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THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE RWI THREAD-
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PLEASE DON'T REPLY OR DISCUSS ABOUT THIS THREAD HERE !!!!!!
TO REPLY OR DISCUSS PLEASE USE BELOW LINK !!!!!!
https://forum.replica-watch.info/thr...-guide.172649/
Due to the big size of this PAM REVIEW-GUIDE it is very HELPFUL
USING the CTRL+F Search function to find some topic you want.
"Reference PAM REVIEW-GUIDE"
Replica Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection
ADVICE: Before using this PAM Review-Guide, it is strongly recommended carefully reading Part II and the beginning of Part III (Introduction, Presentation and Organization of data), in order to well understand all terms and data included.
You will need to read it few minutes but will save a lot of time and get effectiveness in the future use of the Guide.
INDEX
Part I- PANERAI BRIEF HISTORY
- OFFICINE PANERAI TODAY
- ORIGIN OF PANERAI
- SUCCESS OF PANERAI
Part II- STAGES IN PANERAI PRODUCTION, CASE TYPES, MOVEMENTS AND ENGRAVING OF PANERAI WATCHES
1- STAGES IN PANERAI PRODUCTION
1.1- Vintage models
1.2- Pre-Vendôme models
1.3- Vendôme models - Pre-A models
2- PANERAI CASE TYPES AND SHAPES
2.1- Luminor Case
2.2- Luminor 1950 Case
2.3- Radiomir Case
3- PANERAI MOVEMENTS
4- CASEBACK ENGRAVED INFORMATION OF A PANERAI WATCH.
4.1- Engraving replicas
4.2- Engraving Pre-A watches
Part III- REVIEW-GUIDE of Panerai Replicas–Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection
5- REVIEW-GUIDE OF PANERAI REPLICAS
5.1- INTRODUCTION
5.2- PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION OF WATCHES DATA
5.3- GUIDE Section A - with REVIEW and additional information
Panerai Replica Review-Guide arranged in numerical order from PAM 000 to PAM 425
5.4- GUIDE Section B
Paneari Replica Guide arranged by PAM Types and Related watches
-Luminor Base
-Luminor Marina
-Luminor Marina Automatic 40mm
-Luminor Marina Automatic 44mm
-Luminor with Hunter lid
-Luminor Power Reserve
-Luminor GMT 44mm
-Luminor Chrono 40mm
-Luminor Chrono 44mm
-Luminor 1950 Manual wind
-Luminor 1950 Automatic
-Luminor 1950 GMT
-Luminor 1950 Chrono
-Luminor Submersible 44mm
-Luminor Submersible 1950 44mm
-Luminor Submersible 1950 47mm
-Radiomir Base 45mm
-Radiomir Black Seal 45mm
-Radiomir Base 47mm
-Radiomir Titanium 47mm
-Radiomir Power Reserve
-Radiomir Chrono 42mm
-Radiomir Chrono 45mm
-Radiomir 1940
-Radiomir Egiziano
-Radiomir Mare Nostrum
5.5- GUIDE Section C – PAM GUIDE EXCEL TABLE
6- OEM & AFTERMARKET STRAPS FOR PANERAI WATCHES
6.1- Wrist perimeter and strap dimensions
6.2- Links to Panerai OEM straps
6.3- Links to Panerai Aftermarket straps
- RWI Strap Trusted Dealers
- Recommended Strap Makers of this PAM REVIEW-GUIDE
- The Definitive Strap List (RWI Thread by jb)
- Spanish Strap Makers
- Other Strap Makers
6.4- How to change the strap in a Panerai watch
6.5- Watch-Strap Combo Gallery – Ideas, Clues
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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Part I- PANERAI BRIEF HISTORY
OFFICINE PANERAI TODAY
Officine Panerai Marketing e Communicazioni Srl, a wholly owned subsidiary of Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A., designs, manufactures, markets and sells watches under the Officine Panerai brand through authorized dealers and company-owned boutiques worldwide.
