Panerai Launches Radiomir Marina Militare Acciaio

...Panerai Super-Coolness...

It Finally Happened!!!

Panerai Launches Marina Militare Acciaio

PAM00587 47MM Unique Edition of 1000 Units

It is hard to believe, but after all these years of waiting, Panerai finally brought the watch to life which was known as the "Small Egiziano" which was know in vintage Panerai parlance by its reference number of Reference 6154. The only challenge with this watch is that Panerai is only making 1000 units. Panerai has named this model the PAM00587, and you can learn more about it on Panerai.com.

This Italian beauty has all the vintage characteristics including a plexiglass crystal, and from what I can tell it appears to basically be a PAM00372 without the trademark Panerai half-crescent crown guard, and with a Marina Militare dial designation instead of a Luminor Panerai. It also features sharper pencil hands, which differ from the PAM 372 hands.

The original vintage version of this watch had a Rolex winding crown that featured the Rolex five finger crown logo, and this one has the modern Panerai OP logo, etched in the winding crown and it looks superb!!! In the photo below, we get a superb view of the sandwich dial, as well as seeing how beautifully etched the "MARINA MILITARE" designation is etched into the dial. It is this subtle level of detail that give these watches their amazing mojo...This is high-design, that is magnificently subtle...

This watch design is highly authentic, and if you look at the photo of me on the right side of this page, and click on it to see it better, I am actually wearing the exact vintage Panerai this watch is based upon, which is a Rolex made Reference 6152/1 with the Marina Militare dial designation.



Panerai's choice of the dark chocolate natural strap was superb. This gives the watch a serious vintage vibe that plays beautifully off the base dial.




Panerai formally introduced this watch at the Watches & Wonders trade-show in Hong Kong, which is now the sister trade-show to SIHH, which occurs annually in Geneva. The Watches & Wonders show is relatively new, but the idea is that it it allows Panerai and all other Richemont brands the ability to not have to introduce all of their new models annually at SIHH. Instead the can divide it up, and Watches & Wonders is focused more on the Eastern market, whereas SIHH is focused more on the Western Market. I covered this years SIHH trade-show live from Geneva, Switzerland and tie was absolutely fascinating.

To a large extent, the beauty of this model, as witnessed in the photo below, which gives us a slightly off-angle front view, is that it really shows off the beautiful symmetry and balance of the cushion case. This watch is such a Winner!!! The more I look at it, the more in awe I become!!! THIS is the real Panerai DNA that give Panerai is pure magic...

In The Flesh

Below is a photo of the actual PAM 587 in the flesh, which was taken recently.

Design Analysis

Inevitably Paneristi will compare the new limited edition PAM00587 with the existing standard edition Panerai PAM00372. From what I can tell from analyzing the photos, the bodies are extremely similar, with the difference of the lugs being beefier on the 587, as well as the crown-gaurd v. the big 8mm crown. As I mentioned earlier, the hands on the PAM 587 are different, and a not only arguably more authentic but better in design. Specifically, some people have argued that the hands on the PAM 372 are too short, especially compared to the hands on the vintage Panerai Reference 6152 it is based upon. The the hands on the 587, are not only longer, but also sharper looking, which synergies perfectly with the late Art-Deco Populuxe design style of the dial and case, which reeks of 1950s masculine style. 

The 587 also looks sharper, cleaner, longer and leaner, simpler, more streamlined, and less chunky than its sibling 387. In my opinion, the PAM 587 is a pure and absolute Minimalist Masterpiece, and it looks less affected, contrived, and obvious than the 372. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the 372, and wear one, but the 587 is an example of less, really being more. The 372 is more Sylvester Stallone/Rambo, and the 587 is more Cary Grant/James Bond.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." 
–Leonardo da Vinci

So what does this mean? As much as I love my PAM00372, I still am crazy about the PAM00587!!! It is so weird how similar they are, but how different they are at the same time!!! There is kind of a Yin/Yang balance between the two vintage Panerai styles, that is almost kind of Zen-like, to mix metaphors ;-)

The suggested retail price for the 587 is $10,100.

