Further info and sorry to contradict the panel of experts

Umberto Panzeri is a watchmaker (Rolex certified service) from Viareggio who in 2005 won a tender to supply watches to the Marina Miltare and Comsubin. As he is not a watch company, he approached a casemaker, dial maker, ETA for the movement, etc. It is true that AFTER his first watches were supplied to the MM, other companies/brands used this same case (coming from the casemaker) but they never supplied them to the MM, just to the general public. I met Umberto at one of the Italian Paneresti GTGs and in fact, traveled with him to Viargeggio and witnessed the delivery of 50 MMT500 watches to the Marina Militare. It was on that occasion that Umberto presented 2 prototypes, one of them being a PVD coated case, as per the request of the Comsubin. I asked Umberto if I can have the opportunity to purchase one and after a few months Umberto answered positively. My enthusiasm was placed when I learned that the MM wanted mechanical watches only as opposed to quartz mechanisms that I thought were the issue these days. Contrary to what was posted by some, these watches are used by the divers and are not specimens for high ranking generals.

For the ultra-skeptic, I also saw the exclusive contract signed my the MM and Umberto.

Just to let you know - I have no business interests to promote (shill) this watch, I am not even sure if anyone can purchase it even if he wanted to.

Cheers,

Asi

💰1416 Marketplace Listings for Panerai›

Diving watches of the Italian Navy (actually OT)

By: Asimut : February 14th, 2009-07:19

We are all well aware of, and appreciate the Panerai history as THE supplier of diving watches and tools to the Italian Navy. The last watch supplied by Panerai to the Navy was the reference 5218-202/A (photo by Nico) Since 2005 the official watch supplie...

Thanks for the post Asi. Do you happen to have a lume shot?

By: AnthonyTsai : February 14th, 2009-09:27

I bet this watch glows as bright as a flashlight in the dark with those huge luminova hands and markers! Cheers, Anthony

Yes, very good on the lume side

By: Asimut : February 17th, 2009-08:19

...

There are half a dozen...

By: BDLJ : February 14th, 2009-17:36

watches using that case. They've been popping up around the internet for years! I am not sure that it's any more an issued watch than the JLC SEALS watch is. Do you have any further info on them?

Agreed

By: patrick_y : February 14th, 2009-17:45

These Military inspired watches are no longer actively used in the military. Today's militaries simply don't provide super-expensive watches to its soldiers, however indulge them in other expensive weaponry and costly electronic devices. My understanding ...

Yup!

By: BDLJ : February 14th, 2009-17:54

Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers might get an issued G-shock. They usually buy their own to get something better. The Dive Supervisors get Citizen Aqualand II's. No more caseback markings either, they just record the serial number. I suspect this is...

Just wanted to know how to address your statement, because obviously you do not know me. Cheers, Asi

Opinion

By: patrick_y : February 14th, 2009-22:17

Opinion; my perceptions only. Please forgive me if I am indeed mistaken. I have been told that the Navy did not buy Top Gun watches nor Navy Seals watches in considerable numbers from employees of Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC. However, I have no official know...

It does, please read my post below that clarifies this case.

By: Asimut : February 14th, 2009-23:05