As the leading producer of custom rubber watch straps, Rubber B consistently strives to innovate and improve on our existing product catalog, which features custom rubber watch straps for watches from leading watchmakers around the globe, such as Rolex, Tudor, Panerai, and Audemars Piguet.
At this year’s Watches and Wonders 2022, one of the most well-received panels was put on by Panerai, the storied Italian watchmaker who has been making dive watches for almost a century now. Many people were excited when the company revealed that it was releasing a new series of dive watches, and collectors and the horological press alike were not disappointed when the company finally unveiled its new product lines, including the brand-new QuarantaQuattro.
In honor of that, we thought we would take a look back at the PAM682, which was originally released in 2018 and has since gone on to become one of Panerai’s most popular dive watches. Before we look at that watch more closely, however, let’s spend a few moments examining just how Panerai got so skilled at crafting dive watches, to begin with.
Panerai’s History With Dive Watches
Panerai has a very interesting history with dive watches, but it did not come about it in the way that you may expect. While Panerai has always been a watch company since its founding in 1860 in Florence, Italy, Guido Panerai, the grandson of its founder, is the person who truly expanded the family business, and he actually did so by selling another product entirely.
Guido actually invented a type of gunsight that was luminescent, which would allow the person who was holding the weapon to be able to see where they were shooting more easily. As a result of that, his company was offered a contract to produce weaponry and tactical equipment for the Royal Italian Navy, including dive watches.
As a result of that contract, Panerai would be required to produce dive watches that lived up to the demanding standards of the Royal Italian Navy. Today, they are considered to be one of the most respected producers of dive watches in the world and, realistically, one of only a handful of companies that is capable of crafting dive watches that are as complex or durable as Rolex pieces.
The Technical Specifications of the PAM682
The PAM682 has a case size of 42 mm, which is a normal size for a luxury timepiece, but slightly small for a dive watch. However, upon wearing it, it’s not noticeable at all, because Panerai watches are so solidly constructed that the watch’s heft makes it feel as if it’s a millimeter or two bigger. It also has a height of 51.5 mm and a thickness of 14.5 mm, which indicates an all-around well-constructed watch.
The case is made from stainless steel, which is fitting for a watch that is inspired by military-grade dive watches. It has a sapphire crystal and is powered by the P.9010 movement, which is automatic and manufactured in-house by Panerai.
The watch has both date and small seconds functions and a unidirectional rotating diver bezel. The watch is also water-resistant for up to 300 meters.
Overall, from a technical standpoint, this watch has everything you need in a dive watch. Furthermore, its lack of frills reflects Panerai’s philosophy of only focusing on the essentials in their tool watches, and being that this watch is the most basic model of the dive watches they released that year, they truly doubled down on that idea with this particular timepiece.
How Does the PAM682 Rate In Terms of Its Design?
The PAM682 is, in every sense of the word, a classic Panerai design that has been updated for the modern era. It is not frilly at all and focuses on being efficient, modern, and minimalist at all possible turns. The all-black dial has very little on it, with only the white indicators in place of numerals, a subdial, and a date window visible on the dial.
Thankfully, everything on the dial is highly legible, which stands to reason, as this watch needs to be legible in little to no light conditions. The watch is elegant, polished, but utterly minimal and practical – not unlike the company that has perfected making them for over a century.
What Are Our Final Thoughts on This Watch?
The PAM682 was a very successful watch when Panerai released it, and when you take a closer look at it, it’s not hard to see why. For long-time fans of the brand, and there are more than a few of them at this point in time, this watch delivers everything they’ve come to expect, and love, from a Panerai dive watch.
The intense durability, the highly legible dials, the intensely minimalistic design – all of that is readily present in this watch, and yet it somehow has just a slight hint of vintage flair to it as well. Panerai has always effortlessly managed to straddle both the old and the new when it comes to finding their personal style, and that’s something we should continue to expect from them in future watch releases.
Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
All of our watch bands are made from 100% vulcanized rubber and manufactured in Switzerland by industry professionals with decades of experience behind them. All of Rubber B’s straps are also non-toxic and non-allergenic, ensuring a quality product that is sure to last for years to come. Rubber B also offers both domestic and international shipping to its clients based on their current location.
If you would like to learn more about our complete list of products, shipping policies, pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our team members will be happy to answer your inquiry in a timely manner.
Follow Us on Instagram
