Officine Panerai

 

After a very long wait, I have finally received a 292.  I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to several different people who made my acquisition possible, and without whom I would still be waiting.  You know who you are and I am eternally grateful.

Panerai has experienced production delays with respect to the 292 (they can only produce 80 292s per month).  US ADs have yet to receive any 292s.  US ADs should begin receiving 292s later this month, but they will be coming in VERY slowly (e.g., only a few per month, to be divided up among many ADs). 

I have had the 292 for approximately 41 hours and I absolutely love this watch.  Every time I look at it, I discover another detail or nuance.  It is clear that Panerai put a great deal of thought into the design of this watch and, in so doing, created a truly unique and distinctive piece.  These are the precise qualities that I look for when collecting watches and, therefore, the 292 is a perfect addition to my collection.  I am flying high!!!

As depicted below, the 292 is amenable to two very different strap options.  First, it works great with a black strap, so as to cultivate a “stealthy” look.  On the other hand, it also looks great with a contrasting brown strap, similar to many of the PVD watches from years past.  I go back and forth as to which look I prefer.  Please view the photos below and tell me which look you prefer – the black “stealthy” look or the contrasting brown strap.

I love the simple matte finish of the case – the color is, IMHO, perfect!

The sandwich dial is awesome!  The white hands and numbers make the watch very easy to read (as opposed to certain other ceramic watches that are all black).

Certain components of the watch are PVD stainless, rather than ceramic, and the color of the PVD is noticeably different than the ceramic.  IMHO, the contrast looks amazing.  For example, check out the contrast between the crown and the case.

The case back is PVD stainless, thus creating another great contrast.

As much as I love the watch, I must concede that I am not enamored by the OEM strap.

Interestingly, the OEM buckle is also PVD stainless and does not match the case.

I purchased a couple of GSD straps several months ago with PVD buckles.  The GSD PVD buckles match the 292 case better than the OEM buckle.  

So now the $100,000 question: does the 292 look better with a black “stealthy” strap or a contrasting brown strap like certain of the PVDs from years past.

Please share your thoughts, as I am very interested in what you think looks best.

For now, I am have mounted the GSD Crazy Horse II with a PVD buckle.  I love this look:

Can’t forget the lume shot:

Finally, I accidently took the following shot (using very odd, unnatural lighting) which came out really cool.

Again, many thanks to all those who brought the 292 to me.  This is a great watch and I am genuinely grateful. 

Regards,

Craig 

and thanks for the quick review of the watch!!

Cheers,
Anthony

Your pixs are awesome !!!

I think the matt ceramic did the Magic this time, which makes any of these straps awesome combo. Light mustard (like the gold cashmere for the Fiddy) should also be a great combo.

Wear the 292 in the best of health.

BTW, how does it wear on your wrist and is it heavier than the 183 ?

Thanks.

Cheers,

Ken

 

 

 

nt

I had the pleasure of playing with one the other day (thank you Asi) and I have to say I was quite taken with it.  So much better in the flesh than any pic can show....even though your pics are excellent..!!!

The dark brown strap works well with the black stitching.  Congrats.

Andy.

Congrats there,

Nice and sexy piece.And you have pictured it very beautifully in various strap,in the dark.Nice work there.

Thanks for sharing your new babe with us.

BHK9

292 is such a nice Panerai model, especially the first ceramic panerai in history.

Craig, how does the ceramic really look when comparing to the PVD?.....quite the same look or different feels and different look?

By the way, Asi.......we start to have more 292 in the forum and I'm sure this one is genuine

Craig, thanks for sharing.

Cheers.

How does it feel all black compared to the traditional stainless steel panerai?

dp

and I decided to decline as I was not drawn to the ceramic. I saw a new one in the UK which sold in one day on the secondary market for around £6,500!!!!! Now I wish I had stuck with it :-(

Simon

Sweet .

You must be getting all the love from Chad.

Nice one.

Bill

Congrats & enjoy!

Like the contrast between ceramic black and the Crazy Horse better, so my vote goes to the brown strap combi! I have all but given up hope on the 292 but yr post and pics has renewed my flagging spirits!

Cheers1
Lionel

Thanks for the kind words everyone.  Responding to the inquiries: (1) the watch is neither heavy, nor awkwardly light, but rather, very comfortable; and (2) I am not sufficiently familiar with the different shades of PVD to comment as to how the 292 compares to the 4, 9 or 28 in collor -- the 292 ceramic is a very matte finish and the PVD on the 292 is darker with more gloss.

Craig

but you still own us your 292 wrist shot...

Cheers

Regarding the choice of strap, I have tried out many, but IMO the best looking one for the overall stealth look is the OEM black one. 

 

Just my 2C

 

Asi

With that beautiful watch, i like the combo with the brown strap, difficult choise to wear it like that or with the black, not sure, but both good options.

enjoy it!  

 

Cheers,

 

Michel

If only there was less writing on the dial...This watch would speak to me...

But your pics are great, and the combo strap / watch is perfect, indeed.

Congrats, lucky guy!

Best.

Nicolas

Craig, I just picked up a 292 and was wondering where you got that brown strap? I think it looks amazing and would love to get one as well.