The relationship between Panerai and the Italian Royal Navy stretches back over a century to a time when the watchmaker supplied precision instruments such as naval combat sights, and a radium-based powder used for making instrumentation brighter. While the brand’s first dive watch was developed in the 1950s, the name ‘Submersible’ wasn’t used until 1998. Now, Panerai is launching two special editions of the Submersible that pay homage to the Italian Special Forces.

The Submersible Forze Speciali watches come in a 47 mm black-DLC coated titanium case and feature an anti-clockwise rotating ceramic bezel. Several military influences can be found on the flyback chronograph, such as the two sub-dials  — an hour counter at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock — both dials resemble targets, which is why you’ll find the phrase “Time to Target” on the top left. The in-house P.9100/R calibre offers a power reserve of three days and water resistance to 300 metres. Each style has a unique engraving graphic on the case back.

The Submersible Forze Speciali comes with a blue bezel and black strap, while the Submersible Forze Speciali Experience edition with army green bezel and camouflage strap is limited to 50 units only. Buyers of the limited edition will be invited to join the Italian Special Forces for training, which is a unique opportunity rarely available to the public.