Pros:
- Smaller wrist sizes can now enjoy Panerai
- Adjusting time on the go is super easy
- The rubber strap is comfortable on the wrist
Cons:
- Some may appreciate an open case-back
- No in-house movement
- Some may find the pricing to be expensive
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
- Value for money – 7.5/10
- Wearability – 8/10
- Design – 8/10
- Build Quality – 8/10
Released back in 2019 during the SIHH convention, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 42 was a breath of fresh air for dive watch enthusiasts and watch lovers who didn’t want to wear oversized watches. Panerai’s flagship diver model is arguably the PAM1389, which measures at a staggering 47mm case size.
In 2016, however, the brand decided to release their first small divers watch, the Panerai Submersible 682. This was a very simplistic timepiece with a date and sub-counter on a black dial featuring a stainless steel bezel. More importantly, the watch came in a much more wearable 42mm case size.
Fast-forward to 2019, Panerai released two different colourways for the Panerai Submersible 682, one of which is what we have for review today. The PAM00683 features much of the same characteristics that the 2016 Submersible 682 had, with the exception being new bezel colour, and more colour on the dial.
Case:
The case that the PAM00683, or better known as Luminor Submersible 42 Black Ceramic, comes in is a 42mm stainless steel case with a steel bezel with ceramic black insert. It should be noted that the giant crown guard used on this model is not considered with taking the 42mm case size. With the crown guard included, the “horizontal” measurement of the case comes to roughly 48mm. The case is also rated to a diving depth of 300m/1000ft.
The black ceramic bezel is certainly a nice change from the stainless steel used in the Submersible 682 version. The contrast with the white markers is so much crisper and easily noticeable. The bezel markings at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock have 15, 30, and 45 markings respectively. The lugs on this timepiece don’t curve in, which means that depending on wrist size it may not provide a snug fit.
Dial:
Panerai has used a black dial that quite nicely matches the bezel while giving a beautiful contrast against the hands and hour markers. The dial is very minimalistic for a diver’s timepiece, with a subtle date window addition at 3 o’clock and a seconds counter at the 9 o’clock position. Just the right amount of colour is used on the dial as well. Blue is used for the sub-counter hand and the wording “Submersible” and “300m/1000ft”. It’s interesting to note that the use of the colour blue on the sub-counter hand is in-fact to denote that an in-house calibre movement is used on this watch!
The hour indexes are also raised slightly, which gives a nice three-dimensional look to the dial. The same effect has been used as well on the bezel, which is certainly appealing compared to a standard bezel layout, where the markings are flat. All the hour indexes and hands come with Superluminova, which in low light conditions and deep-sea diving will come in handy.
Movement:
Panerai has used an in-house self-winding movement in the Luminor Submersible 42 Black Ceramic. The calibre OP XXXIV comes with a frequency of 4hz (28,800 bph) and gives out a hefty power reserve of approximately 3 days (72 hours). The timepiece comes with a closed case back which features the engravings of a submersible and the inscriptions “FIRENZE 1860”.
How does it wear?
On my 16.5cm inch wrist, the 42mm case sat well. The way the case is designed (lug to lug 51mm thickness of 13.5mm) for wrists smaller than 6.5inches, it would be hard to pull this watch off. With the watch weighing just over 130grams, I found it to be comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. But I have a feeling some may find that the watch head may get somewhat heavy after long periods of wear! The unidirectional rotating bezel is made with steel, with the applied black ceramic disc being easy to use and makes a great clicking noise when using!
The black caoutchouc strap is super comfortable to use and the use of iconic trapezoidal steel buckle is a great touch and goes well with the overall look of the watch. Whilst some may not wear this daily, changing the strap can make this watch suitable for any situation (lug size of 20/22mm). Setting the time is super easy and I love the fact that you can set a date/time on the go without taking the watch off the wrist!
It’s worth noting that the automatic calibre XXXIV offers hacking seconds for precise time setting. This Calibre also offers a minimum of 72hrs and I think this is great to have in today’s standards. It’s also worth noting that the movement is not an in-house movement by Panerai. It’s priced at $14,100 AUD and I think it’s fairly well priced for what’s on offer.
Being the first 42mm diver’s watch in Panerai’s Submersible range will surely cater to a wider audience, especially with modern enthusiasts wanting to wear smaller timepieces. With a 300m dive range and a power reserve of 72 hours, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 42 Black Ceramic certainly packs a punch. With a beautiful clean contrasting dial, it definitely looks the part too.
Panerai Submersible PAM00683 Specification:
- Case: 42 mm (20mm Lug width, lug-lug 51mm and thickness of 13.5mm)
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial: Black
- Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance: 300 meters
- Movement: Panerai OP XXXIV, (Hour, minutes, hacking small seconds and date)
- Power reserve: minimum of 72 hours
- Strap: Caoutchouc Black Rubber strap
Australian Retail Pricing : $14,100.00
Availability: Available Now
Enquire at local Authorised dealers :
- Brisbane – The Hour Glass
- Melbourne – Kennedy Watches and Jewellary
- Sydney – The Hour Glass and Swiss Concept
- Perth – Watches of Switzerland
