Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 Watch Review
The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 is the latest expression of Italianate watch design to emanate from the Neuchâtel-based Manufacture. Paying tribute to ‘the world’s greatest modern day explorer’ and Panerai ambassador of more than 20 years, this latest model is highly practical and gorgeous to behold.
Mike Horn – Panerai ambassador since 2001
In a couple of months time, I will attend Watches & Wonders 2025 and view the latest creations from the assembled exhibiting brands. Punctuating my daily agenda of one-to-one meetings, there will be a number of interesting seminars on offer, presented by leading industry figures, including some brand CEOs. These often provide valuable insight into a company’s background, new developments in the pipeline and the overall health of the watch industry.
Last year, I attended a seminar hosted by Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai. Joining him on the stage was a chap with a South African accent, Mike Horn. I confess that at the time the gentleman was unfamiliar to me; however, after a bit of discreet Googling at the back of the auditorium, I established that Mr Horn is reputed to be ‘the world’s greatest modern day explorer’. Subscribing to a ‘it would be rude to leave’ policy, I decided to sit it out and listen to Mr Horn. It was a wise decision as he proved to be a fascinating speaker.
A longstanding Panerai ambassador since 2001, his intrepid travels have seen him swim solo down the Amazon River, sail unaccompanied across vast oceans, climb mountains and trek the icy plains of the Arctic. Mike Horn is the only person I have ever heard give advice, ‘on how to deal with a polar bear!’ In between his all-action antics, Mike Horn also enjoys sharing his thoughts on the environment and motivating others through his series of ‘Masterclass videos’.
QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 – dial
Now, the Italian-Swiss watch brand has unveiled a new model bearing the name of the famous explorer, the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676. I confess to being a lifelong Paneristi and this reference certainly ticks all the boxes with its familiar Italianate styling.
The dial is blue, vertically brushed and marked with plump circular indexes along with Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 12 o’clock. The hour and minute hands are fulsome, partly openworked and lined with lashings of lume. A small seconds display resides at 9 o’clock, a feature found on many of the brand’s models, including the iconic Luminor of the 1950s that came fitted with an Angelus 8-day movement.
Panerai was born out of fulfilling the requirements of the Royal Italian Navy and its watches were ostensibly intended to be functional; however, from the outset they have always been incredibly stylish, exhibiting their own unique charm. In this instance, the dominant blue and white hues of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 are tastefully accented with smatterings of yellow detail, further heightening eye-appeal.
QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 – case and P.9000 calibre
Housed in a steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter, this new model brims with testosterone and looks more than capable of surviving the hostilities of life, even when affixed to Mr Horn’s wrist. The unidirectional bezel, a pre-requisite for all professional divers’ watches, incorporates a polished ceramic insert, a scratch-resistant material that won’t fade with the onset of years.
Panerai has also equipped this watch with a blue rubberised crown that is held steadfast courtesy of the brand’s famous lever crown protection device, keeping everything inside dry and free of dust. Water resistant to 300 metres and fitted with a blue rubber strap, the PAM01676 is happy when swimming in the local swimming pool or affixed to the wrist of our eponymous explorer as he treads water in the hostile piranha-infested Amazon.
Beneath the solid caseback, engraved with a depiction of Mike Horn’s signature, sits the automatic P.900 calibre, a tried and tested movement that will be familiar to legions of Paneristi. The P.900 calibre has an impressive power-reserve of 3 days.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 – closing remarks
This latest reference delivers the customary Panerai blend of robustness and rugged styling while at the same time paying tribute to a remarkable individual. Moreover, should you be lucky enough to own a PAM01676, you can remove it from your wrist while standing in the pub, point to Mr Horn’s signature on the caseback and host your very own seminar, regaling your mates about the great man and his many exploits.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676
- Case: stainless steel case, diameter 44 mm, water resistance 30 ATM (300m), sapphire crystal to the front, steel screwed case-back with engraving.
- Functions: hours, minutes and small seconds
- Movement: P.900 caliber, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 23 jewels, power reserve 3 days.
- Strap: blue rubber bracelet with trapezoidal brushed steel pin buckle.
- Price: £10,300 (RRP as of 24.1.2024)