Panerai introduces the Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738: a 44mm steel tool watch fitted with the in-house P.980 calibre, a two-colour lume system with expanded Super-LumiNova coverage, and water resistance to 500 metres.
The following post is based on press release information. Editorial commentary appears in italics.
New: Panerai Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738
The Panerai Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738 retails at EUR 12,100.
Commentary
The P.980 is Panerai’s in-house movement and a reasonable fit for a tool watch: 3-day power reserve, stop-second function for time synchronisation, six-position testing. None of that is remarkable on its own, but it is all appropriate. The more interesting work is in the lume. Widening the indices by 20% and increasing the Super-LumiNova surface area by 45% is a measurable improvement, and the two-colour system (green for hours, blue for the minute hand and bezel dot) is a sensible solution for letting divers distinguish immersion time from clock time at a glance.
At EUR 12,100 (SGD 17,100), this is serious money for a 44mm steel watch. The 500m water resistance, manufacture calibre, and Panerai’s per-unit pre-delivery testing all contribute to the argument for it. The Navy SEALs licence is official, which matters for the insignia on the dial and caseback, but it does not add functional capability. The 44mm case works in the watch’s favour: it is the most wearable size Panerai makes, and steel is the right material for something that is meant to be used.
Release Details
Panerai unveils the new Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738, the latest timepiece inspired by the United States Navy and expressing Panerai’s long-standing expertise in designing advanced tool watches.
First launched in September 2022, the Navy SEALs Collection has since provided a platform for the Maison to further advance its technical prowess to professional diving instruments. Over the years, the Navy SEALs collections have expanded to include Submersible and Luminor models. Showcasing advanced materials, such as Carbotech™ and Titanium, these timepieces incorporate functions crucial for peak performance, including Time to Target, chronograph-driven functional complications, and GMT.
Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738 is a 44mm steel tool watch blending Navy SEALs-inspired design codes with a professional configuration. The watch is fitted with the P.980 calibre, a 3-day power reserve automatic movement which includes a traversing balance bridge that enhances stability and performance accuracy.
The movement features a stop-second function, allowing for precise synchronisation by halting the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. This functionality directly references Panerai’s military heritage and the requirement for precise time coordination in demanding professional diving environments. The P.980 has undergone six-position testing to ensure reliable chronometric performance.
The timepiece features a unidirectional rotating steel bezel with a black matte ceramic disc, merging the mechanical properties of steel with the higher resistance of ceramic. The watch is water-resistant to 50 BAR (~500 metres), reinforced by increased case-back thickness.
Legibility is a central priority. The dial features large luminescent hour markers and hands with indexes wider by 20% in diameter and an expanded Super-LumiNova® X2 surface area by 45%. In low light, hour markers emit a green glow while the minute hand and the luminous dot at 12 o’clock on the bezel appear in blue, allowing the wearer to identify diving time separately from clock time, even in low-visibility conditions. The black rubberised crown provides enhanced grip when setting the watch in wet conditions.
The shaded anthracite dial features a target-inspired small seconds counter at 9 o’clock and subtle yellow accents as direct references to Navy SEALs design codes. At 6 o’clock, a dedicated decal incorporates both the Navy SEALs designation and water-resistance rating, while the closed case back is engraved with the licensed Navy SEALs insignia.
The watch comes with two straps: black rubber for underwater operations and grey canvas for a rugged everyday look. The interchangeable strap system allows for quick personalization.
Submersible Navy SEALs PAM01738 will be available worldwide from July 2026.
End-to-End Reliability Testing
Panerai’s testing philosophy covers two levels. Representative batches of each model undergo extensive laboratory testing simulating years of real-world use under extreme conditions. In parallel, every finished watch is individually tested under water before delivery, with water resistance controls performed at levels exceeding the stated specification by 25%.
Components undergo 10,000 activations of the crown-protecting lever and 19,000 bezel rotations including exposure to sand and water. Movements are tested through 3.6 million manual winding cycles and 8 million automatic rotor rotations. Resistance to magnetism is validated up to approximately 1,000 Gauss, limiting deviation to less than 20 seconds per day. Additional protocols cover corrosion in saline and humid environments, UV exposure, shock tests up to 5,000g, and drop tests from one metre onto hard surfaces.
Specifications
Reference: PAM01738
Movement: Automatic, P.980 calibre, 12½ lignes, 4.2mm thick, 23 jewels, 28,800vph. Incabloc® anti-shock. One barrel, stop balance wheel. 177 components.
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Power reserve: 3 days
Case: 44mm stainless steel. Unidirectional rotating steel bezel with matte ceramic disc. Screwed brushed stainless steel case-back.
Dial: Shaded anthracite. Green Super-LumiNova® X2 on small seconds and hour markers. Blue Super-LumiNova® on minute hand and bezel. Sub-dial at 9 o’clock. Date at 3 o’clock.
Strap: Black rubber and grey canvas
Water resistance: 50 bar (~500 metres)
Price: EUR 12,100 / SGD 17,100
Availability: July 2026
