SIHH 2017: Panerai PAM 687. Some pictures and thoughts.
amanico
Let's be clear, I don't " buy " the official explanation behind the watch, the fact that it has been introduced by the Italian Navy as a product which might be of interest for them.
I don't have a verified explanation, but I always believed that the first Panerai introduced to the Italian Navy was the Ref 2533.A Rolex case and movement with a special dial.
2533:
An the document... See the date:
Picture and document which I will credit on request. I found them on the net many years ago, and I can't remember where and from who...
So, I don't see how the 3646 " Brevettato " could be the first one.
Moreover, the Brevettato bezel seems to be the surrounding part of the case back. Put on the dial side.
I don't even know if the 3646 Brevettato even existed. I don't have any factual information to confirm or to infirm that.
Here is a picture probably taken by John Goldberger of a 3646 Brevettato.
The 3646 Brevettato.
Credit picture: John Goldberger?
As you will soon see, the 3646 Brevettato pictured above has been of an obvious inspiration for the all new and freshly unveiled PAM 687.
Especially the dial and hands whose patina has been greatly reproduced.
So, historical background, or not, the PAM 687 has many great points:
- First of all, the Radiomir case, which is an example of class and elegance, despite its generous size ( 47 mm ).
47 mm is big, but it is in the essence of a Panerai watch, AND those who tried a 47 mm Radiomir can witness the fact that it doesn't wear like a watch of this dimension. For one reason: The absence of lugs. And the relatively thin case.
- The pear shaped crown. Another distinctive element of... Distinction.
- The dial: Its color, of course, its sandwich construction, too. And these gilt hands, which compliment the dial very well.
I for one quite like the faux patina of the indices and hands. I know it is a controversial point, but green indices and hands would have spoiled the charm of the dial, in my opinion.
The black dialed sister, ref PAM 685 is beautiful, also, but I think the 687 is a step above, in terms of charm.
PAM 685 and 687:
- The last point is the movement, the manual winding Cal P 3000, beating at the pace of 21600 vibrations per hour, and offering a power reserve of 3 Days. I find it quite appealing to see. Protecting the movement, the see through case back is made in sapphire. While the glass on the dial side is in plexy. A spare plexy is delivered in the box, to be complete.
A flaw on that watch? The fact that it is water resistant to only 30 meters ( same for the PAM 249 California if I remember well ) is ridiculous for such a watch.
The fact that it is limited to 1000 pieces is not a good thing. Or you decide to limit its production to much less, let's say 100 pieces, or you don't limit it. 1000 pieces doesn't make sense.
Despite these two " negative " points, you understood it, I am totally under the charm. Because of the case, the movement, but most of all because of this dial which makes me fall for the whole watch. A dial I would have liked to see in the PAM 662.
Here are my pictures I could take at the Panerai Booth during the SIHH.
To end, I will say that I am in big trouble, now: The PAM 587 ( Marina Militare ), the PAM 662, the PAM 372 were my objects of desire.
Now, I have to add this 687.
And if the best solution was to have one of each case? PAM 687 for the Radiomir " 3646 ", PAM 587 or 662 for the Radiomir " 1940 " and PAM 372 for the 6152?
The PAM 687 is one of the few good surprises from the 2017 novelties, definitely.
What is your opinion on that one?
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
Comments:
Subexplorer February 1st, 2017-04:48
Hello Nicolas! Superb review, your thoughts and points of views to which I completely agree... ... I must tell you that I was waiting for your review of this watch to know your opinion. I fell in love with this watch the very same day I view the first photographs some weeks before SIHH. I don´t mind if the "original" ever existed, or how much this ...
amanico February 1st, 2017-05:15
I knew it would be a watch for you, Amigo Abel. I have to take an appointment with the Paris Boutique to see the 662 and this one side by side. I will keep you updated. As for the fact that it may or may not have existed, I agree with you. It is looking damn nice! Un abrazo. Nicolas
Subexplorer February 1st, 2017-06:30
Thanks a lot my dear Nicolas!! I guess the 662 is a different... ... watch, with a fantastic dial color and its only drawback is not having a sandwich dial. In this department the 662 loses against this new model 687. Anyway, I love my 662 and its 1940 case sans crown guard. Best option is... as always... to go for Bot...
amanico February 1st, 2017-08:27
My feeling, exactly. But I love the case of the 662.
Subexplorer February 1st, 2017-13:19
yes yes, case of 662 and 587 Mamma Mia is superb!!
joeyza February 1st, 2017-07:13
Great read! Thanks for putting this together along with the history lesson. Very much enjoyed reading about the comparison of today's iteration vs the historical model. Cheers, Joe
amanico February 1st, 2017-08:36
My pleasure, Joeyza. Thanks for reading and for your answer.
aris d February 1st, 2017-07:45
True that's a great watch. Something unexpected given the dial color and the bezel. Many of us are now dreaming. Aris PS For your case, If you chose the 372, then the 587 is the better option (given the MM on dial and vintage hands). BUT you can chose the 673 for the 6152 (so you h...
amanico February 1st, 2017-08:36
673 or 372 / 662 and 687... That would be a killer trio.
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