The Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Black OPS Edition (PAM01240) is a horological behemoth featuring a skeleton movement, housed in a Carbotech™️ case. Meehna Goldsmith explores the composition of this divers’ model and shares her thoughts.
Partnerships are a common occurrence with watch companies. For example, there’s Richard Mille and its alliance with sports, including editions for car racing and golf. Audemars Piguet has been involved in sailing sponsorships like the America’s Cup, and recently formed a collaboration with Marvel Studios for a limited edition Black Panther watch.
Panerai is no stranger to the hookup. It has a partnership and limited edition watch with constant-weight freediving champion Guillaume Néry, among others. Recently, the brand added a new model to its special edition stable, the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Black Ops Edition.
BRABUS, a German luxury brand focused on high-performance vehicles, tricks out cars to give them an extra kick. It also crafts very exclusive luxury power boats in its Marine division. It’s here that Panerai has latched on to the maritime theme and made the connection. As you’re probably aware, Panerai has a long history tackling the water. In 1935, the brand was commissioned to make durable and watertight diving watches for the Italian Royal Navy.
In 2020, BRABUS launched the Shadow 900 Spyder & Sun-Top Black Ops Limited Edition of 37. These boats are decadent pieces of machinery that offer the ride and amenities of a top tier automobile. For the two companies’ first collaboration, Panerai has developed the Submersible S BRABUS Black OPS Edition, in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
Panerai aficionados with a good eye for detail will notice something quite different about this watch right away. It’s the first time Panerai has used an automatic calibre in a skeleton movement. The result of three years of research, the Submersible S BRABUS Black OPS also features a patented polarised date display at 3 o’clock, situated in a position that allows a full view of the mechanics.
As required for diving, the watch has a unidirectional rotating bezel, lume and a depth rating of approximately 300 metres. In addition, Panerai has thrown in some other practical functions, such as a GMT and an AM/PM indicator, as well as a healthy three-day power reserve.
For the appearance of the watch, the BRABUS brand gets high visibility, its colour scheme is reflected in the gunmetal grey, black and red colour palette. The logo stands out prominently on the barrel of the movement, the crown guard lever, watchstrap and case back. In addition, ‘BRABUS-red’ accents the minute, hour and small seconds hands. Panerai has chosen to use tungsten for the rotor and house the watch in a 47mm dark grey Carbotech™️ case as a tribute to both brands use of innovative and high-end composite materials.
For me, partnerships have to be specific and distinct. They need to make sense on a deeper level, not just hinge on common themes and combined branding. Panerai cites the disruptive and innovative nature along with a connection to the sea as reasons for the alliance. However, I am not sure I fully agree with this statement. That’s not to say the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Black OPS Edition doesn’t have merits. It’s a good looking watch with solid sea credentials. When it comes to diving, Panerai is certainly a specialist. On deck, the watch can also hold its own. Indeed, like many Panerai watches, this latest model successfully blends practicality and style.