In order to properly contextualize the significance of the advent of this new model, I decided to add some previously published material that originally appeared on Jake's Panerai World in a little over a year ago in August, 2013. This next story covers the model the Panerai PAM00587 is based upon. At the end of the story I will add another side by side comparison.

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." 

–Mark Twain

Let's begin with a side by side comparison of the original vintage Panerai next to the new model. On the left we have the Reference 6152/1 next to the modern PAM00587. Obviously the PAM387 has a stunningly warm and beautiful dial and hand color combination. Some people say they think that giving new watches a more patina'd look is inauthentic, but I could not disagree more. I think it is like a beautiful suntan. 

Notice the PAM 587 "MARINA MILITARE" dial designation uses a slightly larger font, which makes it  just a tad bit more legible. On the 6152/1 on the left, we see the "M" in "Marina" is to the right of the 11 baton marker, and on the PAM 587 ins is definitely further over to the left. Also, the 587 "MARINA MILITARE" dial designation is etched into the sandwich dial, and it is colored similarly to the ecru lume and gold hands. Ironically, the original 6152 has  the hands found of a modern PAM 372, but I like the sharper pencil hands on the new PAM 587. 

In my mind, the objective of Panerai today is not to make reproductions of vintage Panerai watches, but to take the best characteristics of their design features, and to present them as beautifully as they can. Ironically, as much as I like the original vintage 6152, I prefer the look of the new 587...

In my personal opinion, Panerai has done an excellent job with the design of this beautiful vintage inspired new limited edition model!!!

Anatomy Of A Vintage Panerai

MARINA MILITARE

Reference 6152/1 Made in the 1940s

17 Jewel Rolex Movement with 8MM Rolex Brevet Crown

Today we are going to closely examine a stunningly beautiful vintage Panerai that was made in the late 1940s for the Italian Royal Navy. This watch has the Italian Royal Navy designation on the Dial which reads: "MARINA MILITARE." In case you are not familiar with the vintage Panerai watches with the "MARINA MILITARE" designation on the dial, they were made for the Italian Royal Navy, and lack any kind of "Panerai" designation on the entire watch. In other words, this watch is 100% pure Panerai, it just does not say so on the watch.

All the photos in this article were taken by Matthew Bain, and they showcase a very, very rare vintage Panerai model which has a "MM" engraving on the back, with a military issue number.

It appears that all the parts on this watch are original. Notice the hands have an interesting patina where they have oxidized over time and the hour hand almost has a sunburst pattern on it. This watch has the serial number 124XXX engraved between the top lugs, and the 6152 1 Reference number engraved between the lower lugs.

The photos below show this beauty from both side views of the case. The first image below shows the 8MM Rolex BREVET winding crown. Keep in mind that Rolex made this watch  for Panerai, which explains why the winding crown has the Rolex five-finger hand winding crown.

From a design perspective, this watch is outrageously beautiful in its simplicity. The 1940s watch case was super-streamlined in every way, yet very masculine. The case is almost identical to the 6152 which has the "Tight Seal Device", but it has the Rolex Brevet winding crown instead.

In my personal opinion, the only vintage Panerai watch ever made, that is more beautiful that this, is the super-iconic Radiomir Panerai Reference 6154 "Small Egiziano" which was made for the Egyptian Navy. The Panerai 6152/1 and the Panerai 6154 are remarkably similar in case design, but the 6154 is skinnier and even more streamlined that the 6152/1.

The photo below shows the 12 sided case-back which has the original Italian Royal Navy Military Issue Number engraving which reads "S.M.Z" on the first line, and "M.M. 103" on the bottom.

The next image below shows the Panerai 6152/1 with the case-back removed, and it appears to have a movement cover which may have been designed to improve anti-magnetic performance.

