Vintage
Nicolas (amanico) revisits the iconic Panerai Mare Nostrum, a reference that holds a special place in his collecting journey. His post delves into the nuances of the Pre-A era, highlighting the distinct characteristics that set certain models apart. This exploration offers valuable context for understanding the evolution of Panerai's historical designs and the subtle differences that captivate collectors.
The PAM008 represents the Mare Nostrum series within Panerai's collection, housed in a 42mm case configuration. This reference utilizes brushed steel construction throughout its case and bezel components.
The watch features a brushed steel case measuring 42mm in diameter, paired with a matching brushed steel bezel. Protection comes from a 1.6mm sapphire crystal, while water resistance reaches 50 meters. The movement is the ETA 2801-2 caliber.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a steel sports watch in the mid-size 42mm format. The brushed finishing across both case and bezel provides a consistent aesthetic treatment. Within the Mare Nostrum series, the PAM008 offers the combination of steel construction with the ETA-based movement platform.
Which model is it? It is a bit different from what I have seen
a MN Pre-A, because they were never produced The T-swiss-T MN: PAM006-007-008 are A models produced (200 pieces each) in 1998. The one in your picture is the PAM008. The PAM006 has a blue dial and the PAM007 has a white one. If you have a closer look at the indices, they are not "painted" like the Pre-V and Pre-A dials but, as in all the A models.."sausaged"..with the tritium inserted in a tube and the tube applied to the dial like in the 1, in the picture below.
for a long time. After checking and cross referencing, I am convinced that they are A models. For one thing, the "inventory" dials they received from Panerai in 97, were all carved and painted since they were Pre-V ones. The NMs have A indices (much like the 36 and 40, which are...officially....B models, by the way). Let's say that the records from that period, leave a lot to interpretation
But long enough ago that I didn’t fully understand what I was seeing. I'd love to see one again some time. Kent
the records of the time, are a bit "fuzzy". As I wrote, I was also convinced that there were Pre-A MN. That being said, the indices are not Pre-V style, which means they cannot be Pre-A since, that production used all the..left over material of Panerai. I have consulted the "millesimation" tables of 2 websites and BOTH don't show Pre-A MN. As for the 36, which was the only limited edition of 1998 has been...pushed to 1999 in the updated Special Edition list in the Panerai's website! Furthermore,
Given that PAM watch prices seem to defy gravity like how zenith defy Zero-G did more than decade ago.
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