Somehow after owning it for a few months, I realised I haven't took the time to compliment this wonderful timepiece by Panerai not so long ago. This was indeed a sudden release which became a hot favorite of mine just awhile ago. But until now, still holds a special place in my heart. One of the first piece i would pick up if i were to go out to meet other ristis.
A bit of its originFirstly, let's talk a bit about origins. Back in the 1997-98 era, the 5218-201A was introduced (often referenced as the original LOGO). Of course not very collectible or hot then, times have indeed been kind to the brand. This piece is one of the most sought after piece, and to many like myself, a grail piece.
*photos borrowed from paneristi.com
notice that the "LUMINOR PANERAI" tag to be on top with a "OP" logo on the bottom, hence making a very balanced dial.
here, you can see a comparison between a preA2 base (without the logo) against the 201A.
from now you should be able to roughly tell why the LOGO 201A is so sought after.
If you cannot tell yet, well let me roughly identify the perks :
1) tritium scallop dial (thick thick and pumpkin color fonts)
2) very balanced dial with a nice logo on the bottom
3) unmatching dial and hands (creating an interesting contrast)
Then, in 2010, the PAM360 was introduced in line with celebrating the PANERISTI.com community of 10 years.
Unfortunately, this "community" watch was only produced in a small number of 300 pcs only. This means only a small fraction of the community will be able to purchase this beautiful piece.
Notice the similarities between the PAM360 and the original logo 201A.
Aside from having a PVD (black treatment) case and more modern fonts and dial design, you cannot help but feel that they are very similar and in fact to some like me, an improvement (because mainly of not being so fragile like tritium watches are).
*photos borrowed from perpetuelle.com
Now question would be, how many of us would actually be lucky enough to own a PAM360?
Either you have major connections, or deep pockets because the grey pieces are selling at nearly 5x the original price.
If you follow the risti forum enough, you would know that there was a lot of wishing around, telling and begging panerai to make something similar again, hopefully in bigger numbers so more of us get a chance.
Before 3Q of 2011 ended, Panerai came through for us, and introduced the PAM390.
It was a sudden release, with no particular warning or notice. In fact, i only found only via the forum about its release.
Frantically, i believe everybody started making phone calls to boutiques and ADs. Well, the rest is history.
IntroductionThe PAM390 is a special edition model, much awaited as it was considered as "base" which had similarities as the LOGO.
A total of 2000 pcs will be made all in 2011 and this model was only distributed via Panerai boutiques.
For me, this is the true community watch, since there's almost enough pieces to go around. Even if you were to pay premium, the price is not that much as compared to the previous models.
What is in the package?The PAM390 is a 44mm Luminor Pre-V case, which has similar to many of the current production ETA models.
This case style is very similar to that of the vintages (pre-V and pre-A, albeit a little bit of differences at the lugs).
The 44mm was actually the true "big" watch back in the day, when 45-47mm were unheard of yet.
The dial is of cos a base model with 3,6,9 and 12 indices with gold hands.
The fonts on the dial are painted pumpkin color to look just like a vintage. (of cos some of us complain that it's not FAT enough like the true vintages).
The interesting part of the dial is the tobacco color chosed. This color is similar to that of another hot Special Edition PAM232 (but the PAM232 is a sandwich dial).
The watch comes with a crystal glass on top and a solid case back on the bottom.
The solid case back has a submarine PIG slc engraved. Although to some, they prefer clear case back to see the movement, I for one, prefer a solid caseback, since it's more authentic as a vintage.
The SetSince this model is regarded as a SPECIAL EDITION, it comes in a SE box (a presentation box 1.5x larger than the regular production ones). I believe every panerai collector should get at least 1 of these boxes, they are really beautiful and much more classier and well made than the normal ones. It even comes with a KEY!! to lock the box.
The PAM390 comes with one of the best OEM straps which is the assolutamente which gets more beautiful as it ages and a OEM rubber strap.
Overall BuildThe overall build of the PAM390 is just like any other Panerais i have ever encountered (PAM000,312,359,etc.).
It's very well made and has a very good heft to it. Fits just nicely on a wrist.
The movement is based on a Swiss ETA modified to Panerai's requirement.
Comparison with Other Modelshere a comparison between 47mm Luminor PAM372, a 47mm Radiomir Composite PAM339 and the 44mm Luminor PAM390
Wrist Shotsand now for the most important part of the review
strap used here is a kevin adeeos ammo, with just enough tail
that's all from me for now. i hope you guys enjoyed my long winded story and thanks for letting me share my passion for my favorite brand.
