Panerai PAM 366 vs. PAM 498 'FU' Comparison

Watches4ever · 2012-07-13T07:30:25Z

Explore the Panerai PAM 366 and PAM 498 'FU' watches. Discover their differences, movements, and case designs in this collector's comparison.

Watches4ever

WPS member · Officine Panerai forum

10 replies7690 views10 photos

Watches4ever, a dedicated Panerai enthusiast, presents a captivating side-by-side comparison of his two 'FU' watches, the PAM 366 and PAM 498. This article delves into the subtle yet significant differences between these two special edition models, offering valuable insights for collectors interested in Panerai's unique offerings and their cultural significance.

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Two days ago, I posted Pam 498 to share with readers... Now I share with all the two FU watches side by side...

My first Pam was the 366 FU Special Edition, a year later I was lucky to get the second edition Pam 498 in a different housing & movement. This time, in a 1950 case, P9000 3-days power reserve movement and with date display. Most people think they look the same but to Panerai owners, the 1950 case makes this watch standout, plus the date window and the sandwich dial. FU in Chinese meaning Good Fortune, Happiness or Luck, and I must admit, having both in my collection, luck bestowed upon me, and I am happy that both are sitting side-by-side in my special 2 watches case. I have put together a small collection of photos of this adoring pair, and lume shots I managed to take this morning with the blinds down. I also shot this watch against the recently acquired Pam 359, like seeing double.

I have replaced both original strap with vintage Panerai strap, to me, much more comfortable to wear & they do look right with the yellowish indexes (hard to display in photos even though I have photoshop them).

Pam 366 & Pam 498 - The FU brothers.

Pam 498 Thicker Hands & sandwich dial

Pam 366 Special Edition FU

1500 pcs in total

In-house P9000 movement

1950 case thicker by comparison

Lume shots

Pam 359 & 498, same family

Please do not remove these images without written permission...

BR, Ian

About the Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Ref. PAM359

The PAM359 represents Panerai's Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic in a 44mm polished steel configuration. This reference sits within the Luminor Marina series, distinguished by its automatic movement and three-day power reserve capability.

The watch features a 44mm polished steel case paired with a matching polished steel bezel. Protection comes from a 2.6mm sapphire crystal, while water resistance extends to 300 meters. The piece is powered by the Calibre P.9000 movement, providing the stated three-day power reserve through automatic winding.

The PAM359 appeals to collectors seeking a steel sports watch with substantial case dimensions and extended power reserve. The polished steel construction and 44mm sizing position this reference for those preferring larger case proportions within the Luminor Marina collection. The automatic movement eliminates manual winding requirements while maintaining the three-day reserve specification.

Specifications

Caliber: P.9000

Case: Polished Steel

Diameter: 44mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 300m

Crystal: 2.6mm Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The PAM 498 is preferred over the PAM 366 due to its 1950 case and in-house P9000 movement, raising questions about Panerai's future use of in-house movements in 44mm Luminor cases.
The PAM 498 is not a Special Edition like the 366, but an O series limited to 1000 pieces, exclusively available in Greater China Regional Boutiques.
The PAM 498 features a sandwich dial and a polished case, distinguishing it as a unique piece for the Chinese market.
The 'FU' symbol on the watches, meaning Good Fortune, Happiness, or Luck, adds a layer of personal significance and appreciation for the owner.

The Discussion

Bruno.M1

Jul 13, 2012

for me the 498 :-)

Would like to have both ofcourse but if I should pick one, it would be the 498 Probably because I don't have a 1950 :-) But also for the movement, nothing wrong with an ETA but when possible I'll take an inhouse movement. This makes me wonder ... is there 44 mm luminor case with an inhouse ? I'm not sure but I think they're all ETA based. So that raises the question ,When will Panerai make an inhouse for the 44 mm Luminor and when will they stop using ETA movements ?

ocwatching

Jul 13, 2012

Thanks for posting..

498 with Sandwich dial? looks like painted..but could be my monitor... and its a polished case eh? anyhow..congrats on a neat pair for the Chinese market...

Subco

Jul 13, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

No doubt for me: i really prefer the 366 .

tumahuk

Jul 13, 2012

Very nice ... I'd go for 498 too

Thnx 4sharing.

AnthonyTsai

Jul 16, 2012

Congrats on your FU duo!!

And I'm very happy to hear that good fortune has bestowed upon you with these 2 watches. Makes the watches even better! Thanks for the comparison photos too. Cheers, Anthony

Davo

Jul 26, 2012

Congrats!

Wear them in good health.

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Panerai PAM 366 vs. PAM 498 'FU' Comparison

About the Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Ref. PAM359

Specifications

About the Panerai Luminor Marina Fu Ref. PAM366

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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