Richemont group owns the following watch brands: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Dunhill, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Lange, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Officine Panerai maintains its headquarters in Florence but manufactures watches inNeuchâtel, Switzerland using both movement manufactured in-house (“Manifattura”) movements and manufactured by other movement makers. See Section 3-PANERAI MOVEMENTS.
THE ORIGIN OF PANERAI
Giovanni Panerai (1825–1897) founded Officine Panerai in Florence, Italy in 1860. By 1900, under the leadership of the founder's grandson Guido Panerai (1873–1934), Officine Panerai had become an official supplier to the Regia Marina (the Royal Italian Navy), supplying watches and precision instruments.
Panerai watches of this time consisted of a cases designed and manufactured by Panerai and movement made by Swiss manufacturers including Rolex S.A.
The Florence-based watchmaker produced wrist worn diving instruments and about 300 watches, all for the Italian Marina Militare, between 1938 and 1993. Panerai watches played a role in assisting the frogmen of the Decima Flottiglia MAS in their operations during World War II.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKoNv0HqGPM&feature=player_embedded
In 1960 Panerai presented the patent of the typical Panerai Crown Lock system, a characteristic element in a Luminor Paneari watch.
http://www.paneristi.com/archives/patent/index.html
In 1993, the company ceased to provide watches to the Marina Militare, as they were neither cost-effective nor met the naval specifications. It then moved to launch its products to the civilian market.
The actor Sylvester Stallone spotted and bought a Panerai Luminor in a jewellers in Rome in 1995 to wear during shooting of the film Daylight. Stallone ordered a small batch of such watches with his signature on the case back, called Slytech, offering some as gifts to friends.
The brands rising popularity caught the attention of the Vendôme group (now Richemont), which acquired Officine Panerai in 1997. At auction and in the collectors market, some of these older models, particularly those produced in the 1940s and '50s have sold for high prices.
For more information visit the Official Panerai site web:
http://www.panerai.com/s_storia.xpd?mode=read_item&id_lingua=2&id_sezione =2&id_item=53&anno=1860
THE PANERAI SUCCESS
The distinctive look and limited production – Great collectability
The modern Panerai have hit the nail right on the head when it comes to creating a cult watch with great collectability.
The Panerai watches have very distinctive striking looks, they are produced in relatively small numbers, and every year there are unique editions of truly different watches, not simply a rehash of last year's model with a subtly different dial. For these limited or special editions Paneari produces fewer watches than the market demands. Retailers may only receive a few limited edition pieces each per year and there are long waiting lists for popular models.
The Lume
All Panerai watches due to their original application in military diving activities have very good “Lume”. This feature gives to the Panerai watches a very special attraction among the fans.
The Panerai Straps
Furthermore, you can change completely the look of your Panerai just changing the strap. Almost all Panerai models accept every type of strap and you can adapt the style of your watch to your taste or to all situations and environments.
There is a huge range and a lot of Strap types for Panerai watches in the market.
Panerai Watches are especially prepared for an easy change of the strap. You can literally change the watch in few minutes. See Section 6- OEM & AFTERMARKET STRAPS FOR PANERAI WATCHES
Panerai fans: The “Paneristi”
Panerai watches have many fans around the world that are known as “Paneristi”
Part II- STAGES IN PANERAI PRODUCTION, CASE TYPES AND ENGRAVING OF PANERAI WATCHES
1- STAGES IN PANERAI PRODUCTION
There are three main stages in the production of Panerai watches as follows:
1.1- VINTAGE MODELS
The Paneari Vintage watches are the models produced from 1936 to 1993.
Really, from 1956 to 1993, merely a few prototypes were made.
It is not the target of this Thread to deal with the complete Panerai history. Therefore we will send you to:
http://paneristi.com/reference/vintage.html
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com.es/2008/09/book-review-100-superlative-rolex_431.html
http://www.vintagepanerai.com/
1.2- PRE-VENDÔME MODELS
The Pre- Vendôme Panerai watches are the models made between the "rebirth" of Panerai in 1993 to the acquisition of the company by the Vendôme group (now Richemont) in 1997. These watches are very collectible and command an extremely high price on the secondary market.
