Officine Panerai

The beginning of 47mm era

 

With all the hype of the new PAM372, I would like to share some photos of 4 watches that started 47mm era of modern Panerai watch..

It all started with the PAM127, launched in 2002. I believe that during that time, the size was too big.
It was also actually Panerai's 1st attempt to make a historically correct watch.. (Although we all know, none are actually 100% historically correct)
With stainless steel case, domed crystal and ETA movement based on the design of the vintage Rolex Cortebert movement

I would like to actually underline the charm of PAM127..
The font they use in their "LUMINOR PANERAI", if you notice, is actually larger, even compared to the font they use in the 217..
The domed crystal, I was told, that it was not perfect.. You can see purplish tint in the reflection on the domed crystal.. You don't see it on 217's crsytal
And yes the 1950 wording, I always said that it ruined the aesthetic of the watch.. But once I wear it on my wrist, it is too small for me to notice..
A very charming watch..





Then comes the 217 in 2005. A left-handed counterpart of the 127.
Hard to argue that the "MARINA MILITARE" on the dial makes it somehow special
Being made only 1000 pcs (+ the OORs) it is twice as rare as the 127
And of course being a destro, makes it appealing to collectors as it is unique

And in 2006 came the Radiomirs : PAM232 and PAM249
People always compare these 2 models and there are always argument to call which one is best of the two..
PAM249 is more "striking" in design.. With the California dial..
And of course it was a bold move by Panerai to keep the dial clean without any "PANERAI" branding
The use of Plexi also a bold move.. As it is rarely worn in modern watches

While PAM232 looking more calm in design
Plain Tobacco sandwiched dial with gold hands
You have to see it in metal to see the beauty of this watch
Most photograph couldn't capture the actual color of the dial
It is dark brown in color but under the sun the dial color turn to greyish brown in color
It makes the gold hands glow even more 
It has a flat sapphire crystal instead of domed plexi but it makes it more versatile

There will be more of the historic 47mm Panerai in the future.. And I'm sure it could only gets better and better

But I'm really sure that these 4 Panerai will always be remembered as 4 of the most important watches in modern Panerai's history

I hope you enjoy the photos,



Sam

PS : I would like to thank Alim (Isnandar) who was kind enough to do the photo shoot for me and lend his PAM127 for the photo shoot

 

This message has been edited by samrotandi on 2011-03-11 05:50:06