Panerai CEO talks about the "Experience Edition" with a special experience of training with the US Navy SEALs!

Panerai sells the "Experience Edition," which combines a watch with a special tour. These "experiences" include a training experience with the US Navy SEALs and a special tour of Rome, which are not available on regular travel tours. Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai, talks about the Experience Edition and the special tours.

From a Spartan training experience with the US Navy SEALs to an exclusive sightseeing tour of Rome, Panerai's "Experience Edition"

　Panerai sometimes releases limited edition watches that allow the buyer to become part of a spectacular, special journey, such as taking the buyer to the Arctic with an adventurer or spending a few days training with the US Navy SEALs in Florida. In this article, Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué explains the "Experience Editions," which sell watches bundled with such special experiences.

The next experience is watching the America's Cup 2024!

Asked by:In recent years, Panerai has launched limited edition models known as Experience Editions, which include the watch and an "experience" in the retail price. These experiences can be adventurous journeys, hard-to-reach places or special events. How many Experience Editions have you created so far?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:The next project is for customers who purchase the Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience Edition to attend the America's Cup yacht race, which will be held in Barcelona, ​​Spain in September 2024. This experience also includes a tour of Team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli's backstage area.

Asked by:What are the characteristics of each experience?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:The Experience Edition offers three levels. The first is the military program, which is the most challenging. Last year, I took clients to a Florida training facility used by the U.S. Navy SEALs to experience the program. One month before the trip, participants were given a self-guided training plan and explained that they needed to be physically prepared for the experience. This was also the case for experiences with the Italian Navy and the French GIGN counterterrorism unit. I personally participated in the first U.S. Navy SEAL Experience in Florida in 2022. The second level is an adventure-based experience. In November 2023, I went on an Arctic expedition with adventurer and Panerai brand ambassador Mike Horn, experiencing dog sledding, trekking, and snowmobiling. The third level explores the secrets of Panerai's home country, Italy. The most recent was in Rome in March 2024.

Asked by:A trip to Rome is great, but nothing quite like training with the US Navy SEALs. What makes the Phase 3 experience unique?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:Yes, indeed. Many of you have already been to Rome. Our trip began with dinner with the Italian Minister of the Navy, in a once-in-a-lifetime setting: a magnificent palace and an old library. The next day, we had to get up at 4:2 AM to receive keys to the Vatican Museums and take part in a special two-and-a-half-hour guided tour, unlocking the museums before they open to the public at 8 AM. We had a funny experience during the tour: we had to find the light switch to turn on the lights in the Sistine Chapel. Even some of our guests, who had been to Rome many times before, had tears in their eyes.

Asked by:It wasn't as intense as the Navy SEAL experience.

Jean-Marc Pontroué:In the case of the Navy SEAL experience, we make it clear to prospective participants that they cannot participate unless they are 100% confident that they can endure it. No one can participate unprepared. Four months before the event, participants receive a detailed training program, which also includes nutritional information, because they need to prepare their bodies to withstand the experience. This training is not just about basic fitness, but is designed to prepare the body for the planned date of the program. Before starting the program, clients must undergo a medical check on site.

Asked by:Have there been any cases where participants were unable to participate on-site?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:No, thankfully, but unless a doctor gives the OK, participants will not be able to take part in the swimming, running, shooting, helicopter flights or other tasks that have been arranged for them on the day.

Asked by:You also participated in Navy SEAL training. What was it like?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:It was incredible. It wasn't a tour of a training camp. It was a real seven-hour training session with elite soldiers. The program started at 5:7 a.m., and everyone was treated the same. Whether they were rich or famous, they were treated like soldiers and given orders like soldiers. In between, they did push-ups, took dips in cold water, and continued training.

Asked by:Have you participated in any other experiences?

Jean-Marc Pontroué:Of course! We always have new experiences. We always have new experiences. We've done an experience with Mike Horn, where we went to the Arctic. But we don't plan to do an exact repeat. By the way, we've done two experiences with the Italian Navy: in 2019 with the Comsubin Commando Force in La Spezia, and in 2022 with Forze Speciali and Brigata San Marco in Brindisi.