Officine Panerai

Hi all, anybody get to see the new Black Seal Ceramic yet?  It seems to me the only new element of the watch is the ceramic casing (which by the way still has a stainless steel back).  If I can pick, do you guys think 005 would be a better choice? (although I know I am not exactly comparing apples to apples).  Please share your view with me...thanks a lot!

The PAM5 is a classic 44mm Luminor with Pre-V logo on the dial.  So when you compare it to the PAM292 Black Seal Ceramic Radiomir, it's not really a good comparison as both watches are totally different.

It would help if you could give us some background info on your Panerai collection such as do you have any Radiomirs or Luminors?  If so, which ones?  That way we can suggest which one would be a better fit in your collection to minimize repeat and duplicate watches.

And btw, here are some past threads on the PAM292 Black Seal Ceramic:

panerai.watchprosite.com

panerai.watchprosite.com

Cheers,
Anthony

Hi Anthony,

In terms of PAM, this is going to be my first, I have only started liking their watches recently.  I welcome all sorts of suggestions to a PAM newbie!  Actually what I am looking for is a somewhat "dressier" watch which I can wear to work or sometimes pass off as an appropirate accessory at certain gatherings.  All my other watches are skewed toward the sporty side and I find myself in great need for something different.

Having said that, may be the 292 is not the choice, probably the Black Seal SS version is better?  Or is PAM totally out of the question if looking for semi-formal watches?

Thanks again!

Horseman~

horseman,

nice watch that you're looking to purchase. I haven't seen it. I would recommend the radiomirs as dressier watch for work, more so than perhaps the 005 marina, base models with the crown protectors.  Since I haven't seen a radiomir with ceramic, its hard to say if how the ceramic case would look in a work environment.  I think of watches in general as jewelry.  So it's all good. Radiomirs wear handsome.  I think of models with crown protectors like the base or marina as "rugged" looking.  Also I find the base, marina models are hard to wear with dress shirts, something to consider.  I own a ceramic watch and it's very stealthy and understated.

My personal opinion and I know others have their perspective,  probably well thought out by my thoughts are that the case metal adds to the style

Gold/Platinum - only special occasions or events, (scratches very easily), IMO very bling.bling

Steel - daily wearer, subject to some scratching depending on the steel. but can be worn on all occasions.

PVD - is a coating, sratches easily and subject to scratching off.  I wear it often

Ceramic is throughout case - I think the 292 is made of zirconium ceramic, which i believe is impervious to scratching or cracking: my ceramic (non Panerai) case cannot be scratched however can crack if dropped on a tile floor.

I'm not sure if I've helped but my opinion.

Welcome to the board,  I hope this was helpful.  I'm sure others can be more helpful

Best Regards,

-David 

 

Hi David,

Really thanks for sharing!!  As far as I know it is said to be limited to 1000pcs only, but not sure if that's for the first year quota or representing the entire production.  I do agree with you in many ways regarding the pros and cons of different types of watches, I guess the SS version Black Seal might serve broader purposes and you are right, the base model does look too "rugged" for semi-formal to formal wear.

I have never own a hand-wound watch before, do you find that a bit annoying as there is no way to tell when the power will run out and it needs to be wound regularly.  Going back to the Black Seal, do you by any chance know if the back casing is made of sapphire crystal or solid metal?  I tend to enjoy watching the movement...

Thanks...

A thing about hand wound watches....it takes a bit of getting used to but it becomes a "labour of pleasure"; similar to work/chore habits which become a rewarding part of one's day...taking little effort but a pleasure or meditative.  I'm not sure if the 292 is a manual wind.  It does not have a display back.  If you google panerai 292 under images, you may find an example of the caseback.  It seems to be ceramic also.

Unless you're looking at the PAM 21, 67 (others have more experience than me) with a display back, I find that most the OP Paneri movements offer little movement display intrigue.  If this interests you most about a watch, you may be disappointed with Panerai...JMO  There may be other display back watches which are more hypnotizing in its movement.  I know the infamous PAM 203 has an Angelus 8 day movement but from what I've seen, does not display the intricate mechanics of the watch.  Again, others definitely have more to add than me.  Automatic "self-winding" watches usually have the flywheel fan rotor (not sure of the correct name here) to self wind and obstructs view to the watch's mechanical moving parts, that is why manual movements are usually more interesting to view, at least to me. 

I hope my insights were helpful.  Looking forward to seeing scans when you receive your watch

Best Regards,

-David

 

 

No message body

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The 292 is a Radiomir but not that dressy since it is black ceramic.  For a dressy watch to wear with your suit to work, you might want to consider either the PAM183, PAM190, PAM210, or PAM232.

