Panerai 5218-301/A Mare Nostrum Pre-Vendôme

Subexplorer · 2015-01-11T17:43:47Z

Explore the Panerai 5218-301/A Mare Nostrum, a rare pre-Vendôme chronograph. Subexplorer shares his acquisition story and unique insights into this distinctive model.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Officine Panerai forum

29 replies4186 views7 photos

Subexplorer shares his excitement over a recent acquisition, the Panerai 5218-301/A Mare Nostrum. This post highlights the unique appeal of this pre-Vendôme model, which stands out with its distinct design compared to more common Panerai aesthetics. Subexplorer's personal reflections on its character and the journey to acquire it offer a glimpse into the passion of collecting.

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... with two timepieces hunted during last week. Two beautiful watches I was looking after for some time.

I am sharing here on of these pieces, a Panerai of course.

It is a reference 5218-301/A pre Vendome model Mare Nostrum, which I found in good general condition. The watch came with its original blue shark straps, but the previous owner had installed a non original set of brown cordovan Horween straps with an original Panerai buckle which I found very comfortable and cool looking, so I decided to keep them on this watch. May be in a future I will install the blue shark ones.

No need to say that I like this watch very much and enjoy looking at it on my wrist.

It is a a Panerai with little Panerai look which keeps much of the design of the original bigger size chrono prototype made some decades ago which never met commercial production. That original chrono had a plain bezel instead of the tachimetric bezel this model soports.

This is a very sporty chrono with an strong presence on the wrist, and I´m very happy to own it and share it here.

Best cordial regards, Abel.

This message has been edited by Subexplorer on 2015-01-11 18:03:33

Key Points from the Discussion

The Mare Nostrum 5218-301/A possesses a strong character and sporty elegance, making it a very unusual Panerai model.
The dial color of the 5218-301/A can appear black under artificial light but reveals its true blue splendor in daylight, a detail that surprised the author during acquisition.
The term 'PAM' is typically used for Panerai watches from 1997 onwards, while earlier models, like the 5218-301/A, belong to the Pre-Vendôme era and are referred to by their specific reference numbers.
The Mare Nostrum series includes models like PAM 6, 7, and 8, distinguished by their blue, white, and black dials, respectively.
The Panerai PAM 203 is a robust and highly sought-after reference, often considered a significant addition to a collection.
The author admits to focusing on Panerai and Rolex lately, acknowledging the constant temptation these brands offer to collectors.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Jan 11, 2015

Great catch, congrats Abel! [nt]

Subexplorer

Jan 12, 2015

Thank you so much Michael! [nt]

CaliforniaJed

Jan 11, 2015

Congratualtions, Abel!

Pre-V is a great way to start the year. Enjoy that Mare Nostrum in the best of health. Best, CaliforniaJed

Subexplorer

Jan 12, 2015

Thank you for your comments and good wishes Jed! [nt]

amanico

Jan 11, 2015

You know this one is a strong love. THe under estimated MN is a top watch.

And a Top Panerai. What a look it has! Character, balance, awesome look, a certain elegance, too. One of my favourite Panerais. Bravo, very well done, Abel!

Subexplorer

Jan 12, 2015

Thank you my dear friend Nicolas! You have described...

... this watch with exact words! It got an strong character and it also has an sporty elegance. A very unusual Pam for sure! This was part of the dealing together with the PP W/T, and the one whose dial made me doubt in a first look, as the seller wrongly described it to me as a "black" dial and it looked so in the artificial light of the shop. In daylight or with a good artificial light source the blue brings out in all its splendor as you can see in the pictures. I´m happy to be able to captur

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Panerai 5218-301/A Mare Nostrum Pre-Vendôme

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