Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Edition
The Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Edition honours the courageous ‘photographer, alpinist, filmmaker and environmentalist’. It’s offered in two versions, one limited to 100 pieces and a second limited to just 14 examples. Angus Davies looks closely at these two models. Moreover, he asks, ‘can the watch industry keep releasing hundreds of novelties each year without upsetting existing owners and retailers alike?’
For many years, hordes of buyers and journalists would descend on Basel and Geneva eager to see the watch industry’s latest horological delights. Months of planning were devoted to just a few days of feverish activity. Now, given the current covid situation, exhibitions are virtual and human contact has ceased. However, some things remain the same. Watch brands continue to showcase new models, keen to attract more customers and secure as many column inches as possible.
The only problem is that all too often the release of a new model renders its predecessor obsolete. Retailers are left with old stock and customers are left feeling their watch is somewhat a tad passé. While brands can’t stay still, the discontinuance of a model hardly seems compatible with the notion of luxury.
Panerai – eminently sensible
Like many watch brands, Panerai has released a plethora of new watches in the past few years. However, its approach seems eminently sensible and consistent with the term ‘luxury’.
Panerai’s ‘novelties’ subscribe to one of three longstanding styles, the Luminor, the Radiomir and the Submersible. Incidentally, the latter collection was once a member of the Luminor family. New watches have been released but they always complement the existing references rather than supplant them.
Furthermore, discontinued models are in much demand. For example, the PAM 127, often termed the ‘Fiddy’ is a so-called ‘grail watch’ for most self-respecting Paneristi. Released in 2002 and limited to 1950 pieces, the models were readily snapped up. Today, a ‘Fiddy’ will cost typically £11,000 – £13,000, a significant uplift on the model’s original price of circa $7,000.
Nowadays, limited edition Panerai watches are in high demand and readily sell for ‘overs’. Quite simply, Panerai has learnt how to unveil new watches without disenfranchising its loyal customers.
Two new limited-edition models
The Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Edition comes in two versions, the PAM01207 and the PAM01208. The eponymous watches, named after Jimmy Chin, a courageous ‘photographer, alpinist, filmmaker and environmentalist’ are perfect for intrepid types with a penchant for thrills. However, the models are also suitable for individuals who appreciate a robust timepiece imbued with a sizeable dose of lasting style.
Both models share much in common. They both measure 47mm in diameter, feature a bicompax dial layout and are fitted with the much-loved broad Submersible bezel with its prominent indexes. Each watch features the P.9100 calibre, a chronograph with two barrels. Moreover, both models are equipped with a flyback function. Most chronographs feature a pushpiece at 2 o’clock to start/halt the stopwatch function. A second pushpiece, usually located at 4 o’clock, resets the chronograph hands. However, imagine trying to time consecutive events in quick succession, the time taken to stop, reset and start the chronograph would negate the relevance of any time recorded. The Flyback is the perfect solution. While the chronograph is running, the wearer can note a runner’s lap time, press the pushpiece at 4 o’clock and within the blink of an eye begin timing the next lap. The pushpiece serves as a one-stop shop, ‘stop, reset and start’ with one flex of the index finger.
As its name suggests, these watches are not restricted to paddling in shallow waters. In fact, they are water-resistant to 300m, making them ideal for seaside pursuits.
The PAM01207 is housed in a brushed titanium case and sports a grey dial enlivened with luminous hour markers and dots. Limited to just 100 pieces, exclusivity is assured.
For the ultimate expression of Swiss-Italian horology, look no further than the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Edition (PAM01208). This model exudes a stealthy temperament courtesy of its brushed titanium DLC case. The diver’s bezel is formed of titanium ceramic and the dial is dressed in dark grey hues. Sadly, Panerai plan to make only 14 pieces. As I type these words, I suspect all examples have already been devoured by hungry ‘Paneristi’, the name given to the brand’s loyal devotees.
Undoubtedly, both the PAM01207 and the PAM01208 will be much sought after and may well enjoy the same fate as the Fiddy. In my opinion, Panerai knows how to release new products without diminishing the worth of past models. This respects the interests of owners and retailers alike, something many brands have so far failed to grasp.
The brand’s press release
Ascend to new heights with new high-performance Panerai watches inspired by Brand Ambassador Jimmy Chin, including a model that includes a multi-day experience with Chin in the mountains of Wyoming.
With his manifold list of audacious pursuits—photographer, alpinist, filmmaker and environmentalist—Jimmy Chin is the model of the modern hero Panerai creates instruments to serve. His intelligence, determination and creativity have guided him to historic accomplishments, including becoming one of the only people to ski off the summit of Mount Everest and receiving an Academy Award for co-directing documentary feature Free Solo. Two watches inspired by his singular story, the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback – J. Chin Edition and the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback – J. Chin Xperience Edition, are tributes to his indomitable spirit.
“An intense drive to transcend limitations is at the foundation of everything Panerai stands for. Jimmy Chin is an ideal partner because he shares that same ambition,” says CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué. “He brings a sense of limitless possibilities to everything he does, from scaling the world’s tallest mountains to capturing remarkable athletic feats on film. And his devotion to environmental activism is totally compatible with our commitment to building a more sustainable future for the watchmaking world.”
The Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback – J. Chin Xperience Edition features a lightweight and remarkably strong 47mm titanium case with matte black DLC coating while the crown, the lever and the bezel are in titanium. Dots, indices and hands filled with white Super-LumiNovaTM, a shaded grey dial and blue accents, like the central chronograph seconds hand, compose a high-contrast palette drawn from icy mountain landscapes. The watch will be available in a limited edition of only 14 pieces.
Aptly named, the Xperience Edition will include an opportunity to join an excursion to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Chin resides for much of each year. There, participants will be his guests for several days, getting an intimate view of his life through outdoor adventures, including climbing and wakeboarding, his leisure pastimes and favourite dining destinations. It will be the very first time Panerai has offered a US-based experience with Chin.
Photography, an artistic and technical practice that is inseparable from Chin’s sporting life, will be the subject of a hands-on seminar. The trip will be a rare opportunity to forge a personal connection with one of the world’s great adventure athletes in settings both exhilarating and contemplative.
“So much of my work has to do with storytelling that will broaden the understanding of the world around us. I was attracted to collaborating with Panerai because of the brand’s unique story and long heritage of creating tools that enable exploration and I’m honoured that Panerai created two watches that take inspiration from my journey.”, states Jimmy Chin.
The Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback – J. Chin Edition bears a close resemblance to the Xperience model but has an aesthetic character of its own thanks to a 47mm brushed titanium case that fuses rugged wearability and a refined appearance. Exclusively available in the United States, it will be available in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
There are many features the watches share. Engineered with the precision required by elite adventurers, both are powered by the P.9100 movement. The movement features the flyback function, which allows the chronograph to reset and restart with one press of the pusher at eight o’clock, and a power reserve of three days.
The caseback is engraved with imagery that evokes Chin’s diverse and celebrated achievements: a dramatic mountain range, intersecting skis and a United States flag, along with a “Jimmy Chin Edition” inscription.
Water-resistant up to 30 bar (about 300 meters), each watch features a trapezoidal pin buckle and two straps: a dual-material strap composed of rubber and grey technical fabric and another one made mainly of recycled plastic, in grey with light blue stitching. Also included is a tool to allow interchangeability of the straps and a screwdriver for removing the buckle. The watches and their accessories are housed in boxes made from recycled plastic, part of an ongoing commitment by Panerai to be a leader in promoting environmentally responsible watch manufacture.
Further reading