In the next photo below, we see the 17 Ruby Mechanical Rolex Movement, which is remarkably simple, sturdy, accurate, and durable.

Pictured below we see the inside of the screw-out case back, which has twelve sides. Notice inside is says "Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva, Switzerland, Patented. Stainless Steel. Swiss Made. 6152 1.

One of the most interesting details that sets every single vintage Panerai apart, is how different the patina is, both on the dial and the hands. The unique patina on everywatch is unique and almost like a fingerprint.  This particular watch lume has not darkened or changed very much. The Arabic numeral markers are still bright white, which give the watch a precise, fresh look. The hands also look really cool.

Panerai Marina Militare

Reference 6152-1: 47mm

If you wonder what I look like, here is a photo of me wearing an original Rolex made Panerai 6152-1 with the Marina Militare dial. This watch was made in the late 1940 or early 1950s an is one of my absolute favorite Panerai watches of all time. As previously mentioned if you look closely it has the Marina Militare dial designation as is the model the new PAM00587 is based upon. So just to be crystal-clear, the watch I am wearing in the photo below is NOT the new PAM00587, but the Original vintage Panerai Reference 6152-1, which the PAM 587 is modeled after.

One of the most interesting things about all the vintage Panerai models is how each one has developed a unique patina, as see in contrasting the different version as seen above and below. The one above has greenish lume, and the one below has very white lume, and the hands look like they have have some radium burn or tarnishing.

Radiomir 1940 3 Days Paneristi Forever

...All-New Panerai Model...

Radiomir 1940 3 Days 

–Paneristi Forever–

Limited Edition of 500 Examples

47MM PAM00532 

Panerai recently introduced a brand-new, highly limited edition model, which sports the PAM 532 designation. If this new model is indicative of things to come, the future is looking awfully bright for Panerai!!! Why? 

First of all, this model begins with what is arguably the best watch case design in history, and I don't say that lightly. The Radiomir 1940 case at 47MM is sheer perfection, and it has been around since the late 1940s.

This model shows that Panerai design is hyper aware of how beautiful rich color combindations can be. The case is made from high grade AISI 316L 1.4435 stainless steel, which is then covered with a rich hard black PVD coating.

Panerai developed this watch to to pay homage to its greatest fans, by engraving the caseback with the "PANERISTI FOREVER" designation. In case (no pun intended ;-) you are not familiar with the term Paneristi, it is used to describe die-hard Panerai enthusiasts, many of which share their extreme passion for Panerai, on Paneristi.com. 

If you are not familiar with Paneraisti.com, you should check it out. Paneristi.com is the ultimate online Panerai fan community site, filled with many nice, kind passionate fellow Panerai fanatics. I have been a member of Paneristi.com for many years, and I enjoy it very much. 

Paneristi.com is an invaluable resource for people that want to learn more about Panerai, as well as interact, communicate and socialize with other passionate Panerai enthusiasts. Paneristi.com was also the very first Panerai enthusiast site, and it is best know of its Paneristi Public Forum, which I highly recommend checking out, if you are not familiar with it. Paneristi also has a slogan that says "COMMUNITY. So much more than just a watch. PANERISTI.com", and it's profoundly true, that Panerai is so much more than just a watch.

The PAM00532 represents the third time, Panerai has made a model dedicated to its loyal fans. The first was the 44MM PAM00195, which was limited to 200 examples, then the 44MM PAM00360 which commemorated the 10th Anniversary of Paneristi.com in 2010, and was limited to 300 examples. Both the PAM00195, and PAM00360 were blacked-out with PVD coating.

So let's take a closer look at this beauty to explore its details. The fist thing I notice is the stunningly masculine case, that is enhanced with the black coating, which makes it even more bold and macho. Couple this with the gorgeous antique tan lume, which perfectly matches the standard Assolutamente Panerai 26/26 strap, and you have a real Italian beauty & beast at the same time. 

