carbotech bezel that complements the design scheme

₹15,01,100

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Here, the Luminor Marina 44mm watch in a brushed stainless steel case features the famed 'sandwich' dial with Arabic numerals

₹8,04,800

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Can you recall one instance where you felt your watch was really helpful while freediving?

I always have my watch on because that’s like a link between my time underwater and on land. But during freediving, I don’t look at it because I’m quite focused on the activity.

You’ve also previously been associated with another watch brand. How is it to be now with Panerai, which is so different from your previous partnership?

My previous association with Ball Watch Company initiated my interest in watches, but with Panerai, it went to the next level. For me, partnerships are not just about the money; the brand must also connect with me at various levels. I need to believe in their philosophy and with Panerai, it’s all about the spirit of innovation, adventure and exploration.

The Panerai Submersible Chrono Guillaume Néry Special Edition in black DLC titanium was the first pruduct of the partnership. It was launched in a limited edition of 15 pieces only

The gradient dial, with the most unique hue and texture comes to life with the turquoise blue—more like a light mint green—hands and accents

The movement is protected by a solid caseback in black DLC titanium with a special engraving, celebrating Guillaume Néry’s 126m freediving record

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How do you keep fear at bay while freediving? What are your thoughts since there’s no breathing apparatus involved?

I am not scared, and that’s because I have no equipment. I am happier to be completely self-reliant while underwater, and would probably be scared if my life was dependent on some diving apparatus. Since I have trained my mind and body, there is no element of surprise.

Please tell us about your future projects.

I am writing a book that explores the connection between humans and water. It’s not just about my career and records, but more about my experiences over the past few years while exploring the mysterious depths of various water bodies, all over the world. It also seeks to highlight the fragility of this eco-system, which is in grave danger today.