In a world where most sports are gradually becoming safer, extreme mountaineering remains a bastion of real danger. Few understand this better than mountaineer, adventurer, filmmaker, and Panerai brand ambassador Jimmy Chin. Throughout his career, which includes skiing down Everest and winning an Oscar for co-directing the documentary “Free Solo,” Chin has earned an impeccable reputation among climbers, and in its latest release, Panerai honors this individual and his career with a pair of limited edition chronographs. The new limited models, Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition, bring rugged modern colors and beautiful graphics of Jimmy Chin to its line of diving chronographs.
Both models feature the same 47 mm titanium case, making it undeniable that both the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition are impressive watches. In typical Panerai fashion, this massiveness is emphasized by the signature Luminor Submersible case, a tall coin edge dive bezel, and the unique crown locking device, while the short narrow lugs should help maintain a nearly square profile on the wrist.
Like other Luminor Submersible chronograph models, the massive semi-circular crown necessitates a non-standard placement of the screw-down pushers at the “8 o'clock” and “10 o'clock” positions. While this form may be familiar to brand enthusiasts, it is reinterpreted in the J. Chin Edition and J. Chin Xperience Edition models. The standard J. Chin Edition model opts for a fully matte titanium, emphasizing the dark tone of titanium with a rigorous, purposeful monochrome matte hue and embossed polished accents on the bezel's dive scale.
Aiming for a stealthy black tone, the J. Chin Xperience Edition becomes more striking than its sibling by sporting a matte black DLC coating that sharply contrasts with polished titanium elements on the bezel and additional titanium touches on the pushers, crown, and crown lock clasp. Both models feature a custom engraving on the case back depicting a pair of crossed skis, the American flag, and a mountain motif, symbolizing Chin and his achievements.
Both models also boast a robust water resistance of 300 meters.
For the dials of the Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition models, Panerai uses the same heavily textured grainy matte stone-gray dial surface. This neutral matte tone is accented by a cool icy blue of the chronograph elements, including the outer seconds track, central chronograph seconds and minutes hands, and the chronograph hour hand at the “3 o'clock” position.
The subdial at 3 o'clock retains Panerai's signature rounded open Arabic numerals, while the rest of the dial is dedicated to classic diver-style indices. As with other members of the Submersible family, the main hand is a pair of polished skeletonized Roman swords, adding an aggressive and easily readable touch to the images. To distinguish itself from the more standard model, the J. Chin Xperience Edition adds a strong degrade finish to the dial surface, with a striking gradient from gray at the center of the dial to black at the edges. In the interest of clarity and visual balance, both models omit a date window, preserving the attractiveness and symmetry of the designs.
In the Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition models, Panerai uses its in-house P.9100 automatic flyback chronograph movement. In addition to the complex flyback chronograph complication, the P.9100 movement also contains a range of advanced components, including a Gluycdur balance and a pair of twin mainspring barrels. These two barrels provide excellent performance, a 72-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Both the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition come with a pair of straps. The first is a sturdy gray fabric strap matching the dial, with black rubber lining for additional durability and comfort. The second is made primarily from recycled plastic fabric, gray with contrasting icy blue stitching. Both straps utilize Panerai's signature wide trapezoidal titanium buckle. As an added bonus, buyers of the J. Chin Xperience Edition can participate in a multi-day excursion to the mountains above Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with Jimmy Chin himself.
Buyers will engage in adventures like rock climbing and wakeboarding, and get acquainted with Chin's favorite relaxation and dining spots around Jackson Hole. Finally, the trip will include a practical workshop with Chin, where he will reveal his secrets of nature photography.
The limited models Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition and Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition with their icy, mountaineering-inspired appearance and high technical specifications offer a bold new take on the flagship diving chronograph for affluent adventurers.
The standard J. Chin Edition model is limited to 100 pieces, and the more exclusive J. Chin Xperience Edition is limited to just 14 pieces. Both models are available now exclusively through Panerai's official dealers in the US. MSRP for the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Edition is $19,400, while the price of the Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback - J. Chin Xperience Edition is $41,500. More information can be found on the brand's website.