The basic Pre-Vendôme range consisted of some 44mm hand-wind watches with the classic 44mm Luminor case, and some 42mm Mare Nostrum chronographs. The line also included limited edition Slytech watches, endorsed or commissioned (depending on who you believe) by the film star Sylvester Stallone. The Slytechs are distinguished by the signature of Mr Stallone engraved on the caseback, and some writing on the dial.
All the pre- Vendôme models came on straps with the large "bottle opener" or "fancy" buckle, although the Mare Nostrum buckles were smaller than the full-sized ones.
Most watches came in an oak box, with additional paperwork and straps, however the Slytechs came in a very large box with all manner of gadgets such as the miniature submarine model.
http://www.paneristi.com/archives/mns_review/index.html
The numbers given in the below link (from paneristi.com) for production volumes have been verified as much as possible, and may not necessarily agree with numbers on watch casebacks, rather they are based on actual productions achieved instead of planned productions
http://paneristi.com/reference/prevendome.html
More information in Official web Panerai.
http://www.panerai.com/s_arch_storia.xpd?id_lingua=2&id_sezione=2&id_cat_ archivio=64&mode=search
THE PANERAI PRE-VENDÔME MODELS
1.3- VENDÔME MODELS
The Vendôme Panerai watches are the models produced since the acquisition of Officine Panerai by the Vendôme group in 1997.
Panerai has four major lines of Vendôme watches: Historic, Contemporary, Specialties (or Manifattura) and Special Editions.
Most watches are produced in a limited run (normally of 500, 1000, 2000 or 4000 units) and carry an issue number on the case back. Panerai issues Special Editions every year. See Section 4- CASEBACK ENGRAVED INFORMATION OF A PANERAI WATCH.
These models are the Panerai watches which we will study in this Thread and they are the most numerous, known and popular Panerai watches for people in general.
The Pre-A models
Before the A and B-series (years 1998-1999), it is usually unknown that Officine Panerai issued three (some would say four) small series of watches PAM 001 (Luminor Marina), 002 (Luminor), 003 (white dial Luminor Marina), 004 (PVD Luminor Marina), 009 (PVD Luminor) and 010 (white dial Luminor) to test the market and generate media attention before real production was on its way. Most of these watches were destined to be primarily sold on the Italian, Swiss and German markets. Officine Panerai did so in 1997 and 1998. These, largely unknown, series are now called "Pre-A" series. Simply because they pre-date the 1998 A-series as we all know them.
See below in this thread:
Section 4- CASEBACK ENGRAVED INFORMATION OF A PANERAI WATCH. Paragraph 3) A single English character – Year designator Prefix of the watch.
Section 4.2- ENGRAVING THE Pre-A WATCHES)
There are very good (and correctly engraved !!) replicas of these watches from DSN.
2- PANERAI CASE TYPES AND SHAPES
Source: Paneraisource.com
2.1- LUMINOR Case
Probably the most popular of the case styles, the Panerai Luminor case is also the most contemporary looking of all the Panerai watches. With relatively speaking more straight edges the Luminor case style is found in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
The Luminor case has the Device Protecting the Crown (Crown Guard) which has become one of the most recognizable Panerai trademarks.
2.2- LUMINOR 1950 Case
The Luminor 1950 case style is similar to the standard Luminor from the front, but when viewed from the side and the back, the differences are apparent. The case side sweep back gracefully giving it a vintage look, but a little more contemporary looking than say a Radiomir.
The Luminor 1950 style case can also have a uniquely shaped crystal that is domed in an unusual way, very much like the old vintage acrylic Plexi crystals. Not all 1950's cases share this heavily domed crystal. Some feature a more gentle curve resembling the standard Luminor case. This case style also has the Device Protecting the Crown (Crown Guard).The models with the 1950's style case are available in two sizes: 44mm and 47mm.
