Advanced Access: The New Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™ Blu Abisso

In 2022, Watches of Switzerland is proud to mark 25 years of delivering extraordinary to our esteemed clientele across Australia. As part of our year-long celebrations, we have worked closely with our brand partner Officine Panerai to secure a generous allocation of the new Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™ Blu Abisso. As the latest, hi-tech addition to Panerai’s Submersible collection, the 44mm case of the Blu Abisso is crafted from the lightest material developed by Panerai: Carbotech™. Due to the variegated behaviour of the Carbotech™’s black colouring, no two pieces look exactly the same, giving each its own unique character. As an exclusive retail partner, Watches of Switzerland is pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase this sought-after model online now.

A Rich Military History

The Panerai tradition is steeped in the development of professional underwater tool watches. For much of the 20th century the company was exclusively engaged in the supply of precision instruments to the Italian Royal Navy. When the Navy set up a secret program of new underwater assault vehicles and operators in the 1930s, Panerai played an active role in the development of useful technical tools for this new military activity. Over time this evolved to developing highly functional, robust timepieces that could meet the demanding needs of this new breed of underwater combat solider.

Always at the forefront of innovation in its field, Panerai pioneered the use of luminous dials, patented their own crown-protecting device, and developed hulking cases as large as 60 mm. All in aid of improving underwater legibility and reliability to support military diving missions and deep underwater exploration. In fact, it was only in the 1990s that the Florentine brand turned its attention to commercial product development, quickly establishing a loyal following for its military-grade timepieces that blended functionality and reliability with that undeniable flair for good design that all Italians seem to possess.

Deep In Its DNA

From the outset it was clear that Panerai’s military DNA would always remain part of its story and design language. Yet a key part of this is the brand’s relentless and unwavering commitment to innovation, meaning that while it’s important to keep one eye to the past, the other must be firmly focused on the future. This ethos is perhaps best encapsulated by the Submersible collection. Starting life as an offshoot of the Luminor family, the Submersible takes its basic form from this celebrated military template, including the instantly-recognisable crown-protecting device. But here the similarities end, with the Submersible evolving to become one of Panerai’s more experimental lines.

Novel dial architecture and advancements in material technology are frequently incorporated, allowing the Submersible to showcase an evolving aesthetic. Though done in a way that remains sympathetic to the needs of individuals who choose Panerai. The new Blu Abisso achieves this intent. Invoking the murky depths of past explorations while employing cutting-edge materials, such as Carbotech™.

What Is Carbotech™?

As the name suggests, Carbotech™ starts out as thin sheets of carbon fibres. These are then compressed under high pressure at controlled temperature with a high-end polymer. The result is a composite material that is both strong and durable, not to mention quite attractive as well. Applications for this technology already existed in aeronautics, motorsports and biomedicine, however, it was Panerai’s famed Laboratorio di Idee that pioneered its use in watches. Lighter than titanium, and highly resistant to corrosion and scratching, the resulting watch feels weightless on the wrist while being remarkably robust. Carbotech™ has an uneven, matt black appearance, which varies as it’s cut. This nuance ensures that no two cases will be identical. Materials like Carbotech™ reflect Panerai’s commitment to emerging technologies.

The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™ Blu Abisso (PAM01232)

This latest addition to the Submersible family provides a welcome ‘mid-size’ option, its 44mm case size fitting perfectly between the existing 42mm and 47mm options. In addition to its innovative Carbotech™ casing, the Blu Abisso features a titanium DLC crown in a similar black hue, along with the well-known image of two commando frogmen riding a slow-moving torpedo on its black coated, solid titanium caseback.

The patented crown-protecting device with Safety Lock serves the dual role of safe-guarding the crown from shocks whilst also reducing the likelihood the watch will enter the water with the crown in the unlocked position – thus preventing damage by water ingress. The longevity of the water resistance is also furthered by the decompression/compression system of the lock, which is used to release and seal the crown. Water resistance is a substantial 30 bar (300 m/1000 ft), more than ample for the depths commercial divers generally operate within.

Intended as a special nod to the Submersible’s legacy of underwater exploration, the Blu Abisso takes its name from the deep undersea blue of its dial and accompanying coordinating straps. (One rubber, and the other fabric.) Metallic appliqués filled with white Super-LumiNova™ provide vivid legibility. Importantly, the minute hand and bezel pearl glow fluorescent blue for clarity. The rest, including the small seconds show in a contrasting fluorescent green. Framing the dial is a uni-directional, 60-click rotating bezel – also in Carbotech™ – to measure submersion time. By aligning the dot on the rotating bezel with the minute hand at the start of a dive, the wearer is able to track elapsed time.

Inside the case beats Panerai’s P.900 calibre with Incabloc® anti-shock device. This automatic mechanical movement features a seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and delivers a three-day power reserve. The movement also provides a quick-set date function, on display at 3 o’clock. It’s worth noting here also that the date window on all QuarantaQuattro models has been improved upon to provide heightened legibility. A subtle yet important design tweak that will be implemented across the Submersible collection.

Order Yours Now

The Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™ Blu Abisso (PAM01232) is available for purchase online from Watches of Switzerland. Thanks to its hi-tech construction and ideal sizing, this new model is sure to be popular with collectors and enthusiasts alike, so order yours now to avoid disappointment. Click here to secure your piece online now or click here contact our Client Services team for personalised assistance with adding this piece to your collection.