£6,750.00
In stock
The Panerai Submersible Azzurro 42mm PAM01209 represents a masterful combination of military heritage and contemporary sophistication. This limited edition of just 500 pieces pays homage to the watches Panerai supplied to the Egyptian Navy in 1956, while introducing refined elements that make it suitable for modern collectors who appreciate both history and innovation.
Featuring a striking blue ceramic bezel that evokes the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, this 42mm timepiece houses the Manufacture Calibre P.900 automatic movement. The more modest case diameter compared to traditional Panerai models makes it accessible to a wider range of wrists, while the professional diving specifications and iconic crown-protecting bridge maintain the brand’s legendary tool watch credentials.
Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition (both straps are unworn)
Includes: Complete box set
Warranty: Valid until 2029
Shipping: Free UK delivery
The Submersible collection evolved from Panerai’s military heritage, specifically the watches supplied to the Egyptian Navy in 1956. These military-issue pieces featured 8-day Angelus movements and rotating bezels with prominent markers, design elements that established the template for modern Submersible models. Today’s collection maintains these professional diving capabilities while incorporating contemporary refinements that appeal to civilian collectors.
The Azzurro edition introduces a sophisticated blue ceramic bezel that instantly evokes the sea, Panerai’s natural element since their founding. Blue has been Italy’s unofficial national colour since unification, which occurred just months after Giovanni Panerai opened his first Florentine shop in 1860. This connection between Italian heritage and maritime excellence makes the Azzurro particularly meaningful within Panerai’s broader narrative of combining national pride with professional functionality.
The PAM01209 Azzurro stands out through its combination of limited production (500 pieces), exclusive online-only release through Panerai.com, and the sophisticated blue ceramic bezel that distinguishes it from standard Submersible models. This distribution strategy created a unique acquisition experience where collectors had to actively seek out the watch rather than finding it in traditional boutiques, adding to its exclusivity narrative.
The 42mm case size represents a significant departure from Panerai’s typically larger offerings, making this limited edition accessible to collectors who appreciate the brand’s design language but find traditional 44mm or 47mm cases overwhelming. This “Quaranta-due” sizing has proven extremely popular, often commanding premiums in the secondary market due to its versatility and wearability compared to larger Panerai models.
The P.900 represents Panerai’s first proprietary self-winding movement combining a 4.2mm thickness with both date function and 3-day power reserve. This achievement required significant engineering to maintain the slim profile while delivering the extended power reserve that has become a Panerai signature. Developed entirely in the Neuchâtel manufacture, it demonstrates Panerai’s evolution from using modified base movements to creating fully in-house calibres.
The movement’s 72-hour power reserve proves particularly practical for collectors who rotate between multiple watches, ensuring the Submersible continues running over a long weekend without wear. The small seconds at 9 o’clock maintains the traditional Panerai dial layout established by their historic models, while the date function adds everyday practicality without disrupting the clean aesthetic.
The blue ceramic bezel represents both technical advancement and symbolic meaning. Technically, ceramic offers superior scratch resistance compared to aluminium, maintaining its colour permanently without fading from UV exposure or chemical contact. The material’s hardness ensures the bezel markings remain crisp even after years of use, crucial for a professional diving instrument where precise timing can be safety-critical.
Symbolically, the blue colour,”Azzurro” in Italian, connects to both Italy’s national identity and Panerai’s maritime heritage. The specific shade chosen evokes Mediterranean waters, linking the watch to its intended environment while differentiating it from the more common black bezels in the Submersible line. This combination of Italian patriotic colour with professional diving functionality creates a uniquely positioned limited edition.
The 42mm case diameter makes the Submersible Azzurro one of the most wearable Panerai models, particularly for those with smaller wrists or preferences for more proportionate sizing. While maintaining the distinctive cushion case and crown guard that define Panerai’s visual identity, the reduced diameter creates a more versatile watch that transitions seamlessly from diving activities to formal occasions.
Despite the smaller size, the watch retains full professional diving capabilities with 300-metre water resistance and robust construction. The accordion-style rubber strap accommodates the size reduction well, providing comfort and flexibility without overwhelming the case. For many collectors, this 42mm sizing represents the ideal balance between Panerai’s bold aesthetic and everyday wearability.
The patented crown-protecting bridge device originated from Panerai’s military contracts where crown damage could compromise mission-critical timing equipment. This lever-operated mechanism completely seals the crown against the case, providing additional water resistance while protecting the crown from impacts. The distinctive silhouette created by this bridge has become Panerai’s most recognisable design element, instantly identifying their watches from across a room.
Beyond functionality, the crown guard represents Panerai’s approach to problem-solving through design innovation rather than conventional solutions. While other manufacturers relied on screw-down crowns alone, Panerai’s bridge system adds an extra layer of protection that proved invaluable for military divers operating in challenging conditions. Today, this feature remains both functionally relevant and aesthetically distinctive, embodying the brand’s philosophy of purposeful design.
For any purchases online, we offer a 14 day refund as long as they are returned exactly as sold. Any purchases in person are final.
Unless explicitly stated, all product images and videos are of the timepiece advertised and no stock images are used. All images and videos on this webpage are copyright of MVS Watches and copying, downloading or using elsewhere without prior consent is strictly prohibited.
£4,995.00
£6,750.00
£3,750.00
£11,995.00
£8,550.00
