Officine Panerai

I promised a review so here it is. I think the title of my post is what this watch means to me, in essence. I’ll spare us the repeated nuances of the watch that we can find it published articles. But let me report back what this watch feels like on the wrist. The PAM 2025 has brought back the Fiddy from the past in a more wearable manner, while exhibiting a darker and more modern demeanor. Personally, the gold pencil hands are the best, and stands out brightly against the gradient blue sandwich dial and burnished steel case. The watch is modern, yet historical. The 1950 case (if I may still call it tha) is likely my favorite case shape too. It presents more curves, more gradients, more accentuations and less of that blocky feel when compared to the Bettarini case style. In a nutshell, this watch is a huge winner for me in my book, even if it sits larger than what my wrist can afford to take. While I appreciate the updates made to the movement, the open caseback here doesn’t work for me, even if I understand why it’s there. I would’ve preferred a solid caseback given my affinity to old school Panerai.

I never quite understood what this watch would’ve meant to me until it finally arrived in my hands. I have sold all of my Panerais except the 360 since about a decade ago and never bought another Panerai. Having experienced watches of all kinds in the last 20-25 years, my taste and preference have led me to pursuits mostly outside of Panerai. I do believe it was nostalgia that brought me back. The PAM 2025 made me think of some of the most important watch friends I’ve made, relive some of those memories and made me acknowledge that Panerai was the defining start to my watch collecting journey. So many important milestone moments were born out of my first love for Panerai. Yet, even as my experiences with watches over the years have refined my watch collecting process and brought me to places beyond the Italian brand, I never seem to stop giving that occasional nod to Panerai when something tickles my fancy. Or, when something is simply done right. A shout out to all my Paneristi friends on this forum. I hope you all have been well!

Best
Gatsby
P.S. I promise more photos in the future !

the ones I call the quintessential Panerai. No bells, no whistles. Enjoy it too much!!!

Given your extensive experience with Panerai, I’m glad we are on the same page with the “little dark Fiddy”.

Best
Gatsby

the dark Fiddy, in truth, is the 375. This, IMO, it's what a 6152 could have looked like, if "darkened" by a Italian "incursore" , for a night sortie

But the 2025 reminds me of the 127 for some reason. Dark Fiddy = 375 you’re right. But I said “little” 😂

Best
Gatsby

Kim Novak. Not as beautiful perhaps, but she also was from Chicago.. Lollllllllll I keep enjoying your beautiful 2025

I want that cat!  Beautiful😻

Hope you’re well!


Best
Gatsby

How do you regard the 360 compared to the 2025? Just from pictures, I imagine they are very different but complementary in their significance and key features that reflect Panerai DNA.

I am traveling now, but will do that once I’m back. I guess sharing an old wrist shot will mean nothing so I will take new shots and post here when I’m back.

The 360 is an overly sentimental piece. Co-designed with Panerai by some Paneristi members, one who has sadly left us. I guess it is meant to be a homage to what a PVD version of the 5218-201/A would look like. The PAM 2025 is completely different. It is a modern interpretation of a more wearable 44mm 1950 case with updated case material, dial design etc, while still retaining the spirit of a vintage Luminor. I might not have narrated it 100% accurately as to what a Panerai enthusiast would deem so (a matter of semantics) but to me this is the difference.

Best Regards
Gatsby

I didn’t intend my request to make you have to put any added effort taking new pics. Anything old saved would suffice…but after your safe return home. Panerai has recently caught my attention again given the string of recent releases starting with the 5218. But there’s nothing urgent about any of this. Thank you and safe travels 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

It is also about time to take new photos, and happy to share my thoughts and photos.

Here are the old photos (snuck in my Fiddy shot too 😅)










Some of the nicer photos of my 360 here are taken by a friend who is quite a professional with the camera.

Lastly….this is on my wrist



Best
Gatsby

And that must be Goros jewelry at the end, which is an experience in and of itself👌🏽.