There is something magical about having the tobacco colored Assolutamente strap, coupled with a black case, which give the watch a unique look, that Panerai pioneered. This combination gives the watch a stealth, military, special-forces kind of tool watch look, that is also rich, elegant, warm, timeless and macho–all at the same time.

The next photo shows the amazing side profile, which is beyond timeless, with its super-elegant simplicity. I am seriously in awe of the beauty of this watch. In many ways, it is like a thoroughly modernized Radiomir 6154. The fact that Panerai can take this timeless DNA, and update it in such a meaningful and beautiful way, seriously takes my breath away!!!

The detail on this watch is so beautiful. Notice how beautiful the bead-blasted matt finish looks on the trademark Panerai sandwich dial, with the antique tan lume, coupled with the blacked-out case!!!

And yes, it is obvisoulsy a coincidence, the post below features Dylan McDermott rockin' his Radiomir Panerai PAM00514, which has a very similar amazing case shape design as the 47MM PAM00532. Very cool...

I am a huge fan of the HISTORIC Radiomir 1940 Panerai case. This is interesting since is lacks the trademark tight-seal half-cresent crown guard, which I also love. In a weird way, the two completely different looks, kind of offer a Yin and Yang. The HISTORIC Luminor 1950 case is so unusual looking, with its crown guard system, and the HISTORIC Radiomir 1940 case is crazy simple. Leonardo da Vinci put it best when he said "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

The following text is from Panerai's press release:

RADIOMIR 1940 3 DAYS – 47mm PANERISTI FOREVER

Unique Edition of 500 Units

A new watch celebrates the remarkable association between Officine Panerai and its most loyal supporters: the Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever”, a Special Edition with the Radiomir 1940 case in DLC-coated steel with the inscription Paneristi Forever engraved on the back. It is dedicated to all enthusiasts of the brand, and in particular to those who belong to the community which for 13 years has interacted every day on the site www.paneristi.com.

It was in September 2000 that admirers of Panerai watches first found the ideal platform for expressing and sharing their own passion on the site www.paneristi.com, which had recently been created by an English enthusiast. Since then, the online community has gathered many thousands of connoisseurs who have spontaneously created one of the most remarkable cults for a watch brand, with millions of visits to the site each month to share stories, photographs and information, and to ask and respond to questions. The forum hosted on the site is moderated by a group of coordinators who are completely independent of the brand, and it attracts enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

The new Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever” is a Special Edition of only 500 units, with a vintage appeal arising from the many details of the watch inspired by the historic Panerai models. The Radiomir 1940 case has the same form as the historic one that was transitional between the Radiomir and the Luminor, and it has the same diameter of 47 mm that was adopted for the first Panerai prototype in 1936. For the first time, the Radiomir 1940 case appears with a matt black finish, produced by a DLC (Diamond-Like-Carbon) coating on the steel structure. The black dial is of sandwich construction with minimalist graphics. On it are the small seconds dial at 9 o’clock and, in relief at 6 o’clock, the image of a Siluro a Lenta Corsa, the human torpedo on which the commandos of the Italian Navy carried out their epic attacks with Panerai instruments on their wrists. Toughness, reliability and maximum legibility are ensured by compliance with the historic standards of the brand.

The P.3000 movement of the new Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever” will completely satisfy the expectations of the brand’s most demanding enthusiasts. The hand-wound calibre with a power reserve of three days is completely designed and created in the Officine Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. It has two spring barrels connected in series and a large balance wheel (13.2 mm in diameter) which oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. It also has the device which enables the hour to be adjusted without interfering with the running of the minute and seconds hands.

The Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm “Paneristi Forever” (PAM00532) is water-resistant to 10 atmospheres (about 100 metres) and it is supplied with a strap made of natural, untreated leather.


Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.3000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 161⁄2 lignes, 5.3 mm thick, 21 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 21,600 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 3 days, two barrels. 160 components.

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds.