The models in this case style also tend to be a bit more expensive as they are not available in base models or even minor complications.
In the below picture you can see the shape differences between the two above mentioned Paneari cases.
SHAPE DIFFERENCES- LUMINOR CASE VS. LUMINOR 1950 CASE
2.3- RADIOMIR Case
The Radiomir model has perhaps the richest history and comes in the most varieties of case sizes: 42mm, 43mm, 45mm, 46mm and 47mm. Most of the more obscure sizes were used only a handful of times in special editions. The case is rounded and curved with a very vintage look to it.
The Radiomir models do not have a Device Protecting the Crown like the Luminors do, and have "wire lugs" which connect the strap to the case quite differently than most watches nowadays do.
3- PANERAI MOVEMENTS
Officine Panerai have never made a secret of using third-party movements for their watches. Rather they emphasise the fact that they take proven, reliable stock movements, and then transform, or "Panerise" them with additional mechanical and cosmetic features. There are Panerai movements based in: Rolex, Angelus, ETA, Valjoux, Soprod, Zenith, Frédérique Piguet, JLC …
However, starting in 2006, Panerai created their own line of in-house “Manifattura” movements.
MOVEMENTS IN PANERAI WATCHES
The special decoration of the modified movements and the magnificent and complicated “Manifattura” movements are the big headache for the replica makers, mainly when the PAM to copy has a display caseback
PANERAI “MANIFATTURA” MOVEMENTS
For all information about the movements used in Panerai watches you can consult the three links as follows:
-PaneariSource: Descriptions and features of all movements indicating the watches fitted with them
http://www.paneraisource.com/panerai_movements.shtml
-Paneristi: Descriptions and features of Panerai movements until 2007
http://paneristi.com/reference/vendome/mvmt/index.html
-Panerai Official site: Descriptions and features of Panerai in-house “Manifattura” movements
http://www.panerai.com/s_page.xpd?id_lingua=2&id_sezione=37
PANERAI “MANIFATTURA” MOVEMENTS
4- CASEBACK ENGRAVED INFORMATION OF A PANERAI WATCH.
You can find below the interpretation of the characters and numbers engraved in the caseback of a Panerai watch
1) OP XXXX – Case No.
OP attached with a four-digit number represents the Case No. of this watch. Panerai models resemble each other in most cases with little differences. Meanwhile, differences in these figures mean that their cases are of different models. They differ from each other in external appearance and material as well as the internal structure. The case number on seemingly identical watches can occasionally change from year to year, presumably because of some microscopic change, or perhaps the case comes from a different manufacturer.
2) BB XXXXXXX or PB XXXXXXX – Serial number of the watch
This group of numbers is the serial number or reference of the watch, which is equivalent to the identity card number and increments with production. The newer the watch, the higher the number. For each different watch, this number will be different.
3) A single English character – Year designator Prefix of the watch
Panerai watches are dated by a letter that appears before the production number. The watch shown in the example above is an “K” production year, which is approximately 2008. The following are the approximate years of production that the letter indicates:
Without Prefix - Vintage: 1936-1956
Without Prefix - Pre-V: 1993-1997
Vendôme
Without Prefix - Pre-A: 1997-1998
A: 1998
B: 1999
C: 2000
D: 2001
E: 2002
F: 2003
G: 2004
H: 2005
I: 2006
J: 2007
K: 2008
L: 2009
M: 2010
N: 2011
O: 2012
P: 2013
From 1956 to 1993, merely a few prototypes were made.
4) XXXX/---- Numbers right behind the Year designator Prefix number – Production number of the watch.
This number represents the order number of the watch under the prefix in a particular given year. When the model is fixed, these numbers composed with the prefix constitute a unique and definite combination.
If the watch is from F series or later, this indicates the production number of this particular watch for a designated year. The above example is 823 of 1000, which means that 1000 units of this very specific model were produced in that year and this is number 823.
