Panerai Vintage Admiral's Watch History

sergio · 2023-02-24T15:58:59Z

Explore the mysterious Panerai 'Admiral's watch' dial, its historical origins, and modern iterations like PAM 373 and PAM 449. A deep dive into Panerai's heritage.

Sergio's post brings to light a lesser-known Panerai model, reportedly requested by an Admiral of the Royal Italian Navy. This article delves into the historical context and various iterations of this distinctive Panerai dial, offering insights from the WatchProSite community. Sergio's initial query sparks a fascinating discussion about the watch's origins and its modern interpretations.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Admiral's request' origin story for this Panerai dial is a new detail for some collectors, prompting further discussion on its historical accuracy.
Panerai has offered this dial in models like the PAM 425, though some collectors dislike the small 'Maiale' relief at 6 o'clock. It was also featured in limited editions with white gold or platinum cases, such as the platinum PAM 373 with a brown dial.
Another limited edition, the PAM 449, also features a similar dial without the 'S.L.C.' inscription, which is preferred by some enthusiasts.
These types of dials were originally made for the Panerai Ref. 6152/1 in the late 1950s, providing historical context for their design.
While a watch with this dial reportedly belonged to an Italian admiral, there is no definitive historical evidence confirming that it was 'specifically requested' by an admiral, highlighting the 'multiverse' of Panerai vintage stories.
Collectors express a desire for Panerai to reintroduce this dial design, ideally without the SLC inscription, into their current Luminor line, particularly in a 47mm Luminor case.

The Discussion

aperna

Feb 24, 2023

It was probably my grand father who ordered it!:)))))))))))

amanico

Feb 24, 2023

I didn't know this one.

Subexplorer

Feb 24, 2023

Very interesting informatio dear Sergio. It´s a beautiful dial. I´ve read somewhere that the Navy wished a dial less conspicuous than the usual 3-6-9-12 which was too bright and could be detected by the enemy...

... but I´m not sure if this is true. The Admiral request is something new for me. Thank you for sharing! Panerai offers this dial in his Pam 425 though I feel they ruined it with the small Maiale in relief over 6. Though that detail didn´t prevented me to buy one. Lol! It was also offered some years ago in a Limited Edition with white gold or platinum case. I´m sure you know the Pam number. Ciao my dear friend! Abel

Subexplorer

Feb 24, 2023

Lol! Thank you dear Tony!

sergio

Feb 24, 2023

The dial of the 425 is black....

the 373 is the only one with the brown one (and it's platinum) It's in my avatar Ciao my friend

Subexplorer

Feb 25, 2023

Thank you so much for your clarification dear Sergio!!

This is a most beautiful Panerai. The brown dial and platinum csse make for a very special watch and looks. I was offered one a few years ago but my budget didn’t allow the purchase in that occasion. I’m still regretting that. Keep loving and enjoying yours so much!! Ciao my dear friend. Abel

Key Points from the Discussion

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