Case: Diameter 47 mm, steel with special hard black coating. Screw-down winding crown personalised OP.
Bezel: Steel with special hard black coating. Back: Screw, steel. “Paneristi Forever”
engraved.

Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Seconds at 9 o’clock.

Crystal: Sapphire, made from corundum, 1.8 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.

Water-resistance: 10 bar (~ 100 metres).

Strap: PANERAI personalised leather strap and trapezoidal matt steel buckle with special hard black coating.

Reference: PAM00532.

Historic Panerai Radiomir S.L.C. Lume Shot

...Lume Shot Of The Day...

Brian's Historic Panerai Radiomir S.L.C.

47MM Reference PAM00425

Panerai PAM 372 Review Preview

Luminor Panerai PAM 372

Discovering A Timeless Classic That Brings Us Back To The Future 

47MM 3 Day Movement: Reference PAM00372

I am working on a super-detailed review of the Historic Luminor 1950 3 Days Panerai PAM00372, and I thought I would give you a detailed preview. The "Panerai 372" (as it is commonly referred to) is probably the most anticipated modern Panerai ever offered. Panerai first showcased the PAM 372 in 2011 at the SSIH show in Geneva, Switzerland to critical acclaim.

The PAM372 Beautifully Showcases the Core-Essence of Panerai DNA

The Panerai PAM 372 is an amazingly cool and desirable watch for many reasons. First and foremost, because it arguably captures the core-essence DNA of the vintage Panerai Reference 6152 from 1954. Many of the details on this watch are very, very similar to the original 6152, which is arguably the quintessential trademark Panerai. The 372 has a sandwich dial with tan lume, which give the watch a very vintage/antique 1940s look–which is incredible!

Before we look more closely at the Panerai 372, let's see what it looks like on a real person. The Panerai 372, just like the Panerai 6152 from the 1950s is 47MM in diameter (excluding the crown guard). 

Let's get one thing out of the way. 47MM is an acquired taste. Most people don't go straight to 47MM. They typically begin with a 44MM Panerai, and work their way up to 47MM. Think of 44MM as a gateway to 47MM. 

All the wrist shot photos in this article show the Panerai 372 on my wrist which measures 6.5 (165MM) inches in circumference. I am 6 feet tall, but have smaller wrists, yet the Panerai 372 in not too large, and fits unbelievably well. For most people 47MM works well, once you get used to it. I even have one male friend that is 5'2, and another who is 5'3, and they both wear 47MM Panerai 372s that look great on them.

The Panerai Reference 372 is considered a "Base" Panerai, meaning it only has a Minute and Hour hand, which gives is a stunningly simple, streamlined, balanced, highly symmetrical look. 

Despite its outstanding looks, the Panerai 372 has zero bling. It is almost reverse bling, which makes it extremely tasteful, clean and sophisticated–in an distinguishing, old-world, kind of way.

The Panerai 372 is a very masculine, macho watch that exudes confidence. Its DNA is that of a real Tool Watch and it has a big, bold look, which remains low-key, reserved, unassuming, unexpected, charismatic and quietly confident. 

There is something really unsusual about the vibe and color combination of the Panerai 372 that is amazing! As I mentioned the 372 has a very 1940s, Indiana Jones, Safari-lifestyle kind of look. If you have ever seen the movie The English Patient, it used an unusual, kind of antique art-deco, 1930-1940s color pallet, and the 372 has that exact same vibe. Every time I look at the 372, either the National Geographic Explorer theme song, or the Raiders Of The Lost Ark, or James Bond theme-song starts playing in my head! Seriously!!!

Speaking of Raiders Of The Lost Ark, in the photo below, I was wearing the PAM 372 with khaki cargo pants and brown boots, and I took this shot, that kind of looks like Indiana Jones, from Raiders Of The Lost Ark–which happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time.

