Officine Panerai

Hi everyone,



PAM504




The famous 232 1938

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The 232 is for sure a safer, historically much more authentic, choice. Why do you think there's a risk with the 504? Purely aesthetics or something else? I've read that some people don't quick like the light weight of the aluminum bodied 504. TBH that has been a slight concern on my end as I like the weight of the PAM22. This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-03 11:24:54

Beautiful faded brown dial

where does the 1350 fit in? Is it so complicated?

it's timeless elegance, will never tire you. The tobacco dial is IMO one of the best ever produced. I had one and let it go ONLY to gift it to one of my nephews that likes Panerai as much as I do. That being said the Panerai Composite material, with which the case of the 504 is been made, comes with all sorts of dos and don't. It's extremely fragile in many more ways then one. I own 2 Panerai composite models: 339 and 375 and on both cases I was advised (officially by the Panerai's boutiques) to be very careful in how I used them. Is your 22 a T-dial one? I owned a 22BT and I enjoyed it for a long while. Good luck with your choice

My 22 is a B-series L, which was an intentional choice as I didn't want the risk of wearing an T-dial. The 232 is indeed timeless elegance. I suspect that's where I will end, but seeing that 504 stirred up my interests as I do love that dark brown case / suede strap combo and would love a Lo Scienziato, PAM 350.
Can you please elaborate a bit more on the dos and don'ts? I do wear my watches so important insights. My understanding is that composite watches are much more durable than the PVDs, but maybe this is wrong.

I had a collection of Limited Edition&No longer produced Panerais. That's why I didn't buy the 504 (which is standard model) I made up with the 375 which I find very nice. Your understanding about Panerai composite is incorrect. It comes with all sorts of "do nots". The materia can prove unstable very quickly, under the wrong circumstances. The manageress of the Florence boutique, WARNED me specifically against using it "wrongly". That being said. You like what you like, and that's the end of that. You're the one that has to be contented with your watch I like T-dialled Panerais.

Thank you for warning me about the composites, much appreciated. What are some examples of circumstances or wrong usage? I read somewhere that they are sensitive to soap for instance. The 375 is indeed a very nice looking watch.
Agree on T-dials > L-dials from an aesthetic point of view. I wanted my Pam22 to be safe to wear on a daily basis. This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-03 11:24:51

could be particular acid transpiration, immersion in alcohol (among grass root paneristi, it was customary to "baptise" new aquisitiond in beer or wine etc) I have to be honest, I was not given a "manual" with dos and don't. Just told not to do silly things with it AND avoid any direct contact with alcoholic substances. My composites are "safe queens" My 232 was (and still IS) well used..........

I have seen too many composite cases peeling off. It's been a lot harder to find a 232 than it used to be. The reflection would drive me nuts though so I'd prefer a 294 (a 232 with a plexi) or a 249 but then you have to give up on 100m WR. Then again you can get a 720/721. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks for your input. I have indeed seen a couple used 504 with what looks like cracks in the black coating. On photos it's hard to say if this is dirt or cracks but sounds like these might be cracks.
Have noticed that 232s have started to dry up. For a while there were always 10-12 listings on chrono24 but now it's been around 5 for a period of time. Love the 294 but extremely difficult to find with only 49 made (my understanding). The 720 is nice as well. The 100m WR doesn't matter so much per se. When I'm on the beach, I usually wear no watch or my AW Ultra2. More worried about the plexi getting easily scratched. Any real-world experience on this matter?
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-03 11:24:37

Plexi is a non issue and a personal preference with the exception of my watches intended for true diving purpose.

Thanks for letting me know This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-09-03 12:43:55

when I was still living in Singapore, a friend of mine offered me a 294. Before I could say "yes", he apologized and told me it was gone!!! Never had a shot at another one. It had a perfect case/dial, I remember

..ghost models. Blink and you've missed it Lolllllllllllll

Good luck!

Second, I hope your brain overcomes your heart’s desires.

Hi John, thank you so much for providing more detail. I should have thought about the issue of aluminum being a "soft" substrate. I use my watches, so this the sum of these constraints kill the idea regardless of how much I love that dark chocolate finish.
It's now down to finding the right 232 then