A Pair of Adventurers: Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Editions
Panerai's Submersible collection, which spun off from the larger Luminor family in 2019, has been defined largely by its association with rugged adventure and its forays into sustainable materials. With the release of two new timepieces in collaboration with alpinist, environmentalist and National Geographic photographer Jimmy Chin — both limited editions, one that comes with a unique adventure experience alongside the watch's namesake — Panerai continues both themes.
The Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - Jimmy Chin Edition, limited to 100 pieces, uses brushed titanium for its signature 47-mm case, which incorporates a unidirectional rotating bezel with a graduated dive scale and Panerai's patented bridge device to secure the screw-locked crown. The grey dial has luminous dots and hour markers and light blue details, like the chronograph seconds hand, creating a palette that is inspired, says Panerai, by "icy mountain landscapes" of the type scaled by Chin, the Academy Award-winning co-director of the documentary film Free Solo and a Panerai "brand Ambassador."
Beneath the watch's screwed titanium caseback, engraved with a mountain range, intersecting skis, an American flag, and a "Jimmy Chin Edition" inscription, beats Panerai’s in-house Caliber P.9100. The self-winding movement powers the watch's timekeeping as well as its flyback-equipped chronograph function that enables resetting and restarting with a single press of the pusher at 8 o'clock. It includes a vertical clutch and column wheel and stores a three-day (72-hour) power reserve in two series-connected spring barrels. Other technical highlights include a seconds-reset device, a bidirectional rotor, and a variable inertia balance oscillating at 28,800 vph.
Even more limited in number, just 14 pieces, is the Submersible Chrono Flyback Jimmy Chin Xperience Edition, which lives up to its name by offering its buyers not only a very special timepiece but a memorable multi-day adventure experience. The watch, which contains the same P.9100 flyback chronograph caliber, differs from its sibling with its use of matte black DLC-coated titanium for its case, along with brushed titanium for its crown, bezel and crown-locking lever, and a darker, shaded grey dial. All 14 purchasers of the Xperience Edition will also be offered the chance to join Jimmy Chin on an excursion to Jackson Hole, Wyoming that will include climbing, wakeboarding, a hands-on outdoor photography seminar, and dining at Chin's favorite local spots.
Both the Jimmy Chin Edition and the Jimmy Chin Xperience Edition are water-resistant to 300 meters (living up to the robust heritage of the Submersible) and come with two straps, one in a dual-material combo of rubber and grey technical fabric, the other made chiefly of recycled plastic, in grey with light blue contrast stitching. Also speaking to Panerai's (and Chin's) commitment to environmentally sustainability is the watch's box, also made of recycled plastic. The 100 pieces of the Jimmy Chin Edition will retail for $19,400, while the 14 examples of the Jimmy Chin Xperience Edition are priced at $41,500.
