PANERAI is born as a military secret, it was born out
creative desire to ameliorate visibility and waterproofing at a time when those
issues were serious problems when time was needed under-water. 'G.P.F.' was a
creative and determined, he therefore succeeded to ameliorate the works of
Rolex for which the family was a renowned agent. First the dial 'Radiomir',
second the Dial 'Luminor' and in late 1940's the famous 'protecting device'
which was patented and registered only in 1950’s. Everything else
belonged to the true industry horology.
The rebirth of PANERAI instruments/tool watch started in the 80's, when one of
the contracted engineer 'AB' passionate and dedicated to military devices
wished Panerai to re-offer timing instruments to the Italian combat
units. With difficulties, he convinced management to allow some
researches and works. Based and driven by the foundation laid by 'G.P.F.' 40
years earlier, the first 2 timing instruments were prototyped, the root and the
spirit was the same, ameliorating and adapting existing works of the horology
industry for military purposes and use.
1990's, Due to PANERAI financial difficulties, the company decided and attempting
an entry into the civil arena, they re-specified the legendary watches of the
late 40's, outsourced and subcontracted the entire production. There was no new
inventions or adaptation, safe for the right tool size, which met a tremendous
success later or sort of forced most horology company to increase their
watch-cases.
All this is to say, PANERAI roots and spirit was never to be a manufacturer of
watches, their aim was to adapt and bring ameliorations to existing horological
works to serve military purposes and usage. What only mattered to PANERAI
was legibility and waterproofing, the rest, at all times they knew it was not
their business.
Since 1997, what we today see from PANERAI is market share, there are no
differences between PAM 318 and PAM 276, they are securely branded and giving time
in a chosen style, the rest is the works of others regardless how presented.
So does Panerai alone has its place, in my opinion you no
doubt answered it right; NO, regardless PAM 318's con