The Panerai PAM 372 is so cool looking in a Steve McQueen kind of way. In other words, it oozes super-cool energy and charisma. The photo below shot in front of the Golden Gate Bridge shows the front and side view of the split cushion case, and you can't help but notice the plexiglass crystal. Panerai chose to use plexiglass instead of synthetic sapphire crystal, because they wanted to make the 372 look as authentic and vintage as possible.

The PAM 372 comes standard with a straight 26/26/4MM Ranger Strap which has a stunningly beautiful aged tobacco color, that looks like a rich cigar leaf and develops and even better patina over time. "26/26/4MM" means the strap is 26MM between the lugs, and does not taper, so it ends at 26MM. The 4MM indicates the thickness of the strap. The original Panerai 6152 from 1954 came with 26/26/4mm leather straps, which offer a real tool watch look and vibe. The Panerai 372 comes standard with a removable, brushed/satin finished Pre-V buckle which is curved, and gives the strap a beautifully streamlined, cohesive, fitted look.

The Panerai 372 is pictured above, in front of another stunningly timeless Art Deco masterpiece–the Golden Gate Bridge–which has also endured and successfully transcended time. The Panerai 372 design language is pure Art-deco, going into late 1950s Populux, and it has a definite 1950s, old-world sensibility to it. It is super-cool looking, in a James Dean, 1955, clean-cut kind of way. In my minds eye, I can see James Dean, driving his 1955 Porsche 356 Super Speedster, wearing this beautiful watch!!!

The dial is matte black with a very fine micro-bead blasted look to it, and in brighter light it looks almost like it's a very, very dark brown. Also, the Panerai 372 has a very distinct, unique, trademark look that will NEVER be confused with any other watch brand on earth.

The build quality of every aspect of the Panerai 372 is superb. Every single detail is flawlessly executed, and the more time I spend studying the detail, the more I realize how much love and passion has gone into the design of this watch.

The Luminor Panerai dial designation is etched into the uncluttered dial, and the sandwich dial offers deep 3-dimensionality. Did I mention I am madly in love with the Panerai 372!?! It is such an Italian beauty, like Sophia Loren, with gorgeous curves everywhere, I can't take my eyes off it, and I can't seem to stop staring at it!!! The watch has a mystical, magical quality about it, and it looks great from every angle.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is something unique about super-high-end Italian design that is arguably unquantifiable, but it exists. 

Think Ferrari, or Pavarotti singing, and the Panerai 372 exudes this superlative "rare-air", Italian quality. The entire color palette of the 372, from its tan lume to its tobacco colored strap is rich Italianate–mocha earth-tones, and dessert browns that exude warmth and antiquity. Also, I noticed the 372 looks great with absolutely everything I have worn with it. The watch looks sporty, and elegant at the same time, in a timeless-modern kind of way.

Every single detail on the Panerai 372 is optimized for a streamlined, highly comfortable fit. This is due to many design variables, including the fact it has a completely flat back so it sits perfectly on your wrist, and fits like a glove. It is completely counter-intuitive, but the Panerai 372 is the most comfortable, best fitting watch I have ever worn. Also because of the design of the case and the strap, when temperature fluctuations occur, the watch does not become loose and does not move around on your wrist.

There is something else really unusual about the Panerai PAM372, at least for me. I don't like anything that looks old-looking, distressed or rough-hewn. In other words, I have always liked everything I own to look new. Take blue jeans for instance. I only like dark denim, and I can't stand really faded jeans. You get the idea. The PAM372 is an exception to the rule, because the older and more worn it gets, the more vintage looking it gets. In other words, you almost want to try to scratch up the plexiglass crystal, because it makes it look better.

Panerai is renowned for making limited edition watches, meaning they only make 500 or 1000 pieces of a model, which because they are so desirable, have a very strong effect on the appreciation of the watch. Thank God, Panerai did not make the 372 a limited edition watch!!! This means anybody who wants a 372, can purchase one, at least eventually. If I understand it correctly, the 372 is not a limited edition watch, but a limited production model, meaning Panerai is only making something like 2000 units per year for the international marketplace.

