What PAM Do I Have?

[RWI27]

1-15-13 EDIT: Im going to be making this into a project, "The Franken 'PVD' PAM XXX" or "Prototype PAM" for short and I will keep this updated. I just ordered a proper PAM111 so I will be turning this rep into a "first rep/souvenir" and will cherish every flaw with it. Of course, after applying a "PVD" finish :mob:

So I got a watch through a family member who buys replicas online. My watch finally came in which I thought was a PAM 111, now Im not sure as to what it really is? Any ideas? All I know is that the bridge is different, crown guard is polished, and there is no swan neck regulator.

 

[cwazy1]

old old version of the 111

 

[RWI27]

old old version of the 111

Would it be an accurate rep of an old version and is that a bad thing? The strap is actually 3 layers of real leather (extremely soft) and the watch is running like a workhorse, hasn't lost time all day. Im currently testing the power reserve fully wound and its still going at 15 hours.

 

[cwazy1]

its an old rep, meaning that it may be a great watch, but its accurate to the LEAST.

the PR should be around 40 hours.

 

[RWI27]

Im trying to find more solid info about which PAM exactly it replicated, so far I stumbled upon this PAM 111i info showing what seems to be the exact movement though the logo is in a different spot. I believe if I move the logo then it would be identical to the photo below of a real Panerai movement.

You said "accurate to the least," what exactly do you see inaccurate with the rest of the watch? I made sure it had the correct 2 which it does (due to shadows might not see it in the pics) and it also has a low clearing crystal.

 

[jonathansig]

This is just not an accurate rep period.

 

[dropbea2007]

Don't bother with doing any research on this. I don't even think you can get these on Canal Street any more. There is just nothing worth mentioning even for parts...

 

[spdu4ia]

If you like it and it runs well , enjoy it. But enjoy it for what it is, a watch, since it is a poor rep at best.

 

[frigpig]

If you want I can explain a little.

The case back is from the H serial year. Only problem was they made 2500 111s and not 2000. The case back is from a 112.

A polished CG is also way before the H serial as well as the movement is from an older version of 6497 Panerai mostly found in closed case back Pam's like the 005.

The lume, and well all of dial are inaccurate to a 111 in many ways. Hey, you asked.

But, here is the good news. Absolutely no one will be able to tell except a handful of people and most of them are here. Enjoy your watch. If you really love wearing it consider a Noob v3 when your ready.

 

[dhz]

But, here is the good news. Absolutely no one will be able to tell except a handful of people and most of them are here. Enjoy your watch. If you really love wearing it consider a Noob v3 when your ready.

+1 to this, good bit of info. :cheers:

 

[RWI27]

If you want I can explain a little.

The case back is from the H serial year. Only problem was they made 2500 111s and not 2000. The case back is from a 112.

A polished CG is also way before the H serial as well as the movement is from an older version of 6497 Panerai mostly found in closed case back Pam's like the 005.

The lume, and well all of dial are inaccurate to a 111 in many ways. Hey, you asked.

But, here is the good news. Absolutely no one will be able to tell except a handful of people and most of them are here. Enjoy your watch. If you really love wearing it consider a Noob v3 when your ready.

Much appreciated! Exactly what I wanted instead of just seeing "don't bother" or "its not accurate".

Regardless of all the inaccuracies, it really is a beautiful watch and is still running (almost 24 hours) off a full wind, accurately to boot. Only mods I'll probably do is relocate the decal to the original place and a relume.

Regarding the relume, anyone know where I could get accurate colored luminescent?

 

[hubrisin]

Canal Street goodness, just ask the guy in hushed tones for one of these beauties. These cannot compete with H and Noob PAMs.

 

[frigpig]

Much appreciated! Exactly what I wanted instead of just seeing "don't bother" or "its not accurate".

Regardless of all the inaccuracies, it really is a beautiful watch and is still running (almost 24 hours) off a full wind, accurately to boot. Only mods I'll probably do is relocate the decal to the original place and a relume.

Regarding the relume, anyone know where I could get accurate colored luminescent?

We have a lume dealer in our dealers area. I've bought and have been quite happy with the G-Max for Pams.

 

[RWI27]

We have a lume dealer in our dealers area. I've bought and have been quite happy with the G-Max for Pams.

Sounds awesome, any idea how many oz or grams I would need to do a couple PAM dials? The watch is impressing me so far, especially the power reserve time.

January 8th 12:44PM - Watch was fully wound until no resistance.
January 11th 2:40AM - Watch finally dies.

Thats a total of 62 hour power reserve time, Im going to repeat the experiment for any discrepancies. The funny thing is that it kept excellent time, it was sitting next to a quartz watch of mine and they never varied (at least not the minute/hour hand, didn't keep track of seconds). Heres a better picture of the watch:

 

[Spboudart]

It's not important that your watch is accurate or not, what is important is that you're happy with it.

Just know that the day you decide to sell it, the value you'll obtain for it will be totally independent of the love you get for this watch.

Many of us started with the same 111 a few years back, and were just really happy with it, then you wan't more and start to get unhappy and finally only the gen satisfies you.

 

[frigpig]

Sounds awesome, any idea how many oz or grams I would need to do a couple PAM dials?

I have done around 10 projects and still have some left from the smal little bottle they sent.

 

[Mambo]

Many of us started with the same 111 a few years back, and were just really happy with it, then you wan't more and start to get unhappy and finally only the gen satisfies you.

I couldn't agree more

 

[RWI27]

Well I didnt want to start a new thread just to answer a simple question. I know theres a guide to disassemble PAMs though how do I unwind the movement? Lume came in the mail and I'm eager to get this done today, couldn't find anything searching.

NVM, saw the anti-return notch. Is it fine that i let it completely unwind without "guiding" the gear? Kind of feel like I damaged something, but it appears fine :facepalm:

 

[Bonesey]

Well I didnt want to start a new thread just to answer a simple question. I know theres a guide to disassemble PAMs though how do I unwind the movement? Lume came in the mail and I'm eager to get this done today, couldn't find anything searching.

NVM, saw the anti-return notch. Is it fine that i let it completely unwind without "guiding" the gear? Kind of feel like I damaged something, but it appears fine :facepalm:

Ehm, there's a good chance you've buggered something. Are you saying you released the click wheel and just let the mainspring freewheel? There are safe methods but the safest is to just to let the watch wind down and then work on it.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

 

[RWI27]

Well, I finally got the watch together, runs smoothly as before and the new lume is amazing! I literally had no idea what I was missing out on. In the process of reluming though I noticed there was a mark on the dial, stupid me decided to use rubbing alcohol which took off some of the LUMINOR writing and most of the MARINA. I decided to remove the MARINA and figured now the LUMINOR has a patina look to it.

All in all, watch looks much better with the lume job and without that original lime green day lume.

EDIT: Im going to be making this into a project, The Franken "PVD" PAM XXX. I just ordered a proper PAM111 so I will be turning this rep into a "first rep/souvenir" and will cherish every flaw with it. Of course, after applying a "PVD" finish :mob:

Before:

After:

Normal Light: