ReviewA Deep Dive Into Panerai’s Submersible QuarantaQuattro (44mm)
Forty-four in Italian is quarantaquattro, which is also the size of this watch case, and fits snugly between the 47mm and 42mm models of the Submersible collection
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The Submersible collection of Panerai’s military watches has undergone significant changes over the past few years. These changes began when Jean-Marc Pontroué became CEO in 2018 and decided to carve out the Submersible from the Luminor collection to make it Panerai’s flagship dive watch. The Submersible retained the Luminor’s cushion-shaped case and Safety Lock crown protection device, but it also featured a unidirectional rotating bezel and increased water resistance to 300m. Since 2018, the Submersible has only been available in two case sizes. The new 44mm QuarantaQuattro, however, strikes the perfect balance in size as it is 2mm larger than the smallest 42mm version, giving it that classic Panerai heft. However, it is 3mm smaller than the 47mm version, making it comfortable to wear for those with smaller wrists. This is the ultimate do-it-all timepiece for any adventure, whether it be diving, hiking, riding, or surfing.
The QuarantaQuattro is available in various combinations of case material, bezel, dial, and strap colour, and is designed to complement the existing Submersible collection, catering to the preference of case size. Additionally, Panerai have incorporated new materials such as Carbotech and BMG-Tech into the Submersible range. Each QuarantaQuattro is driven by Panerai’s P900 movement, engineered to withstand the rigours of diving. Its balance features Incabloc™ shock protection and ticks at a frequency of 4Hz. The movement itself is made up of 171 components, including 23 jewels, and is powered by a single barrel that allows for a 72-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Stainless Steel Construction
The new Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro line offers a range of case materials, including the classic brushed 316L stainless steel, the high-tech Carbotech, and a full stainless steel option. The PAM01229 model features a sleek stainless steel case and caseback, with polished steel hands, and hour markers on a matt black dial with striking blue accents. You can choose between two straps, either a black rubber strap made from 30-percent recycled materials or a dark grey fabric strap made from 68-percent recycled materials.
The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco is a fresh twist on the collection with its matt white dial and black hands and hour markers. The seconds sub-dial is uniquely marked with white oval markers at the quarters and black dots at the other intervals. This watch comes with a new military green rubber strap, giving it a rugged, alpine-inspired look.
Lightweight Carbotech
The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech Blu Abisso utilises the lightest material available from Panerai—the carbon-fibre based composite known as Carbotech. It is made from compressing thin sheets of long carbon fibre under high pressure and a controlled temperature with a binding agent called polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The resulting material is lighter than both ceramic and titanium, and resistant to corrosion, shocks, and scratches. Each Carbotech case has a unique variegated pattern resembling wood grain, making no two cases alike.
This Carbotech version features a titanium crown and caseback with a black DLC coating, complementing the dark tones of the case. The dial is a deep blue colour, reminiscent of the ocean depths, with matt black hands and hour markers, and white accents for improved legibility. The seconds hand is also in white, and the ‘automatic’ designation is replaced with the Carbotech label. It comes with a recycled rubber strap in the same shade of blue as the dial, completing the underwater theme.
Power Of eSteel
Panerai, known for its luxurious watches, have recently added eSteel to their material development portfolio. In the QuarantaQuattro—one of three new Submersible models featuring eSteel—has 52 percent of its 137g total weight made up from the said material. While the percentage of eSteel is lower than the amount used in other models, it is still a significant step in Panerai’s journey towards reducing its waste footprint.
Along with recycled materials, eSteel has the same physical properties as conventional stainless steel, including structural integrity and resistance to corrosion. Panerai’s new eSteel Submersibles come in three colours: verde smeraldo (emerald green), grigio roccia (rock gray), and blu profondo (deep blue). Each colour option has a matching dial, bezel, crown knurling, and two straps. The dials have a gradient effect that transitions from light to dark, creating the appearance of sunlight fading as you dive deeper into the ocean. The bezels on the eSteel Submersibles are made with a highly polished coloured ceramic insert—a first for Panerai. The straps are made from recycled rubber or recycled PET plastic woven into fabric.
Final Thoughts
Panerai are reputed for their stunning diving watches, such as the Radiomir and Luminor models that have set the bar for the rest of the industry. It has been fascinating to observe the evolution of Panerai’s Submersible line, as the new QuarantaQuattro model—a highly anticipated release—is sure to be significantly regarded by the horological community.
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