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Officine Panerai

Mare Nostrum 2017, pull the trigger or not pull the trigger ?

 

Dear Gentlemen,


I would like to know your thoughts and opinions on the following subject.

I am very tempted by the re-edition of the Mare Nostrum unveiled this year during SIHH.

Picture to credit to Nad (forums.timezone.com)

Aesthetically speaking, this watch has everything I like.
- A bi-compax sub-dials at 3 and 9
- No date
- No unnecessary writing on the dial
- A brushed bezel
-.....
In brief, I am 100% attracted by the aesthetic of this Mare Nostrum.


Mechanically speaking, that's a different story. And this is where I would like to have your opinions.
This Mare Nostrum seems to be equipped with a modular chronograph from Dubois-Depraz. I have read few comments stating that modular chronographs aren't as good as integrated chronographs. Less reliable, not easy to service, less accurate (run to slow), central second hand doesn't run smoothly,...
I am really hesitating because of this matter, and I don't want to end up by regretting to have pulled the trigger. To be more precise, what I want from a chronograph is:
- A smooth second hand (runs constantly without jumping, start without jumping)
- Reliability (I don't want Panerai customer service to be my most called contact)


Do you think this DD modular chronograph will meet my expectations ?
What are your thoughts about modular chronographs, any good or bad experience to share ?
 
Thanks a lot.
 
Best regards
Fabio


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20 Comments view entire thread 

It's a well know fact....

 
By: sergio : April 18th, 2017-12:08
that I don't like chronographs and would never buy one. That being said, if ever I were to consider buying one, it would have to be the...original Pre-V...model. They are still available, you can find some NOS for a more than attractive price. If I may, h... 

Thank you Sergio for your input. This re-edition costs 9'600 chf

 
By: Horological_addict : April 19th, 2017-00:04
Which is less expensive than the original Pre-V...model (at least from what i found on chrono24). But if you have some kind advice for a newbie like me, it'll be much appreciated Best regards Fabio

The price differential between....

 
By: sergio : April 20th, 2017-04:19
the new and the Pre-V, is surprisingly minute. I've had a look at the website of a reputed dealer and found a couple of "original" 301A, for prices comparable to the...new one...Matter of fact, one of the two, with a little bargaining, might turn out to b... 

Thank you very much Sergio

 
By: Horological_addict : April 20th, 2017-07:17
Appreciate you took some time to check this ! Will keep looking... Best regards Fabio

The same movement than on the Mare Nostrum Pre Vendome, I think.

 
By: amanico : April 18th, 2017-12:47
A movement which was quite reliable. I had three of them, the 301/A , the 302 and the 304. Like Sergio, I wold go for the pre vendome version OR... If your wrist can stand it, the marvelous PAM 300. But its 52 mm case is too big, at least for me. It was l... 

The PAM300. My wallet, more than my wrist, can't stand it :) But a marvel for sure, as you said.

 
By: Horological_addict : April 19th, 2017-00:12
About your 301/A, may i ask you how did the second hand of the chronograph run (smoothly, jumping from time to time) ? Thank you and best regards Fabio

I thought this looked good

 
By: ifraher : April 18th, 2017-15:01
On first sighting, really depends on what they want for it price wise. My ideal Panerai chrono if I was to go for one would be the PAM524, always loved central minutes chronographs.

If the price is right get it

 
By: reintitan : April 18th, 2017-17:40
However, if MSRP is the same as the vintage Pre-V Mare Nostrum then go for the vintage. They both use the same movement. I wouldn't worry too much about the quality as Tudor also uses these DD movements IIRC in their heritage chronographs (not the new one... 

And yet, is one of the....

 
By: sergio : April 18th, 2017-19:06
..original models, designed in Florence. The original Mare Nostrum wasn't produced beause after the war, the watches supply to the Italian navy took a dive. It is more Panerai than any Submersible. One of the handful of ITALIAN models and on the same leve...