Help needed 292M vs 292K

[Loco420]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to get a PAM292 but i'm a bit confused about which type to get. I noticed that there are 2 versions available from most of the trusted dealers; 292M and 292K.

Which one should I get? What is the difference between the two? This is my first rep purchase so any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[ezioauditore]

As I understand it, there was a problem on the K model with the way the inner and outer case are attached, resulting in a scenario where the lug bars can become loose. From what I gather, this issue was resolved with the 292M.

Not certain about any other differences.

 

[Alex_P1]

As I understand it, there was a problem on the K model with the way the inner and outer case are attached, resulting in a scenario where the lug bars can become loose. From what I gather, this issue was resolved with the 292M.

Not certain about any other differences.

+1 on this from what I've read, think it was down to substandard adhesive being used. I don't know how many were affected, but it seems to be a reasonably small percentage. Even so, it was enought to put me off the K and go for the M.

There is also a PVD Steel version, rather than ceramic, being sold on some sites, but ALE's awesome guide says that the ceramic version is the most authentic (being made from the right material and all!)

 

[ALE7575]

Please read about PAM 292 in the thread PAM REVIEW-GUIDE:
"Reference PAM REVIEW-GUIDE" - Replica Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection (Sticky-"Exceptional Watch Review" Award)
Be carefull to buy the full ceramic version.
See below an extract from the GUIDE, but it is better going and to read more about in the thread:

This is the replica version made of Black Sandblasted Ceramic like the gen.

EVALUATION: (**) SUPER REP (M-series from H maker), (*) FIRST CLASS REP (K-series H maker, see below comments)
The gen PAM 292 is similar to PAM 183 but made of Black sandblasted finish Ceramic instead of polished SS and fitted with solid caseback. It seems more similar to the PAM 380 but this last watch has a very different Logo Sausage dial instead of conventional Sandwich dial.
The gen Black Panerai Radiomir PAM 292 was first introduced in 2007 and it is now slowly making its way to the lucky few on the waiting lists. As opposed to other earlier black Panerai watches - like the Pre V 202/A and 203/A, the PAM 4,9,26, 360 and 195 - this Radiomir is not a PVD coated watch. Its case is Ceramic. There is currently only one other ceramic Panerai watch, which is the PAM 317.
PVD watches are made with stainless steel cases to which a black coating (PVD) is applied. Panerai themselves feel that especially the early PVD cases turned out to be too fragile. The cases scratch easily and once that happens, there's not much you can do about it. Ceramic however, is about five times harder than stainless steel and as a result much less prone to scratches. The new Ceramic watches are Panerai's solution for a much more reliable product. But the production process of ceramic watches is much more complicated and time consuming - mainly because the material is so hard. The cases are not molded, but made by machining. This is most likely why it has taken quite long for the first watches to be delivered to their owners. But, it's worth the wait.
There is another interesting detail about this Black Seal. Although the watch is not a Special Edition, the 2008 run does no longer have the little submarine SLC torpedo with two frogman riders- often referred to as the "pig"- on the dial. This seems to make the 2007 J-series a very collectible watch. The J-series is limited to 1000 pieces and another 1500 pieces will be made for the K-series (2008). The gen PAM 292 is part of the Panerai “Historic” Radiomir models, it has a Sandwich black dial in a cushion shaped Radiomir black Ceramic case 45mm, with detachable wire lugs with, seconds@9 sub-dial, Solid caseback and movement Panerai OP XI calibre, ETA based, it is manual winding by a onion shaped crown which has OP logo engraved.
This replica Full Black Ceramic version of PAM 292 is made of real Black Ceramic and with sandblasted type finish very close to the gen. Sometimes this replica is even sold cheaper than the equivalent in Black PVD SS.
Be careful because some replicas from K-series H-maker had a very serious issue with an incorrect glue being used causing the case to split apart and making the lugs useless. Maker fixed this issue in the following models (thanks info from AHX).
We can consider the Full Ceramic K-series as First Class rep (be careful with the above mentioned issue), and the Full Ceramic M-series from H maker as a Super Rep.
A good candidate for a first PAM replica
REPLICA links:
(**)http://www.puretime.co/product/pam292-m-ceramic-transparent-ar-11-on-hand-stitched-black-calf-leather-strap/
(*)http://www.puretime.co/product/pam292-k-full-sandblasted-ceramic-11-ultimate-edition-on-thick-stitched-black-leather-strap/
(**)http://www.timesshop.net/12456-pa7960b-pam292-m-h-factory-black-dial-ce-lt-1-1-asian-6497
(**)http://www.timesshop.net/12372-pa7240b-pam292-m-h-factory-black-ceramic-casing-1-1-asian-6497
(**)http://www.timeshops.net/12212-pa0463b100-pam292m-radiomir-black-seal-black-ceramic-casing-asian-6497
(*)http://www.timesshop.net/12455-pa7950b-pam292-k-h-factory-black-dial-ce-lt-1-1-asian-6497
(*)http://www.timesshop.net/10311-pam292-panerai-radiomir-black-seal-black-dial-ceramic-lt-asian-6497.[/COLOR
(*)http://asian7750.com/cn/product_show.asp?big_pid=&ps_id=&P_id=2154&ti=
(**)http://www.marvellousreplica.com/products_detail.php?ProId=1555
(*)http://www.marvellousreplica.com/products_detail.php?ProId=671
(**)http://www.trustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_45&products_id=8745
(*)http://www.trustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_45&products_id=7632
GEN links:
http://www.paneraisource.com/watch_details/Historic_13
http://www.panerai.com/s_page.xpd?id_lingua=2&id_sezione=16&id_prodotto=7284&id_categoria=3205

