Officine Panerai

With all the hype of the new PAM372, I would like to share some photos of 4 watches that started 47mm era of modern Panerai watch..

It all started with the PAM127, launched in 2002. I believe that during that time, the size was too big.
It was also actually Panerai's 1st attempt to make a historically correct watch.. (Although we all know, none are actually 100% historically correct)
With stainless steel case, domed crystal and ETA movement based on the design of the vintage Rolex Cortebert movement

I would like to actually underline the charm of PAM127..
The font they use in their "LUMINOR PANERAI", if you notice, is actually larger, even compared to the font they use in the 217..
The domed crystal, I was told, that it was not perfect.. You can see purplish tint in the reflection on the domed crystal.. You don't see it on 217's crsytal
And yes the 1950 wording, I always said that it ruined the aesthetic of the watch.. But once I wear it on my wrist, it is too small for me to notice..
A very charming watch..





Then comes the 217 in 2005. A left-handed counterpart of the 127.
Hard to argue that the "MARINA MILITARE" on the dial makes it somehow special
Being made only 1000 pcs (+ the OORs) it is twice as rare as the 127
And of course being a destro, makes it appealing to collectors as it is unique

And in 2006 came the Radiomirs : PAM232 and PAM249
People always compare these 2 models and there are always argument to call which one is best of the two..
PAM249 is more "striking" in design.. With the California dial..
And of course it was a bold move by Panerai to keep the dial clean without any "PANERAI" branding
The use of Plexi also a bold move.. As it is rarely worn in modern watches

While PAM232 looking more calm in design
Plain Tobacco sandwiched dial with gold hands
You have to see it in metal to see the beauty of this watch
Most photograph couldn't capture the actual color of the dial
It is dark brown in color but under the sun the dial color turn to greyish brown in color
It makes the gold hands glow even more 
It has a flat sapphire crystal instead of domed plexi but it makes it more versatile

There will be more of the historic 47mm Panerai in the future.. And I'm sure it could only gets better and better

But I'm really sure that these 4 Panerai will always be remembered as 4 of the most important watches in modern Panerai's history

I hope you enjoy the photos,



Sam

PS : I would like to thank Alim (Isnandar) who was kind enough to do the photo shoot for me and lend his PAM127 for the photo shoot

 

This message has been edited by samrotandi on 2011-03-11 05:50:06

Your next one will be the 372!

Superb text, and pics, Sam.

Can't agree more with what you wrote.

Here you have a superb selection of the Panerai Panna de la Panna.

Best,

Nicolas;

As I think it will complete my 47mm trio...

Well at least until the steel version of 373 comes..

Thank you for your kind word Nicolas!

Have a great weekend


Sam

You know you will get the b372 ( me too, by the way ) AND the 373 if it comes in SS....

You know that, I know that.

Does Panerai know that?

Best,

Nicolas.

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GREAT PIX, GREAT POST.

Major 127 envy.

Need to reshoot w/ a 372 soon. ;-)

Thanks for the pics.

Sean

Forgot the 203...

I really hope so..

And as for the 203, it didn't count and wasn't mentioned in my post as it is too rare

Also I didn't mention the 294.. A plexi version of the 232

Best,


Sam

Oh jeez...now I'm itching...MORE plexi!

Thanks again for the pics, can't wait to see the 372 amongst them.

With you on the 203, I lost appreciation for where those values have gone, WOW!

Sean

Cali meets 372, Plexi-ness.

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The price of these is alreay more than the original, so I wait for 372, and lets hope for a 373 and 6154.

I would be happy with those.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful collection with us. It was your pre A that inspired me to get a tritium.

you're dangerous to my wallet..LOL

take care,

Best

Imran

This message has been edited by imran in london on 2011-03-11 10:48:06

My PreA is what inspired you to buy the 203/A?? I'm really flattered

Well yes, wait for the 372 and 373.. I'm really sure it's gonna be another classic pieces!

Best,

My Pam collection philosophy differs from you, like we shared the last time, I am just into case material for Pam and only radiomirs. But I get your point.

Best,

Horo

Yes I remember clearly...

But if I'm not mistaken you're eying on a Cali...

Best,


Sam

I wias thinking of switching. But I will refrain for now.

Best,

Horo

you had gone and got yourself a nice 127... Oh well, in not too distant a futue, then??

Cheers - Sergio

It would be nice if I have a 127 to complete the set... But seems that I'm really content with the trio for now...

But again, who knows....

Only time will tell my friend...

Best,

Sam

and the photos. You should get the Fiddy now and complete the post-v. set.

Regards

Your good friend.

A fiddy would be a really nice addition to complete the set...

But I'm really content with the 217...

For now let's just stick with these 3....

Have a great weekend John!

Sam

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and I would assume your next one would be a PAM372?  It would be at home with those 4 other watches.

Cheers,
Anthony

The 372 will complete my 47mm line up nicely...

But it might not be my next one....

Cheers


Sam

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No message body

And recap of all the 47mm!

I see you catching up very fast Sam, and wish you all the best in getting more pieces too!

Cheers

Stephen

Yes ... I'm looking forward to get more 47mm, and the one I can only think of now is of course the 372...

Anyway, how have you been? I haven't heard from you for a while... I hope you settled well in Bandung!

Take care my friend!


Sam

And the primary reason that you have not heard much from me is cause the internet there is crap!

Nonetheless i do hope to be able to get a more reliable source of it soon.

Cheers and take care

Stephen