Officine Panerai

AnthonyTsai
[PuristS]
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Here are my thoughts on the PAM317

1) As it is one of the more expensive Panerais in the collectiom, with so much hype / demand wont it make more commercial sense to continue this ?

If I were Panerai, I'd continue making them if I could.  They must be experiencing some type of production problem IMO

2) Does Panerai recover the cost invested in R&D in devloping a new model such as this one specailly a new PVD movement with only producing 500pcs?

I don't know the R&D costs so can't answer this question.  But I don't think R&D cost is that much since they already use an existing P.200x monopusher chronograph movement.  All they do to it is PVD the movement, so I don't believe there should be much R&D cost.

3) Some say that as Panerai is not able to make enough of these due to which they got negative publicty and many unsatisfied customers they want to discontinue this, is that true as i woudl think this adds to the hype for the brand....

I don't think this is the case at all.

4) If it is true that they stop this model due to difficulty in making PVD coated moevment then will Panerai never make a PVD coated movement watch again ? and if so am i correct to presume that in time the original 500pcs with PVD coated movement are sure to fetch a really high premium for it ?

That's what I believe is why Panerai may stop production of the PAM317 - the PVD'ing of the movement is giving them problems - well at least that's what I've heard.  If Panerai does stop production of the PAM317, it will be more difficult to obtain so yes I would assume pricing should increase.  How much of a premium depends on how much demand there is for it.  At such a high price point already, it would be crazy to pay a huge premium for one.  I personally wouldn't do so.

5) I am told that new PAM 335 launched recently is a toned version of PAM 317 w/t chronograph and PVD coating and has instead black tined display is that true ? and is PAM 335 limited edition also or only limited prodcution ? and even though this has the cermaic and mono pusher does it not hold same uniquness ?

Yes correct.  Those words are my own opinion from my recent Panerai SIHH 2010 video report:  click here .  PAM317 is a monopusher chronograph w/ PVD'ed movement while the PAM335 is a regular chronograph w/ a black tinted sapphire back and non-PVD'ed movement.  And PAM335 is a regular production piece.  Both are ceramic Luminors.

Cheers,
Anthony