Ale, I just wanted to respond to a few of your comments because I my experience may different just a bit from yours:
Ale says: "Nice to see the rotation working of the KW seems improved in relation to ZFac version. But it is far from the working of a PAM 243 Noob. KW working is smooth, I would say too smooth, it seems even dampened by a very consistent grease, but the snap between steps is not as firm and precise as desirable and there is still a little gap."
Set2374 says: My noob 243 v2/3 has the best bezel action I have experienced in a rep (and better than most gens). It does not have a particularly audible click, but just smoother turns and locks in place with no play to speak of. The KW 382 has a ratchet action with an audible click. My bezel seems particularly tight and it has absolutely no play at all (although it had a little when it arrived--go figure?). In fact, I have to use a little more force at times to start the rotation than I would like. The bezel is perfectly alliigned and, all things considered, I'll take a tight bezel over a loose one any day.
Ale says: "Pearl and pearl bezel shape are better in KW version which is just a bit rounded as set2374 says, although KW first batch was a little too greenish. It seems that KW has already corrected the colour to white in current batches (to be confirmed). Anyway, as commented by set2374, the charged lume can give a bit greenish colour even in the gen, many people, used to ZFac version, are comparing the KW with the ZFac instead of with the gen. "
Set2374 says: I agree
Ale says: "Litte dots on bezel seems worse finished, less rounded and uneven in comparison to gen ones. 15-30-45 markers are good enough, although the set2374 watch has the 15 marker a bit off the center. Minute bezel markers between 12 and 3 are similar to the gen but are less crisp and sharp with less clean contours."
Set2374 says: I agree as well. The little bezel dots are not as well finished as the gen. At least on my watch they aren't all the same height (the dot at 40 minutes is a bit too low). They are also not as polished as on the gen. This can be adjusted, but as I mentioned in m OP, it's not worth the effort to get the bezel off and risk not getting it back on properly. Ale is right about my 15 marker. The engraving is a little off centered. I didn't notice it until after I did the review---which says something about how noticeable (or not as the case may be) this flaw is in the real world. As Ale also noted, my cg letter wasn't made particularly well and shouldn't have passed QC--although it does not effect the function or appearance of the watch much. I will be asking sead for a replacement CG. If sead can't source the lever though, I will live with the watch rather than send it back for a replacement. We can all go over board on qc pictures. As much as I care about the details, haveinga watch with a super smooth movement and a properly alligned bezel and dial are more important. No need to take taking a chance fixing these issues only to get a watch that may have other, more serious problems (6 hour power reserve, doa movement etc). Speaking of the movement, I am getting at least 36 hours of PR. It probably goes a lot longer, but I can't go more than a day or so without wearing it.
Ale says: Regarding knurling on bezel I think KW has more accurate section shape either horizontal (parallel section to dial surface) or vertical (perpendicular to dial surface). Just I have seen that KW upper external edge of bezel is rounded and no very polished, whereas gen edge is flat machined, very sharp, and nicely polished.
In below pic you can see the horizontal section of the knurling in orange colour. It is evident that Gen and KW are similar, but I’m marking with the green arrow the upper external edge of the bezel and it is evident that KW is rounded and merely polished but gen is flat, sharp and very polished. Anyway better than ZFac knurling overall.
Set2374 says: I thought the knurling looks great, but once again I defer to ale.
Final Comments:
Ale, great review once again!! The pictures are fantastic. I am looking forward to reading more of your thoughts and comments as you enjoy the watch over the next few weeks. Of all my watches, this is now my favorite--followed closely by the 312. Even though it is my biggest watch by a comfortable margin (almost too big for the place in my watch box), it is very comfortable to wear and really hugs my wrist (this is true for most panerai). I have had the watch for a week now and have worn it 5 out of the past 8 days (which is a lot for me). Of the 40 plus watches I have has in my personal collection over the past year, this one gets by far the most attention and comments--even from people that have no idea what it is. I know some of you guys have gone nuts with adding patina with all sorts of stuff. I am not going to mess around with mine. i gave it a nice ketchup and lemon juice bath and I'll let the patina form naturally over time. If the vintage look isn't working, a quick bath and it's a great rose gold substitute. That gives you great flexibility. It's a fun watch and one that will be a permanent member of the collection (or at least a pam 382 will be even if I upgrade to an improved addition down the road).
Side note @ Naburus: I started the discussions regarding straps as part of my original post, so I see no reason why people shouldn't feel free to comment and talk straps. Part of the joy of owning a pam--particular a unique model like the 382--is the mixing and matching of cool straps. In fact, I have been talking to Greg Stevens about makng me a special strap and this is what he came up with:
Dark Green Horween with bronze stitching:
Dark Brown Shark with Bronze stitching:
What do you guys think? Any preference between the two? I think they are both nice, but I am not sure how much I would actually wear the green strap that doesn't much anything actually wear.
Maybe I just need to buy a little more green for the wardrobe. Anyway, you're comments are appreciated.