If the watch is from A to E series, then this indicates the production number of all dial and case variations of a particular watch. So if the example was 354 of 1000 for an E series Luminor Base, it would mean that all Luminors Base (White dial, Black dial, PVD, Brushed, Polished, etc) had a total production of 1000.
5) -----/XXXX The number after the slash – The annual total of this model
This number represents the total production number of this kind of watch under the prefix in a particular given year. This is a limited edition for Panerai now. Generally speaking, the smaller the number is, the more precious these watches will be, and thus the higher market price they are.
Linking into the following website, you may get some reference information about the productivity of Panerai each year.
http://www.paneristi.com/reference/sortable_database/millesimation.html
6) The fish symbol and XXXm – waterproof mark of the watch
The fish symbol and figure represent the waterproof capacity of this watch. It says 300 meters in the picture.
Contemporarily, waterproof standard of Panerai can be classified as following:
30 meters, 100 meters, 120 meters, 300 meters, 1,000 meters, 2,500 meters.
4.1- ENGRAVING REPLICAS
Concerning the production of replicas it is important bear in mind these systems of caseback engraving, because if the maker is not careful could engrave a wrong or impossible identification number, denouncing immediately we have a replica in our hands.
4.2- ENGRAVING THE Pre-A WATCHES
It is very interesting and a little complicated the numeration system followed for the Pre-A Panerai watches, but it has fixed rules interesting to know them. It is very important to know the engraving systems of the Pre-A watches in order to understand the careful job done, at this regard, by a maker-dealer like DSN.
DSN dealer is the only maker producing and engraving correctly the Pre-A series.
The Pre-a series of Panerai have three productions with different rules of engraving.
1000 units of PAM 001,002,003,004,009,010 were launched in the first series production of Pre-A series and with two different cases OP6500 and after that OP6502
a) Case OP6500 Pre-A first bach of the first series
They started with serial number BB97001.
It is fairly easy to identify a pre-A watch of the first series. For OP 6500 Pre-A's, the last four digits of the BB-number or serial number should equal the four digits of the production number. The relationship between serial number (BB) and production (0XXX/1000) is always consistent and logical. This last principle holds true for all Pre-A's.
For example, the oldest known of this series is a Pre-A PVD PAM 009 BB970007 – 0007/1000, fondly known as the Bond (007) Panerai. It is just the seventh Vendôme Panerai ever produced. Please note the 0007 of the serial number and the 0007 of the production number are the same.
Another example could be:
OP6500For
BB970499
0499/1000
In this case 0499 are the same in serial and production number.
In above picture you can see another gen Pre-A watch with OP6500 case. In this case are the serial and production number 0099.
b) Case OP6502 Pre-A watches of the second batch of the first series.
Between these two batches a) and b) of Luminor and Luminor Marina, 400 Mare Nostrum were produced. Then 400 serial numbers were reserved for these Mares.
In this case the last four digits of the BB serial number minus 400 (due to 400 Mare Nostrum), should equal the four digits of the production number
For example:
OP 6502
BB971294
0894/1000
Again, the relationship between serial number and production number is always consistent and logical.
In above picture you can see a Pre-A series replica from DSN with OP6502 case. In this case the production number is 0123 equal as serial number 0523 minus 400.
Again, the relationship between serial number and production number is always consistent and logical.
c) The Second Pre-A OP 6502 Series - Pre-A's with wrong Year Prefix "A".
Immediately after the 1000 Historical collection Luminors and Luminor Marinas, and well after the 400 numbers reserved for the Mare Nostrums, around serial number BB971400, a second series of Luminors and Luminor Marinas saw the light of day. Again, in total, 1000 OP 6502 PAM 001, 002, 003, 004, 009 and 010 were planned, but this time only about 300 watches were actually made.