In terms of pricing, the PAM210 which is a 45mm Radiomir base (only minutes and hour hands and NO seconds) is the cheapest.  And for a tad more, you can get the PAM183 Black Seal which has sub secs at 9 o'clock.  Both watches have black hands.

Then you have the PAM232 limited edition which is in a larger 47mm Radiomir case.  Basically the same watch as the PAM210 but in a larger case and with gold hands instead of black.

And then the most expensive of the 4 PAM's I've mentioned is the PAM190 which utilizes a JLC 8-day movement and has gold hands.

If gold or black hands doesn't matter to you, then you're probably off better getting a PAM210 or PAM183 IMO so you can save some money

Cheers,
Anthony

Hi Horseman,

First of all, welcome to the PuristSPro and you are in the right place of Panerai lovers.

I first starts my Panerai experience with 005....why??? Because I love the "OP-logo" and manual winding is my preference for Panerai. Why no Pam 000......???.....only because I love to see some movement on the dial.

It's not quite right when comparing the luminor with the radiomir as they have different looks, especially the case. Frankly speaking, the Radiomirs look more dressy than the Luminors. Therefore, if you are looking for something "dressier"...the Radiomir will be your right choices.

Regarding your question on the manual winding, I don't feel any annoyance or inconvenience of winding my watch. If you are looking for something that have power reserve indicator (with manual winding system), I would suggest you too take a look at PAM190....

It is one of my favorite Radiomir...45mm, manual winding, gold hands with seconds dial, 8-days power reserve, crystal caseback...

It can goes well with the gator strap...

Hope this help you more or less.

Cheers

Krieng

 

 

It all depends on your budget too. But imho, if between the 183 and 292, I think the 183 will look much more as  a dress watch than the 292 due to the SS and if you are willing to spend, the 190 would be a good choice too with its 8 day PR.

The Luminor case is unique and I would prefer to have a Luminor case PAM first if I only have one choice.

Happy PAM hunting...

Regards,

the 210 and the Black Seal 183..??  These Radiomirs interest me a lot but I don't know which (if either) has a more interesting history and story.  Would either be considered more of a classic Panerai..??

Yours,

Andy.

is closer to the roots. There is no "Blackseal' in Panerai history and the name has no significance (unless you call the pre-V era in the mid 1990's as 'history',,,,). The history of the Radiomir is the Ref. 3646, base, simple and clean. If you want to come closer yet, the limited PAM 232 offers you the original 47mm size and the solid caseback. (There are a few specimens of 3646 with a small seconds hand at 9/Angelus movement, but no doubt the the classic is a base)

Hope this helps,

Asi

I have to say I like the purity of the 210 which can also be easily 'dressed down' with a nice casual tan strap for a neat but casual look.

I will also have to look into the older vintage side as there have been some cracking pics recently which have really taken my eye.  I find the Luminor too big for my wrist but if it was a piece with history then I could justify it.....hence at the moment I like the Radiomir.

Thaks again,

Andy.

its beautiful and really worth the wait

how significantly different is the 232 to the 210?  I understand it has a much larger case 47mm (actually wouldn't that be too big for a normal size wrist?), and gold hands (are they gold plated?), but what else?  Does it bear a longer history than others?  I have seen the 232 selling at quite a high price is that mainly due to the fact that it is limited production?  Anybody has seen the 210 with light brown gator strap?  I wounder if it will go well with the SS case.

Thanks again everybody for sharing!!!

Horseman~

 

232 is limited edition of 1938 with gold hands.  I think you may be able to buy in the 2ndary market for a discount from the retail list price of 6400 USD right now (if you go this route, please buy from someone you clearly trust and has unparallel recommendations-I wouldn't recommend for 1st watch buyers unless you're comfortable...i will not buy in 2ndary unless I know the seller). 

210 is not limited and black hands. The 210 retail list is 4500 USD ,(I think).

Not sure of the movements or history.  But the 232 is 47mm and the 210 is 45mm.  I tried on a 232 and it seems to be a nice fit.

Hope this helps,

-David

210 on a tan gator strap....have a look a couple of threads down called "Tasty Shots..".  Also just looking at the current Panerai catalogue and they show the 183 on a tan leather strap...I would definately go for a tan strap if I get a 210.

Andy.

Hi Andy, thanks for directing me to that post, the 210 does look very nice with the brown strap... but what I have in mind is even the lighter color brown (or sand color) strap, not sure if you know exactly what I meant... but anyway, do you by any chance seen pictures of the 232 on wrist in this site? I want to see whether it will be too big for a normal size wrist.... thanks again!

Horseman~

Have a browse through the "Gallery" top right'ish on the Panerai page.....I think you'll find some shots of what you want, I even saw a very pale gator tan strap on a radiomir case about 3-4 pages down.

Let us know what you decide to purchase in the end..!!!

Andy.