Man, today I want to talk to you guys about something that I’ve been messing around with lately – Panerai watches, specifically the “Marina Militare” models. You know, those chunky, badass-looking timepieces that are basically the unofficial wrist-worn tanks of the watch world?

So, first off, I got curious about these things. I’d seen them around, and they always caught my eye with their hefty size and that distinctive crown guard. I started digging into their history and found out that Panerai actually started out making watches for the Italian Navy way back when. That’s where the whole “Marina Militare” (which just means “Military Navy” in Italian, duh) thing comes from.
Then I started looking at which one I wanted. Turns out, there are a bunch of different models with the “Marina Militare” name on them. I decided to focus on the older ones, the ones that feel more connected to the original military vibe. Found a PAM36, which is cool, because it is the first one to have that name on the dial after the late 90s.
After that, I had to, you know, actually get my hands on one. I went on an epic search. I hit up all the usual spots online, forums, and even some real-life watch shops. Finally found a decent deal on a used PAM36 and pulled the trigger.
Here’s what I learned:
- They’re big. Seriously, these things are huge. We’re talking 47mm, which is like wearing a small dinner plate on your wrist. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
- They’re tough. I mean, they were originally made for military divers, so yeah, they can take a beating. I’m not planning on going to war anytime soon, but it’s nice to know my watch can handle whatever I throw at it.
- They hold their value okay. Not as well as a Rolex, maybe, but from what I’ve seen, they don’t just tank in price like some other watches. Maybe lose like 15-50%, which isn’t terrible. I hear IWC’s are similar in that way.
- The Luminor is the iconic one. Even though the Radiomir came first, when people think Panerai, they think Luminor. It is their main watch now, and they make it in all kinds of sizes and with different stuff inside.
Anyway, I’ve been wearing my PAM36 for a while now, and I gotta say, I’m loving it. It’s not just a watch; it’s like a little piece of history on my wrist. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. People always ask about it.

So, if you’re looking for a watch that’s a bit different, a bit rugged, and has a cool backstory, you might want to check out a Panerai “Marina Militare.” Just be prepared for the size – and the price tag. They’re not cheap, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?