Released in 2016, the introduction of the smaller Panerai Submersible 682 was a welcome one for dive watch fans who loved the striking, minimalist aesthetic of Panerais burly flagship titanium diver PAM1389 but couldnt quite handle its 47mm proportions. But for two years, that black dial with the solid stainless steel bezel remained the lone option available in steel in the smaller size-until now. New for SIHH 2019, Panerai has introduced two new long-awaited 42mm Submersible references with ceramic rotating bezels. One of them looks a bit like a 1389 thats been hit with a shrink ray and a few strokes of a blue paint brush, but the other is a handsome new-for-2019 shark grey colorway with a navy blue ceramic bezel that mimics the livery of the recently announced PAM 982 Submersible chronograph designed in collaboration with Panerai ambassador and freedive world champion Guillaume Nery.SpecificationsBrand: PaneraiModel: PAM00683 (black dial) PAM00959 (gray dial)Dimensions: 42mmWater Resistance: 300 MetersCase Material: Stainless SteelCrystal/Lens: SapphireMovement: Panerai XXXIV Calibre (in-house)Frequency: 28,800 Vph / 4 HzPower Reserve: 72 hoursStrap/Bracelet: Rubber strap with trapezoidal brushed steel bucklePrice Availability: TBD AnalysisPersonally, I always liked the 682 but as a general rule, tend to avoid stainless steel bezels, preferring instead something a little sportier, with a touch more visual contrast. Panerais ceramic bezel design is particularly interesting, as the slightly raised steel five-minute markers provide a uniquely textured element to whats usually an entirely flat ceramic surface. So for those (myself included) whove been waiting for a properly classic but more wearable 1389, the 683 is certainly to please. Similarly, the 959 should be a hit for those who loved the mottled shark grey dial and the new ceramic bezel of the recently announced 982 flyback chronograph, but also couldnt stomach its 47mm case or eye-watering $20,000 price tag. Neither of these watches are formally considered limited editions either, and should be readily available once they make their way into boutiques.Inside both watches beats the same movement as the current 682 (a Panerai-manufactured P.9000-series automatic movement with three days of power reserve), but with what appears to be a new naming convention-this particular calibre is being referred to as XXXIV. Once in the booth at SIHH, well be sure to chat with the team at Panerai to learn more about this use of Roman numerals. Otherwise, the chronometric performance and specifications appear to be entirely identical-and in a stylistic trend used by other Panerai watches, the running seconds hand at 9:00 is finished with light blue paint to delineate an in-house produced calibre. Matching its black dial, the 683 reference comes with a black date disc, while the new 959 reference comes with a nicely color-matched grey date disc to complement the shark grey dial. Both watches are fitted with Panerais excellent 22mm accordion rubber dive strap to match their respective bezels-the 683 in black, and the 959 in blue.SummaryThough die-hard Paneristi might continue to decry the brand for forsaking its original larger-than-life source material, the response is markedly simple: if the smaller references werent in demand (or werent selling), Panerai probably wouldnt make them. And based on my own short-lived attempt to locate a 682 from an AD upon initial release in 2016, its lengthy waiting list suggested that there are indeed plenty of folks whove long been waiting for a little more diversity in Panerais Submersible collection. Id wager those same folks are likely going to be just as pleased with the continuation of that re-balancing act with what Panerai has on tap for 2019. Stay tuned for more impressions of the PAM683 and PAM959, and a firsthand report on the new calibre naming convention from the show floor at SIHH. Follow our pre-, post-, and live SIHH 2019 coverage here and on social media. [...]