The Panerai 372 is a manual wind watch which surprisingly did not take much getting used to. I never thought I would prefer a manual wind watch over an automatic, but there is something really kind of cool and interesting about winding it every day. You can tell the watch is completely wound when you can't wind it any more.

The 372 has and EXTREMELY precise Panerai P.3000 calibre movement that keeps virtually perfect time, and when I say PERFECT, I mean PERFECT. In 30 days it did not gain or loose a minute!!! This is due to the in-house double barrel Panerai 3-Day movement. The movement also has a feature which allows you to easily move the hour hand independently of the minute hand, so changing time zones or changing time for day light savings time is instant. It is worth noting, the Panerai 372 P.3000 movement has a 3 day (72hour) power reserve, which is remarkable for a manual wind watch.

Some people say they like watches with a constantly moving second hand attached to the center stem because it makes it look like the watch is alive. I am the opposite. I think the constantly moving second hand makes the watch look like it has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The lack of a second hand gives the Panerai 372 a Zen-like, peaceful, quiet calming effect. Also the lack of a date is a feature for me. Nothing drives me more crazy than having to change the date or having the wrong date on my watch. Also, the lack of a date, gives the 372 a perfectly balanced, symmetrical look, which I really like.

The photo below shows the lume pattern, which is insanely cool looking, and really kind of represents the core essence of the original vintage Panerai tool watches!!!

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning of this preview, I plan to go much more into depth with this article, and as time permits I will be updateing it with more photos, observations and anecdotes.

So what do I think about the Panerai PAM 372? I think it is the coolest watch I have ever worn in my life!!! Officine Paneari has hit an absolutely brilliant Grand-Slam with the 372!!! As I mentioned earlier in the article, I am madly in love with the stunningly simple PAM 372!!! If I had to get stuck on a dessert island for the rest of my life, and I could only have one watch, I would chose the Panerai PAM00372!!! It's really that simple (Pun Intended ;-)

I also think the Panerai 372 is the most timeless watch every made. Why? Because its design is from 1954 and it still looks great and equally modern! I can think of a few other watches made by Patek Philippe and Rolex from the 1950s, that are stunningly beautiful, but they are way too small to wear today at 34mm. As people get bigger and taller, larger watches make much more sense, and at 47MM the Luminor Panerai 00372 remains perfectly ahead of its time. The Panerai 372 is not only the quintessential Panerai, but also arguably, "The Panerai."

Panerai Luminor Automatic Amagnetic Submersible

Panerai Luminor 

Automatic Amagnetic Submersible

47MM Titanium Case PAM00389

Panerai PAM 368 Design Review 47MM Left Handed Model

Panerai Luminor PAM 368 

Design Review

47MM 1950 Left-Handed Model: 8 Days Titanio

Recently I was in Shreeve & Company in downtown San Francisco, and I was checking out some different Panerai watch models. I happened to check out the PAM 368 which is a Special Edition Panerai, limited to only 1000 individually numbered pieces, which were made in 2011. The PAM 368 is 47MM and it has a brown dial.

The PAM 368 uses the 1950 case and it's made out of titanium. The entire case and crown guard are brushed with a satin finish. The domed crystal is made out of synthetic sapphire crystal, and it has a manual wind movement with the 8 day power reserve. Some people prefer the 8 day movement because if they forget to wind it after a few days, it will keep going.

The PAM 368 has the classic art-deco style Panerai 1950 case, which has superb curves. The lug opening is 26mm, and the crystal is 2mm thick.

The PAM 368 comes with a Panerai antique brown (tobacco/dark chocolate) calfskin leather strap, paired with a Panerai Pre-Vendome titanium tang buckle.

I really like the curved Pre-V bottle opener style buckle, which gives it a really cool, clean, streamlined, modern look. I like this style way better than the flat, non-curved vintage buckles.