Having not written a review for a long time, I thought I would begin 2010 with a review of a brand that I am most passionate about (Ferrari that is).
I would like to say thank you to Tony at asian7750.com for supplying the watch. Delivery was actually astonishing, the fastest I have ever experienced and the communication has been flawless.
Rep collectors, welcome to my review of the Panerai designed Ferrari 008 Scuderia…
Ferrari has always been the one car manufacturer that I have admired. They’re cars aren’t built to satisfy people who want to show their wealth, in essence, they are built from heritage and a passion for racing.
The 008 replica 008 has become well known for its incredible accuracy to the genuine, so I decided to mix my interest of watches and Ferrari, so here is are my thoughts of this wonderful replica.
History
Prior to Panerai, Girard-Perregaux was the official timekeeper for Ferrari. However, after that contract had lapsed, Panerai filled the gap, and began production of the Ferrari inspired watches in 2006.
The watches were designed to reflect the lines of Ferrari’s cars, and the watches are split into two categories; GranTurismo and Scuderia.
Background Information
The Scuderia 008 that is the subject of this review comes in just one format. However, there are other Scuderia watches that share a similar design;
The 008 which is the subject of this review is based on a chronograph movement, which counts seconds and minutes, with the ‘seconds chrono sub-dial’ having its design firmly based on a rev counter dial that you would find in a car.
Vital Stats
Case Diameter – 45mm
Water Resistance – 100m
Power Reserve – 46 Hours (self winding – cal. XII)
Crystal – 1.9mm thick Sapphire (inner AR coating)
Accuracy to the Genuine
Front
The 008’s reputation for being the best out of the box Pam is well founded. The overall replication is true to the genuine.
The only flaw I could find is a very minor one on the dial itself. The word TACHYMETER is a hair too far around in the clockwise direction. The 5 minute marker on the genuine would cut through the right hand side of the letter ‘M’, whereas on the replica, it would cut through the middle.
Apart from that, the 008 really is astonishing in the accuracy department, and I feel even if you had the genuine right next to it, you would be hard pushed to tell them apart.
Not only are the aesthetics almost 100%, but the overall quality is also very good. The texture of the dial is very good, and the print is clear.
Back
The back is very nicely finished, and it matches the front in terms of quality and accuracy.
The only thing I would point out here is that the OFFICINE PANAERAI engraving appears too far clockwise around the case back. On the genuine, the word Panerai finishes above the horse, whereas on the replica, it starts above the horse engraving.
Other than that.........who wouldn’t love the colour of that yellow strap when you remove it from your wrist!
I removed the deployment clasp for comfort as I found the edges to be quite sharp. However, I will be using a bit of wet and dry to try and smooth it off a little. The clasp itself is again very well made. It locks in securely and has a very nice brushed look to it!
Other
From the side view you can see how well this is made…lugs are the correct shape, pushers and crown are replicated precisely….another thumbs up in this area. On the back of the crown, there is a little yellow dot, and that even ends up in the correct position when the crown is screwed in!
Conclusion of flaws
Conclusion of flaws on front
Tachymetre wording slightly too far around the dial (clockwise)
Conclusion of flaws on rear
OFFICINE PANERAI engraving is too far around the case back (clockwise)
Conclusion of other flaws
None that I am aware of
Final Thoughts
The Replica
I really feel that the 008 strikes the balance between dedicating itself to the Ferrari heritage, but not overdoing it and making the watch look tacky.
It looks really classy when it’s on the wrist, and does get a few admiring glances in the bars.
You can see the origins of the Panerai design, and I think the combo of the Panerai and Ferrari brands comes together really well.
Not only is this watch one of the most accurate out of the box replicas available, it is well made, feels robust and is in my opinion, a beautiful watch.
Closing Pictures
