New Release
AnthonyTsai provides a comprehensive first look at the Panerai PAM508 Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Ceramica, a significant evolution from the PAM305. His analysis highlights key differences and design choices, offering valuable insights for collectors considering this special edition. This article builds upon his earlier PAM305 review, providing a comparative perspective on Panerai's ceramic dive watch offering.
The Panerai PAM508 Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Ceramica Submersible from SIHH 2013 is an evolution of the PAM305 Submersible. I posted an extensive PAM305 review several years ago, so if you're contemplating adding the PAM508 to your collection, please be sure to review my PAM305 review (CLICK HERE for my PAM305 review ).
PAM508 in black ceramic
The original PAM305 in titanium
The main difference about the PAM508 compared to the PAM305 is that the case and bezel are made out of black ceramic instead of titanium. The color of the super luminova also is now ecru instead of green.
The PAM508 houses the same P.9000 3 day automatic and is water resistant to 300m. 1,000 pieces will be made as a Special Edition, and retail price is $17,500.
I raved about the PAM305 when it first came out, and the double baton markers on the dial at 12 o'clock makes this Panerai Submersible line still my favorite of all the various Submersibles Panerai has to offer. There's just something sexy about this dial look which I love - combines both a vintage look with today's contemporary styling.
Unlike the sapphire display back of the PAM305, the PAM508 caseback is a black PVD'ed solid titanium caseback with an engraved pig which is a nice detail by Panerai.
PAM508 solid titanium caseback
PAM305 sapphire display back w/ quick strap change pushers on the lugs
I've always preferred sapphire display backs over solid casebacks, so I wish Panerai utilized a sapphire back on the PAM508. On the other hand, it does make more functional sense to put on a solid caseback since this is a diving watch.
Another difference is there are no quick strap change pushers on the PAM508 lugs (compare above 2 pictures). I guess it is because the case is ceramic, so incorporating these quick strap change pushers would be difficult to implement technically without fracturing the ceramic lugs. To change straps on the PAM508, you'll just have to use your screwdriver instead which isn't bad at all.
Below is a video of the PAM508. I wish I had a white glove on instead of black so it would give the video more contrast. Sorry!
Despite the recent thread here in our forum about ceramic cases cracking (CLICK HERE to read thread ) when accidently dropped to the floor, the PAM508 will be a relatively popular model. Ceramic does have its drawbacks but the look, feel, and scratch resistance of ceramic outweighs the shock weakness of ceramic. I wouldn't pass on any ceramic watch just for the sole reason that it may crack if I drop it on the floor. Do you not drive your car because you fear you will crash it into a tree?
Don't live in fear and just enjoy your watch IMO 
There's not much else I can add or outline to this PAM508 report that I haven't covered in my PAM305 review, so I'll leave it as that.
The addition of the PAM508 black ceramic gives way to the possibility of a brown composite version someday, so maybe we'll see a brown version in a couple years. Or maybe even a combination of both? A black ceramic case w/ brown composite bezel or vice versa? Now that would be very interesting!
Cheers,
Anthony
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-06-07 10:20:15
The PAM000 represents the Luminor Base Logo within Panerai's Luminor Base series. This reference carries the fundamental characteristics of the Luminor Base collection while incorporating the brand's logo display on the dial.
The watch features a 44mm polished steel case housing a black dial. The substantial case diameter positions this model within Panerai's larger-sized offerings, maintaining the proportions characteristic of the Luminor Base architecture.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking an entry point into the Luminor Base series with logo branding. The 44mm steel construction and black dial configuration represent a foundational specification within the model range, offering the core Luminor Base aesthetic in a straightforward execution.
Let's be serious it's a hyped LE so forget about a discount. For the same price you can almost get a Lange 1815 or Patek Calatrava IN GOLD because the Lange and PP can be bought with let's say 15% discount a simple 3 hands, basic automatic movement and a cheap ceramic case (yes, cheap ... Rado uses ceramic since more than 20 yerars and their watches start at 2K) Nice piece and if it retailed for 10K I would consider it ...17.5K HELL NO !!!
the price setting is completely crazy, remember that you can have a Tuttonero Luminor 3 days GMT with a ceramic band !!!! for 2.000 € less !!! so come one where is the difference ?? sure it's a great looking watch but at that price level i'd pick something else to be honnest.
One hefty, heavy weight, judging by my 292. A brown composite would be nice.
Thanks for the review Anthony, as I greatly enjoyed your 305 review from several years ago. I still think the original 305 is my favorite, out of all the variants of the 305: the bronze, the anti-magnetic, and now the ceramic versions. I do question the durability of the ceramic. Though I do like the all black case. Do not care much for the SDV (pig as some panerai collectors like to call it) logo on the back. The original 305 is still on my list to get to compliment my 372.
I hope the retail pricing doesn't keep climbing because the value proposition isn't what it used to be many years ago. - AT
Or better said, I'm on the list for it. Hope I'll be able to get it. This is my favorite of the new LEs.
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