 

[Loco420]

Thanks for the input guys! I will go for the M then, cant't wait. Now off to browse the TD's!

 

[Alex_P1]

I ordered mine from Toro, great communications and quick service, the fact that it cleared UK customs in under 3 days is a bonus! I should be posting pictures tomorrow, all being well...

 

[ls_allmotor133]

How do I order from 'Toro'?

 

[Alex_P1]

Check out his website:

http://www.torobravos.com/

He has a page in the TD section which I think has his email address on.

He's a great guy.

 

[ls_allmotor133]

Thanks! I want to get the regular black leather strap and can't seem to find it on a 292M (only 292k) at any of the TD sites. Any tips?

 

[Arism]

I'd just ask the TD to swap the strap when you send them an e-mail to order it. Shouldn't be a problem. The rep strap is okay, and it will do the job fairly well, but most usually buy a strap. I like Gunny and Donerix, but thats just me. There are a plethora of strap makers. Dan at Migliore is also very good.

 

[Alex_P1]

I got mine with an Asso strap from Torro and it is really nice, in fact, I've not worn the watch yet as I want to carefully change the strap this weekend.

 

[Loco420]

How did the strap change go? I would like to see a picture of that watch/strap combo.

I am about to round off my transaction of a 292M with one of the TD's. I'm choosing the 26/22mm black stock strap for a dressier wear but for more casual wear I prefer a 26/26mm brown vintage strap. This will require a new PVD buckle. I have asked the dealer for if he could source an extra 26mm PVP buckle with Panerai engraving. He agreed for an extra $25,- which is not bad I think but I am just curious about the quality of those buckles, specifically the engraving? Is it worth the extra $$ or should I just get one sterile PVD buckle from the bay instead?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help with buying my first rep!

 

[ALE7575]

How did the strap change go? I would like to see a picture of that watch/strap combo.

I am about to round off my transaction of a 292M with one of the TD's. I'm choosing the 26/22mm black stock strap for a dressier wear but for more casual wear I prefer a 26/26mm brown vintage strap. This will require a new PVD buckle. I have asked the dealer for if he could source an extra 26mm PVP buckle with Panerai engraving. He agreed for an extra $25,- which is not bad I think but I am just curious about the quality of those buckles, specifically the engraving? Is it worth the extra $$ or should I just get one sterile PVD buckle from the bay instead?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help with buying my first rep!

At the end of PAM REVIEW-GUIDE you can find a lot of pics and links to pics of strap-watch combos. You will sure find some pic of the combo you want or similar.
"Reference PAM REVIEW-GUIDE" - Replica Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection
ALE

 

[Alex_P1]

Hi Loco, only changed the strap this morning in the end! I wore the watch for a week with the strap which it came with and actually ended up swapping it for another PAM style strap I had rather than the Asso strap as the buckle would have been too big.

The watch looks great, I'll take some pictures in the next day or so and post them.

Actually changing the strap was pretty easy, don't be afraid of it! I've also found out than an industrial Sharpie type marker does a great job of covering any scratches in PVD coating, just clean with alcohol first and it won't come off.

 

[Loco420]

Thanks, thats some really nice strap combos in the review.

Only thing I'm wondering is weather its worth it to get the extra 26mm PVD rep buckle for $25,- or just get another brandless aftermarket one...

 

[Alex_P1]

Get the extra one for $25 as some of the other brandless ones are pretty nasty!

 

[Alex_P1]

**** and bugger! Must not have done one of the screws up properly when I changed the straps as I realised one of the little sods had vanished today.

I'm sure they'll be the same as a standard screw off another watch or a pair of glasses so will have to keep a screwdriver with me so I can liberate one if I see a suitable candidate...

If anyone knows where I can find one, please let me know.

Cheers

 

[Member X]

Panatime has SS and PVD screws and lugs, as I understand it

Also, while I'm in this thread, Wiz has a fix for the case coming apart on the K series, so do not worry about buying one as you can get it fixed if it breaks

 

[Alex_P1]

Panatime has SS and PVD screws and lugs, as I understand it

Thanks for the info, they now list 2 PVD screws for $6 and I have a pair on the way!

 

[civic4982]

I recommend some loctite in the screw threads when putting on a new strap... Helps keep those tricky screws in place.