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A glance back at the PAM87 1000m Submersible

MichaelC
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Have you ever owned the same watch twice?

I have, and in fact, this PAM87 3 times!  My very first Panerai, purchased in 2001, was the PAM87 D series.  In many ways, this watch is nothing short of a controversial offering from Panerai, and as we look back, we can see the dangerous trail this watch has blazed.  Of course, I am referring to the fact that in 2000, Panerai launched the famous PAM64 Limited Edition "La Bomba" 1000 meter Submersible with a black dial and silver sub seconds.  Merely 1 year later, Panerai would bring out the exact same watch in a regular edition, changing only the dial color.  Not the kind of news that is well received by brand collectors and passionate fans.

For me, I had the choice of either dial at the time, and I elected to purchase the 87D.

I happen to have a photo of a PAM64C next to my last sample, the 87H.  At this point, the 87 had undergone its dial change from the E to F series.  The 87 D/E watches had a lighter shade of blue and dial features more similar to the 64.  The big differences you can see below are the position and style of the hour markers.  On the 87, starting with the F series, the markers became trimmed in steel and pushed to the edge of the dial, interrupting the white minute track.

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This new style dial on the 87 is what made me sell me D series to purchase an F series, and later this H series which is shown in all of the following photos.  I liked the darker shade of blue and new dial features.

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Panerai's 44mm 1000m case type is quite possible the chunkiest feeling Panerai I have ever worn.  The subtle change of pushing the hour markers outward gave the dial a larger appearance.

You can also see some refinement in the markings on the bezel.

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This photo really captures the dial shade of the 87F-H dials.

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This watch used Tritium markers right up to the end of its production.  Not the best lume photo below, but the 1000m was easily read in low light situations.

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I enjoyed the 87H on the newer style Panerai rubber strap and it paired quite well.  This watch is perhaps the most top heavy piece I have ever worn, and a rigid strap helped control the weight.

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Panerai has tweaked the bezel of the Submersible series many times over the years.  I always thought the style used on the 87 was just right, with the varying weight black 15 minute scale, size and style of the 5 minute extruded metal circles, and edge coining.

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Once subtle detail to set apart the PAM87 from its predecessor was the cool "1000m" marking on the rotating lever.

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A watch of this brute size is best worn with short sleeves, and in tough environments.  Some collectors speak about "desk diving" and wear their watch picks up from the normal routine.  When you have a Panerai 44mm 1000m watch strapped on, it is not the watch that is in danger, but anything else that might encounter it.

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And with longer sleeves, you need a loose cuff to clear this monster.

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I'm not certain why I did not keep my PAM87H.  It was the last of the 87s, a small edition of 300 pieces if I recall correctly.  I do miss it.  Enough to acquire it for the 4th time?  Well, never say never, and 4 is my favorite number ;-)

Comments:
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amanico August 31st, 2014-09:27
Good memories, Michael. I do agree with you that the Pam 87 opened a dangerous door, totally agree with that. As for the différences, there is another big one, the bezel and specially the zone between 0 and 15. On the Pam 64 the indexes were longer. Both had a lot of character. ... 
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MichaelC September 3rd, 2014-06:59
Definitely the bezel on the 64 is unique. Very bold, and probably more congruent with the black dial. The later 87s have more refinement with the painted markers, and that suits the newer dial design, IMO. Thanks for reading the article Nicolas.
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AnthonyTsai August 31st, 2014-12:58
Hey, 4th time is a charm right? I think you'll be coming back to the 1000m Submersible :) Once you had enough time with your AP Offshores and want a break from them, you'll have the itching to get another La Bomba. Cheers, Anthony
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MichaelC September 3rd, 2014-07:01
Maybe! Just looking at my own photos... Makes me really miss it. One day, perhaps...
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d-star August 31st, 2014-15:23
Great review I've thought about acquiring the 87 many times. In general I like blue dial watches. I knew about the different shades of blue depending on series, however, I did not know about the difference with the hour markers. Sharp eyes and thanks for pointing it o... 
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MichaelC September 3rd, 2014-07:09
You bet d-star. I like the charm of the 87D/E, but prefer the larger looking dial and additional refinements on the F-H. Certainly one to keep an eye out for pre-owned.
morten.foldager March 22nd, 2016-00:14
Problems with PAM 87 Hi Michael I allready have a PAM 106, but I want something bigger cause I love big divers watches ;-) I have been lokking for a PAM 87, but have been told by an expert and former Panerai employe called Rainer, that 80-90% of the PAM 87's are trash in his ... 
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amanico March 22nd, 2016-00:42
I would be very interested in knowing why he thinks that...  
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MichaelC March 30th, 2016-07:55
Well, maybe this is why he is a "former" employee. I must disagree with this so called expert. No specific problems with the PAM87. If you like the case and dial, the look and feel on the wrist, are you going to pass on the watch because of someone else's opinion? That would be a pity.
psh2 September 2nd, 2014-17:57
nice to see the ocean blue, great 
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AnthonyTsai
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Coverage report of Panerai SIHH 2014 preview event at Mr. C Beverly Hills

AnthonyTsai
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Yesterday I attended Panerai's SIHH 2014 preview event at Mr. C Beverly Hills on Beverwil Drive. Start time was 6pm with end time of 9:30pm. Panerai rented out the entire Pool & Terrace area, and the theme of the night was "Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Evening." Once you enter the Pool & Terrace area, you hear the party music coming from the speakers along the perimeter.


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