Q&AMaverick Explorer Mike Horn Reveals His Love For Panerai Submersible
South African-born Swiss professional explorer and Panerai ambassador Mike Horn has broken records such as swimming the Amazon River solo and undertaking an un-motorised circumnavigation of the globe at the equator. Quite recently, Panerai paid homage to the adventurer by unveiling the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676. We had a chat with Mike Horn about his over 20 years of unwavering association with Panerai and what kind of watch he’d like to wear on his next adventure
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TWG: Tell us of your involvement in designing the new Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676.
Mike Horn: I was involved in ensuring that this watch embodies the true spirit of adventure. It had to be durable, lightweight, and reliable in the harshest conditions. Panerai and I worked together to create something that aligns with my philosophy—pushing boundaries while respecting the planet.
TWG: What features of the Mike Horn PAM01676 represent your passion for adventure?
MH: The robustness of the case, the high legibility in low-light conditions, and the strong resistance to extreme temperatures make it perfect for exploration. It’s built for those who seek the unknown, just like I do.
TWG: If you were to design an expedition around the Mike Horn PAM01676, where would you organise it such that this watch is suitable and even helpful to overcome the hurdles and the terrain that you’d face?
MH: I’d take it to the Arctic or the deep Amazon jungle, two of the most extreme environments on Earth. Whether you are facing ice, humidity, darkness, or unpredictability, this watch is made to withstand it all.
TWG: What are the problems faced by adventurers like you during an expedition, which a timekeeping device can help with?
MH: Time is survival. In extreme conditions, knowing how much daylight you have left or accurately tracking your movements is crucial. A reliable watch like this ensures that I stay on schedule and make critical decisions based on time.
TWG: As a Panerai brand ambassador for over 20 years now, what have been the exciting moments in the journey?
MH: There have been many! From testing Panerai watches in extreme conditions to sharing my experiences with people worldwide. But the best part is seeing how the brand continues to innovate while staying true to its heritage.
TWG: Do you still have a bucket list of places you want to see and feats you want to achieve? Can you tell us some of it?
MH: Absolutely! The world is full of challenges. I’d love to explore more uncharted territories, push the limits of human endurance, and inspire others to do the same.
TWG: Did you wear a watch during your iconic traverse along the equator? If so, what was it?
MH: Yes, I did. During my Latitude Zero expedition, I wore a Sector watch. Back then, I was part of Sector’s famous ‘No Limits’ campaign, which championed explorers and athletes pushing past the boundaries of human endurance. Sector was an Italian brand known for making rugged, adventure-ready timepieces designed to survive the harshest conditions. For this journey, I had a special Sector ‘Mike Horn Edition’ watch, created specifically for me. It became a trusted companion as I crossed oceans, jungles, and deserts along the equator, and it never failed me.
TWG: Which are your favourite Panerai watches apart from the Mike Horn editions?
MH: The Submersible collection has always been a favourite of mine. It’s built for extreme conditions, and that’s exactly what I need.
TWG: Personally, what projects are you currently working on or developing?
MH: Right now, I’m focused on my expedition What’s Left, exploring the last untouched places on Earth. After spending an entire year immersed in the natural beauty and challenges of Greenland, it’s now time to head to the Amazon, a place that holds deep personal significance for me. The Amazon is where my career as an explorer truly began, when I swam down the river, and now, decades later, it remains a critical focus for my work. The Amazon is a rapidly changing part of the world that desperately needs our attention and protection. The Amazon is not only a place of incredible biodiversity but also a region under immense pressure from deforestation and climate change. By returning to where it all started for me, I hope to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these forests and their vital role in our planet’s health.
