Officine Panerai

If you're in the market for a 44mm Panerai Luminor, would you be tempted to chose one of the new P.900x models over the Unitas models, if price is just a tad more expensive?

Or does the movement not matter to you guys?  And the overall look of the watch (ie: dial, hands, etc.) is more important than what movement is inside the case?

Let's hear everyone's thoughts!

Cheers,
Anthony

Let me shoot off my mouth first but I'll rather leave the issue of pricing out though, kinda of touchy and sensitive when it comes down to the so called "value" of a watch.

For me, the dial and overall appearance is more important as that is the emotional connection that Panerai has and evokes from me. I do understand the current direction Panerai is undertaking, even though it breaks the hearts of many old time collectors as I understand it.

And of course, for those who doesn't care about the movement, a solid caseback is a authenticity stamp to Panerai's roots too, isn't it?

Furthermore, I'm more of a historic person so I would rather leave out the modern trappings of a watch and stick to the old designs (which is of course detrimental to Panerai's future, hence its evolution since 2002 with their in-house movements, wouldn't you think so?)!

Lionel

but I believe the new Panerai collectors prefer the in-house movements given the prices of Panerai's these days.

Cheers,
Anthony

The dial, the hands;, the case and the movement have to fill a certain purpose, a common purpose: They were made as a toolwatch.

So, the Unitas is perfect for that, and the so called " in house " movement ( in fact made by Valfleurier for Panerai...Not made by Panerai for Panerai...This is a sublte but important difference, to me ) would also be perfect if not too pricey, compared to the ETA.

So, if the movement is a tractor, not refined , and if it is reasonnably priced, yes, I would consider it for what it is, and wouldn't pay a premium for a so called in house movement.

Im very happy with the ETA.

Best,

Nicolas

But, Anthony, from the bottom of my heart......321, 320, 305 or 312 for sure.
Quick set time.
72hrs.
Auto.
1950 case.
Thick presence without overwhelming e wrist.
Great dynamic shape.
Balanced, graceful & gaitful dial.

From my sane brain, I say 000, 005, 111, 112, 176, 177 & 219.
Orthodox.
Old school charm.
Modern & evergreen.
Understated but still command presence.

and I guess this question is kind of difficult to answer since the P.9000 movements are in the 1950 Luminor case instead of the regular Luminor case.

I wonder if Panerai will ever cease the Unitas models down the road and swap all the historics to the P.9000 movements.  If the P.9000 movement fits in the regular 44mm Luminor case, I think this could be a possiblitiy someday in the future IMO.  Then again, I don't know if the movement even fits.

Cheers,
Anthony

Being an old timer the idea of an in-house movement is really not that critical to me. I do like however, the possibilities of the new 44mm 1950 case and am hopeful that it may take them to a base model sometime soon.

The question really is for people that aren't as familiar with Panerai, does the movement make a difference? I may speculate that it probably does.

but I think it will matter for the new people interested in Panerai.

Someday Panerai will probably make a 44mm 1950 Luminor base w/ P.9000.  It's just a matter of time IMO.  Just like how many are waiting for a 47mm 1950 Luminor base.

Cheers,
Anthony

assuming similar design/layout...

What i would love to see is the dial of the historic line into the 312 case and i would not care about the movement if it is mechanical or automatic.

Answering to your question, yes i would buy the the 312 as the dial is quite simple and it can be an easy daily wearer.

alepos

If we are talking entry level, id stick to the unitas..... essentially thats panerai history for u am i not right? although I guess its only a matter of time whereby we get more in-house movements in the entry level pams.......but as someone pointed out... honestly I wldnt really care what type of movement it is as long as it looked good and was well, priced fairly (to me - relative to my other wants)

 

well..as a newbie with no Paneri in my collection...the P.9000 has got me interested at a good price point...

previously looked at the P2000 offerings and could not pull the trigger...

For what you get, I think the P.900x PAMs are priced accordingly in comparison with watches from other brands that have in-house mvmts IMO.

Cheers,
Anthony

well..I have been thinking that the 312 at $7400USD MSRP is an exceptional value for an in-house movement...for Panerai...

just a matter of timing to see if I should wait a bit for the prices to calm down or should I join the fray...

Anthony, as you know I'm a fan of the Unitas movements used in the PAMs under discussion, since I already own a couple non-Panerai watches housing the same, so I certainly can't deny the attractiveness of an entry level PAM with such an easily serviceable, reliable workhorse of a movement.  Coupled with the classic Panerai looks, and a price point that seems a lot more welcoming to me than those on the new P.900x models, I'd probably go with the Unitas-driven PAM in the proposed scenario.  That being said, I do like these new 3-day movements and the features they bring.  I just wish the prices were a little lower based on my own personal "bang for the buck" metrics.

Thanks for the interesting post.  I recently had this exact conversation with a friend when discussing what Panerai models would make my shortlist for potential future purchase.

Cheers,
Daos

I'll be getting one of these in the near future when budget permits.  I know you like the PAM305 as well

Cheers,
Anthony

I feel that personally, I'm at the point in the hobby where I need to decide how I'm going to structure future additions to my collection.  Some people seem to have themes of various sorts, some people appear to buy whatever strikes their fancy that they can afford, and others seem to have a set number of watches that they stick with (when a new one is acquired, one is sold).  As the money I can put toward this single hobby is not unlimited, I'm really trying to be thoughtful about my future choices.  I definitely feel like a Panerai is in my future, but which one, and when, are tough questions.  The 305 is getting to that price point where there are a couple other contenders from other brands that I might be inclined to purchase instead.  As I accumulate more knowledge, and refine my own tastes, it becomes harder to determine how to proceed.  I ask myself questions like the following all the time:

- Do I want to acquire less expensive pieces more frequently, or save for several years and pick up one substantial piece?

- Do I want to structure "rules" for my collection, e.g. only tool watches because I lead a more casual lifestyle, or no more than one of each type of watch (1 marine chronometer; 1 jumping second; 1 dive watch; 1 alarm, etc.)?

- How many watches can I realistically rotate through, and actually wear every watch on a regular basis?

- At what price point do I stop feeling comfortable wearing a watch out and about during my everyday activities because I'm afraid of damaging something I think is "expensive."

Wow!  I've got a lot on my mind!

Thanks for the 305 photo.  It's a tempting beauty indeed!

Cheers,
Daos

Ps - looking forward to learning more about TwinLuxe.  When's the launch?  I gotta start talking it up with my guy friends at the studio, etc., etc. 

But i think that the PAM305 is one of the 10 greatest Panerai ever made. (and one of the 5 vendome)

Simple, thof, pure... Panerai.

The Dial, and also the manual winding, very différent than a Lange. Hard like you can imagine that will be a Panerai.