Watch reference library
Panerai Submersible PAM02973
In production 2022 to present.
The Panerai Submersible PAM02973 is a 42mm brushed stainless steel watch with the calibre P.900, water resistant to 300 meters, made 2022 to present.
Specifications
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case material
- Brushed stainless steel case
- Bezel
- Brushed steel unidirectional rotating dive bezel with graduated scale
- Dial
- Black dial with luminous hour markers and dot indexes, date at 3 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock
- Movement
- Panerai Caliber P.900, automatic
- Power reserve
- 3 days
- Water resistance
- 300 meters
- Crystal
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Bracelet
- Black rubber strap
The story
The Submersible began as a variant within Panerai's Luminor collection, built on the same cushion-shaped case and crown-guard device but fitted with a rotating dive bezel for underwater timing. In 2019, Panerai spun the Submersible off into its own standalone collection, separating it from the Luminor Marina line. The separation let the Submersible move toward more distinctly tool-watch proportions, with chunkier cases, more pronounced bezels, and dial layouts built around oversized markers, small seconds at 9 o'clock, and date at 3 o'clock. The Submersible has been offered in parallel case sizes since the standalone collection launched, most commonly 42mm and 47mm, with a 44mm QuarantaQuattro size added later to sit between them. Reference PAM02973 is a 2022-era update to the 42mm steel model, built around the P.900 automatic caliber and finished with a brushed steel rotating bezel rather than the ceramic bezel used on some other Submersible variants, and it replaced the earlier PAM00973 as the standard 42mm steel reference in the range.
What to check before you buy
Confirm whether a listing is the current PAM02973 or the earlier PAM00973, since both are 42mm steel Submersible models with a similar overall look but differ in specific reference and production dates, so match the caseback reference exactly. Check that the crown-guard lever operates smoothly and seals correctly, since this is the same mechanism used across Panerai's Luminor-derived cases and is a common point of wear. This reference uses a brushed steel bezel rather than ceramic, so it will show fine scratching over time in a way a ceramic-bezel Submersible would not, which is normal and not a sign of mistreatment.
Buying or selling a PAM02973?
Selling one? Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for an offer within hours, or ask for one below. Moda pays by wire or Zelle within 24 hours of receiving the watch, on its own insured label. Rather sell it yourself? Post it in the Moda watch groups and run the listing through the Post Checker first. Buying one from someone you don't know? Moda's middleman service inspects the watch at Moda HQ and the buyer pays the seller only after approving the condition report. When it ships, it goes fully insured through ShipIFS, the shipping vendor Moda uses for its own watches.
Moda Watch Club is the Moda group for luxury watches, and Moda Watch Club: 10K & Under covers watches below that line. Both are free to join with a join code.
Common questions
How is the Submersible different from the Luminor Marina?
Both share the Luminor cushion case and crown guard, but the Submersible adds a rotating dive bezel and was split into its own standalone collection in 2019, moving toward chunkier proportions and tool-watch dial layouts.
What replaced the PAM00973?
The PAM02973 succeeded it as the standard 42mm steel Submersible reference, using the same P.900 movement and case size with an updated execution.
Does the PAM02973 have a ceramic bezel?
No, it uses a brushed steel unidirectional bezel rather than the black ceramic bezel found on some other Submersible references.
What is the water resistance of the 42mm Submersible?
It is rated to 300 meters, in line with a dedicated diving watch.
What movement does it use?
It uses the Panerai P.900 automatic caliber, offering a 3-day power reserve.