Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition
Panerai celebrates the achievements of intrepid explorer Mike Horn with the release of a limited edition model, the Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition (PAM01291). US-based journalist, Meehna Goldsmith examines this latest über-robust creation, infused with a high quotient of Florentine style.
In 2018, Panerai revisited its Submersible series with the introduction of the Submersible Chrono Guillaume Néry Edition, a collaboration with the French free diving champion who’s also known for his underwater photography and videos.
Considered a close cousin of the Luminor 1950, the Luminor Submersible line gets its design cues from the L’Egiziano model. Panerai made this particular watch exclusively for the Egyptian Navy in 1956.
As you’ll notice on the Guillaume Néry Edition, and those moving forward, the branding reads ‘Submersible’ instead of the name ‘Luminor Submersible’ that once appeared on some former models. Indeed, Panerai has since made the Submersible a collection in its own right. Harking back to its history of making watches for the Italian Navy, Panerai builds the Submersible diving watches like underwater tanks: durable, reliable and distinctly masculine.
Those Italian Naval divers first equipped with Panerai watches certainly had the spirit of adventure in their blood. Panerai embraces this theme in its tenets and partners with people achieving extraordinary feats.
It is almost 20 years since the brand linked arms with intrepid explorer and environmentalist, Mike Horn. His feats include a solo journey around the equator without motorised transport and circumnavigating the globe through the North and South poles in a journey lasting two years aboard his sailing vessel Pangaea, an expedition Panerai sponsored.
Panerai previously collaborated with Mike Horn on two limited edition watches, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days GMT “Pole2Pole” in 2016, and the Submersible Mike Horn Edition released in 2019. Notice the name change on the dial.
Following in the footsteps of the first Submersible Mike Horn, Panerai honours him again with the Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition. It’s a more complicated version of Horn’s first Submersible. As indicated in the name, this diver features a chronograph with a flyback function, which means that the chronograph function can be reset with one press of the button located at 8 o’clock, instead of the cumbersome stop, reset, start again.
The Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn is geared up and ready to take on the elements. In a formidable 47mm titanium case, it sports a black matte ceramic ring on the unidirectional bezel. While stainless steel and aluminium tend to collect scratches, ceramic is a champ withstanding accidental knocks and bumps without a mark. To protect the movement from water damage when diving, the chrono pushers screw down and form a seal. Feel free to explore the ocean to a depth of approximately 300 metres, as the watch meets all the criteria for a true dive watch.
Yes, all this functionality is impressive and practical. But when it comes down to it, you have to fall in love with a watch’s looks. I have to say the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn is quite a handsome specimen. The dark blue dial draws you in with its striking yellow central chronograph hands and applied white indices. Those familiar with the ‘Pole to Pole’ Horn watch will recognise the similar colour combo.
Most importantly, the dial is uncluttered and very legible. And, legibility is key if you expect to make it up from the watery depths before your air tank gives its last gasp of breath. It’s also crucial above sea level, whether you’re tackling the elements on a white water raft adventure or dashing crosstown for a meeting.
To power the Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn, Panerai has chosen the sturdy P.9100, an automatic movement incorporating chrono functions. With a healthy three-day power reserve, the watch doesn’t need to be babied in any sense.
Two straps accompany Horn’s new Submersible, a blue rubber accordion strap and the new UPCamo bi-material strap made with rubber and a camouflage fabric inspired by Italian Navy uniforms. Panerai’s patented strap system makes interchanging them a snap. All that’s needed is a screwdriver and the included tool to remove the trapezoidal pin buckle in brushed titanium.
Panerai puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to implementing environmentally responsible practices. The Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn and its accessories come in boxes made from recycled plastic, and that’s great and heartening news for our planet.
You might not do a full crossing of the Arctic Ocean via the North Pole, or summit Broad Peak in the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan without extra oxygen, like Horn. But whatever adventures you go on in your daily life, it’s a guarantee the Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn is up to the task. And, it looks good doing so.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition
- Reference: PAM01291
- Case: Brushed titanium, diameter 47mm, water resistance 30ATM (300m), sapphire crystal to the front and brushed titanium caseback
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph flyback, calculation of immersion time
- Movement: Calibre P.9100; automatic movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 37 jewels; power reserve = 3 days
- Strap: Blue rubber paired with a trapezoidal brushed titanium buckle
- Price: £17,900 (RRP as at 25.9.2021)
- Limited: 500 pieces