Officine Panerai

So I'm interested in your opinion about black cases ( only real solid material so no DLC or PVD)

I did not see a composite yet but I'm afraid I might not like the weight ( I don't like titanium , not heavy enough and I'm afraid Composite is even worse) So I would prefer Ceramic

The 292 is imo a gorgeous watch, the matte black is stunning and the weight is good,

I have just got a new balance so chance to use it...

 

I have to say I love the 292, nice weight, looks as good as the day I bought it and it has had a lot of wear in the past 18 months and not a mark on it.  I'd be interested to see how well composite wears afer a year or so.

I've not seen a composite so can't comment on them. If somebody has both a 292 and a 339 could you tell me if the straps are the exact same size..?

Yours,

Andy.

This message has been edited by Andy on 2011-01-29 13:39:57

I have not yet owned the watch for a year, but i definitely will let you all know on the condition of it then!

So far as of now the watch is still perfect, no blemishes whatsoever despite me having already knocked it several times against several unwanted hard bodies!

So i have the confidence that it is able to put up to and even excel ceramic.

Btw, i do own both the 292 and the 339, and while i'v gotten by straps changed almost immediatly after purchase, as best as i remember both OEM straps are exactly the same at the start. ( size-wise i mean, because the 339 comes with a buckle in composite, while the 292's is in PVD SS)

Cheers!

Stephen

the 339 is quite light...do you find them both to be very different in feel even though they look quite similar..?  Thanks for the info on the strap too.

Yours,

Andy.

The ceramic of Panerai, and their composite are both VERY different in terms of feel, both are smooth, but it's rather hard to describe right here without you looking and having a feel of them in reality.

I agree both would give the "oomph" effect.

But don't worry, both will last well beyond what you think they are capable of!

Cheers

Stephen

I am afraid the weight of the composite will be too light. I would love to try the 386 and see how it feels before making a final judgement

One concern I have of the ceramics is the risk of cracking the case. I've seen posts by owners who have cracked the case of their 292 with a simple strap change. I've also seen posts by Rolex owners who have dropped their GMTs only to see the ceramic bezel smashed into a thousand pieces.

in any case, if Panerai did a black ceramic version of something like the 233, preferably with the patina'd dial, I'd be first in line to buy one!

Art

gingers crossed for the 375

and 292 to come my way in the next 12 months God willing..

Imran

IMHO though i still prefer the composite.

It is as you put it VERY light weighing in at 81g with the provided strap and buckle, also in composite.

If you dislike titanium, then you'd not like composite even more because it is just feathery light! ( For a Pam that is, because the RM 27 is another story.......)

I do appreciate the advancement in the technology used to craft such a special case, and it has a very unique touch feel to it unlike anything i'v ever seen in watches. I call it the "poor man's RM 27" as when i look at both up-close with my loupe they look similar, and since both represents the lightest of their respective groups ( brands), that's my analogy for them!

Cheers

Stephen

I was excited about the composite last year and I applaud Panerai for trying something new but the fact that the underlying material is aluminum and the problems with alcohol have dampened my enthusiasm for the composite.  I think that the composite trend may fade over time. 

that is such an overkill when he's shot playing tennis and practicing in a 525K watch... that is pure advertising seriously but 20 paper clips is amazing.

Anyway, after I have had my 339, I don't think I want anything but a composite. I don't see myself dunking it in a beer any time soon and the chance of it getting in contact with alcohol would be roughly the same as the chance I would drop it so either way... very little issue for me... but honestly... I love composite. I love the lightness. OK some who wants more meat may want ceramic cos this may feel too plastic like but after you have had one... it's like no other materials.

I had a 292 before I really like the feel of the watch (quite hefty) and I love the deep black color... but what I don't like about ceramic panerai is that the case back is made of different material (PVD steel)





And for the composite case, I really don't mind light watches and I like the way Panerai did the composite watches with composite case back and buckle.. But what I'm not sure is the brown color... It's quite interesting but probably not so versatile...

 

Best,

Sam

292 is handsome. I have one but now I prefer the 339. What's not good for both is that the LUGS are DLC so they can scratch... I scrapped mine for sure....

it will be interesting to see how Panerai align these materials with their product line and which one will stay longer?