Z3
944
Dear Nicolas. you know we CANNOT compare like that =)
There are easy comparisons (such as comparing this watch with an iced-out Jacob & Co), and there are hard comparisons, like the one that you raised=)
These three are all very different watches with different positionings and "feelings", all of them are excellent pieces.
If I had to pick one, I probably would pick the 5712 because of the functionality and better finishing.
But then again, we Purists sometimes are animals of passion, not reason=) There are some pieces that just "SPEAK" to us like the murmuring voice in John Nash's head. And when that happens, you just have to make a decision.
After all, passion, not pure reason, is what makes us going. (Although I hope that the passion is supported by some objective measures, and some conversation with other Purists).
I myself have quite often fallen prey to strong passion, regardless of all that price-value ratio analysis...
The degrees in which other people think that we are crazy are all relative to their starting point.
After I flew back to Taipei to pick up my Survivor and then showed it to my watch buddies in NY, they shook their head and told me that I could've bought a fancy Lange or Patek in precious model, but they could understand my passion.
When I showed a "non-watch" colleague the Survivor, told him the extent that I went to get it, and then told him the price, his eyes widened immediately in disbelief, shook his head, and wanted me to take a photo of him with the watch so he could email his mother and show her "how to wear a brand new BMW on the wrist"=)
Jon
Highlights on the Pam 322
This was to day one of these lucky days. A good friend, who is fortunate enough to own this 322, called me to ask me to take some pics of his new Baby. A nice cushion shaped case, with elegant, not to say sexy curves: The watch has a very clean, sober loo...
Thank you Nicolas
Hi, I love this 322! Thank oyu for sharing these pics. I agree that the architecture of the calibre is unconventional for a Minerva calibre, but I could do with the finish. Cheers Dje
Very artistic...
...photos with the coral, Nicolas! Both are lovely watches that combine refinement with a legible tool-watch type dial. My slight preference would be for the 8 Days (but only verrrrry slightly!)...and with such an excellent strap choice too! Awesome! D...
these 2 brownies and the CALI "sson d'aix" are really delectable
and collectable. Just to add that reserve de marche for 322 is more than 55 hours and we have 2 possibilities to know when the watch stops: - the second hand do not move (like on 198) - the typical "tic-tac" of the old minerva calibre do not sound near th...
The watches are nice but your pics. are superb!
Thanks for showing us how it should be done.
Very nice read Nicolas
and I'm very happy to see a comparison of 3 great Radiomirs - PAM322, PAM249, and PAM198. Great post! Cheers, Anthony PS. I would love to take extreme macros shots of the Ferrari FER24 w/ vintage Minerva movement someday to compare the finishing with the ...
Thanks for your kind words, Anthony
It was a spontaneous post, nothing prepared, as I didn't know I would have the opportunity to put my hands on this 322. As for the macros of the " Ferrari Minerva ", it is obviously a nicest and better finished version of the same movement, which is, IMO,...
I believe the Minerva movement in the Ferrari is not the same movement
used in the PAM309 & PAM322. I remember confirming this with Panerai last year. - AT
My take, Anthony, is that the movement used in the 322 / 309 is
The same than the one housed in the Ferrari , but without the Chrono parts... And with this bloody inferior finish... But someone here may have stronger infos? Best, Nicolas
Just checked my prior emails. Minerva movements not the same
Chad, Beverly Hills Boutique Manager, says the Minerva movement in the Ferrari Panerai is a new old stock movement while the Minerva used in the 322 and 309 is not a NOS movement. Hence, this means they are 2 different movements. I don't know which moveme...
The PAM 322 calibre is based on
Hi, The PAM 322 calibre is based on the Minerva calibre 16-15. This calibre is modified so that the small seconds is at 9 on the Panerai (at six on the Minerva Seconde Grande Authentique). This calibre is 38.4mm wide and is in no way linked to the Ferrari...
KILLER REPORT !!!
I'm not a huge Pannie-fan in general. But the Radiomir remains THE most beautiful design there is (case is amazing ). These three together make a stunning trio !!!! Filip
Beautiful photos, Nicolas!
It reminds me that I still need to get an elegant Radiomir as I only have the 292 which needs a more traditional companion (in terms of material) I do agree with your relevant questioning of the noblesse of the movement or treatment of it. It is a rather ...
You have a wide choice, Luc
Along the 232, 249, 190, and these 309 / 322... An embarassing choice, at the end... But waht an exciting experience to live! Best, and thanks for your nice words, my friend. Nicolas
Yes, it´s one of these lucky days....
admiring these marvels and your pics... This 322 and the 198 (watch that I had the pleasure to admire ) are a great duo.... and if you had the Cali.... Ummmm. I started my walk in the Panerai´s world with a Logo 005 (two years with me) and, after, with a ...
Well Nicolas...You do continue to forget to send the 198 to me :-D
However, such a wounderful report deserves forgiveness! Thank you for your photographic skills. Best! -- Richard. This message has been edited by =RWK= on 2009-03-07 14:49:08
I knew I forgot something, Richard
Sorry, mate, but it looks like I can't live without it... A very special watch, to me. The feel and weight of the platinum, this brown dial and the fine JLC movement elegantly ticking contribute to the special appeal of this Rad... Sorry, Nicolas
Had a chance to handle one at a Panerai event.
The marriage of that dial with the gold hands is bliss. I can't opine on the Minerva movement housed beneath, but it sure is pretty. Best, Jed
Thanks for the wonderful report
Similar to the 292, I first had my reservation when OP announced blackened/PVD/Ceramic or even brushed finished radiomir case. I guess for me the good old Radiomir should always have polished finishing. Needless to say my knee wobbles when I saw the 292 i...
great shots...I too am mixed on this one...love the look but the price is bit steep...
now the 198....that's a DIFFERENT story... ;-)
Great write up . . . the 322 is something special . . .
I wore mine yesterday. Craig...
Great pics mate!
Love this watch...its an stunning piece. Much more beatiful than the 232! I had the opportunity to try it personally in one event organized by Panerai in Spain...and its simply gorgeous watch! Let me share some pics of them... The Three Tenors. My 232 in ...
Hi, Nacho
Wouldn't say that the 322 is much nicer than the 232. The 232 is less sophisticated, with its SS case, and its rough movement, but maybe more coherent than the 322, which plays on 2 grounds: The Tool, and the Horological Watch, with the Minerva movement. ...
Very sharp and artistic rendering of photos, Thanks Nicolas.
Especially the first one, looks like a magazine ad.=) The Minerva movement is much better finished than the traditional Unitas-based movement, the anglage is clearly visible and well-done. This makes the movement much more pleasant and interesting to look...
Thanks for your input, Jon
I agree on the appeal of this 322... The only thing is that between a 322 and a PP 5712, which is priced quite the same, or a PP 5196P, on which would you go? And I don't even speak of a Lange... That's the only reserve I have about this watch. But Love h...
Dear Nicolas. you know we CANNOT compare like that =)
There are easy comparisons (such as comparing this watch with an iced-out Jacob & Co), and there are hard comparisons, like the one that you raised=) These three are all very different watches with different positionings and "feelings", all of them are ex...
198 strap looks great!
The PAM 203 movement is not all that decorated either and looks equally mundane although I do realize the scarcity on the movement is the main issue for the 203. Great post. Where'd you pick up the strap on the 198?