if you could pull off one of the new 44mm 1950 style cases and also the p.9000
movement, you could rep a TON of watches with it. and you could even possibly
then brown pvd it and use that as a rep of the new composite cases.
here's my thought:
the old pams, like the 005 we'll say are the easiest. closed caseback, simple ss case,
easy dial, no rollerball, etc. but the interest in these older models is limited in my
thoughts.
we're not really talking about rep forum enthusiasts here, we're talking about total
popularity and a rather large business move to make. forum geeks are but a small
percentage of what makes up the customer base of these factories.
the smartest move, in my opinion, is to focus on the new watches. yes, they
present their own challenges, but not impossible to overcome. you think you can
make a 1:1 Panerai? then test it on the new ones. the ones that are automatic,
with a date window, no cyclops, powered by the p.9000 movement and in 44mm
1950s cases (mini fiddy cases).
there are a ton of new models in those cases and making them all would just entail
different dials or small adjustments here or there to make a new model. if we're talking
about setting up new tooling, do it for more than just an old 005 or whatever, do
it for an entire new range of current, popular, hot on the market pams. 312, 351, 328,
and on and on and on. and make a brown case and do 368 etc. the only
hurdle you have after the case and such is the movement of course.
these are simple watches. so the very popular, and very available a7750 seems to
be the logical choice. could even go with the a7753. these can be made to look like
a p.9000 movement. not 1:1 of course, but enough so to satisfy the masses. the
rep factories are kind of lucky. why?
well the p.9000 has no pearlage to match, no cotes de Geneve to make or match, there
is no fancy finishing work on the gen p.9000 movement. they'd have to make a
cover plate to sit directly under the rotor and have it cover all but the balance, like
the p.9000 does. this is just brushed ss. same as the rotor, just a one piece brushed
ss rotor. the anglage is polished, that's the beveling on the edges. but other than
that it's simple. they do not need to engrave the rotor, or the cover plate. printing
on them will be acceptable if done in correct color, font, size, etc. this can be done.
and it can be done very cheaply.
and if it is done, the market is huge. 305, 312, 328, 351, 322, 359, 386, seven
models with the p.9000 who's cases can be made with the same tooling setup.
in any event, I'm happy to see many dealers asking about this and at least one
factory, the noobfactory, stepping it up for us with honest efforts, superlume from
the factory (which is HUGE), awesome cases and cg's, individual serial numbers, etc.
so I'd just like to say thank you. from a big panerai fan here's a thanks to the factories
for taking this thing in the direction it's going, it's gonna be a great ride!
