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