Collection
Subexplorer's journey into collecting Rolex and Panerai California dial watches offers a fascinating look at a distinctive aesthetic. His personal quest highlights the allure of these unique dials, tracing their history from Rolex's 'Error Proof Radium dials' to modern Panerai interpretations. This article explores the evolution and enduring appeal of the California dial, a design that continues to captivate collectors.
The PAM00249 represents Panerai's Radiomir 1936 SE series, a special edition reference produced from 2007 to 2012. This 47mm stainless steel model features the manual-winding P.3000 caliber and maintains the fundamental characteristics of the Radiomir collection within a limited production timeframe.
The watch houses a black dial within a 47mm stainless steel case topped with sapphire crystal and a smooth bezel configuration. The manual-winding P.3000 movement provides a 72-hour power reserve. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, and the watch is fitted with a leather strap. The substantial case size aligns with Panerai's sizing approach during this production period.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on Panerai's mid-2000s special edition offerings and those seeking manual-winding complications within the Radiomir lineup. The five-year production window from 2007 to 2012 positions the PAM249 as a time-specific variant that bridges Panerai's modern manufacturing era with traditional hand-wound movement architecture.
The 249 is a superb Panerai. I also remember trying to track one down when they were announced as a “Special Edition”. The crazy days of Panerai mania ! I still have it and always will.
... and I feel very fortunate to find mine. I had never dreamed about finding one in my usual hunting grounds! O started my love with Panerai with my first one: a Pam 111 which I bought in an AD in Paris in 2006. I knew very little about the brand in those years, except that I liked them very much and wished to own one. As you know many more Pams came later to my collection. The California dial is among my favorites, and I feel the 249 is the one to keep. Though I find the 424 very charming spec
Very interesting and it reminded me of when I first became interested in Panerai. I was in Cairo and a single Panerai was on display in a small cabinet. It wasn’t even in a prominent position. I asked about the watch but no one had any idea about it. That was 14 years ago.
,,, and it is amazing to observe how the brand has grown in all those years. As a matter of fact in those times I was able to have in my memory almost all the model references of their catalog. In the last three or four years so many models have been launched that I lost track of the models, specially those with four digits numbers!! Lol!
Who would have thought that the time would pass so quickly I recently looked at the Boutique Blue Editions. A California Blue would have been exciting but sadly it was not to be. Happy hunting !
... Regarding Panerai Cali dials: I am not aware a Cali dial is offered within the blue dial series. But I feel that in next SIHH we could have some new Cali, perhaps in their Due line or perhaps the blue dial line. Just a hunch of mine as I have no formal connections with the brand! These could be exciting news for sure! Cheers! Abel.
This thread is active on the Officine Panerai forum with 46 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