The second series of a 1000 watches (or to be more specific 300) is known as the pre-A series WITH prefix "A". Is this contradictory? Not at all, see the above comments by Dirk Grandry. While these watches do have prefix "A", they definitely are pre-A models. They can easily be distinguished from regular A-series models by their serial number. Again, there is a consistent logic between the BB- serial number and the production number.
For all Luminor Marinas within this batch (PAM 001, 003 and 004) it is even easier to tell. The production number format for Pre-A here is A0XXX/1000, where for A-series Luminor Marinas the format should read AXXXX/1500. This is the reason why it is possible to have a PAM 001 Luminor Marina with an A-prefixed millesimation of a 1000 pieces. In the regular A-series ONLY Luminors (bases) have a millesimation limited to 1000, while of the Luminor Marina A-series, 1500 were made. Likewise, an "A" prefixed Luminor with a matriculation number higher than 300 cannot be a Pre-A watch.
For Pre-A OP 6502 watches with prefix "A", the last four digits of the BB-serial number minus 1400, should equal the four digits of the production number.
OP 6502
BB971621
A0221/1000.
Where 221=1621-1400
In above picture you can see a gen Pre-A series with OP6502 case and with prefix “A”. In this case the production number is 0018 equal as serial number 1418 minus 1400. Again, the relationship between serial number and production number is always consistent and logical.
It is important to say that, as far as I know, the Pre-A replicas DSN meet all requirements concerning engraving rules of Pre-A models.
Part III- REVIEW-GUIDE of Panerai Replicas–Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection
5- REVIEW-GUIDE OF PANERAI REPLICAS
5.1-INTRODUCTION
This PAM REVIEW-GUIDE has been performed in order to be used as a GUIDE, both beginners and experts, to achieve several objectives as follows:
- Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection of a Panerai replica model meeting the specifications, features, colours, quality, materials or finishes that buyer is trying to find.
- Knowing the features and interesting data of the gens and replicas of a particular PAM model
- Knowing the general quality and Evaluation of a replica in comparison with the gen watch
- Making comparisons of features between several models of PAM replicas
Models on which this PAM REVIEW –GUIDE is focused
We only have studied and you will find just Panerai Replica data, whenever they have a minimum level of quality and models in question are not a "fantasy". The PAM REVIEW-GUIDE specializes in VENDÔME models after the acquisition of Panerai in 1997 by Vendôme Group (now Richemont).
This study is a REVIEW-GUIDE of Panerai REPLICA watches. It is NOT a GUIDE of Panerai ORIGINAL GEN watches.
If you want a Panerai Gen models GUIDE, we can consult:
Official Web Panerai:
http://www.panerai.com
PaneraiSource
http://www.paneraisource.com
Paneristi:
http://paneristi.com
However, in the study of each PAM replica we are indicating the links to models and gen websites. So, we can make appropriate comparisons and to know interesting data about each particular gen model
5.2- PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION OF WATCHES DATA – USING THE GUIDES
5.2.1- Two groups of information for each model
We will use two groups of information to show and organize the data and main features of each Pam model.
You can see below the Review-Guide information concerning the PAM 177:
EVALUATION: (**) SUPER REP (M&N-series H maker)
EVALUATION: (**) SUPER REP (M-series Noob)
EVALUATION: (**) SUPER REP (N & P-series Noob) best option after P-series improved V4
EVALUATION: (**) SUPER REP (P-series Noob improved V4) best option from January 2015 if you get it
The PAM 177 is the same as PAM 176 but with seconds@9.
The PAM 177 is like a version full Brushed Titanium of a PAM 111
From 1997 to 2001 the Luminor Marina used the OP II movement, but in 2002 (E series) the entire "Historic" line was upgraded to use the new movement, and the Marina now contains the OP XI movement. 2002 onwards models all incorporate sapphire crystal backs, whereas the earlier models all had solid backs.
For the H series, the Luminor Marina and Base received a significant overhaul, in that the decoration on the bridges changed from the stamped Panerai to a Côtes de Geneve engraving.
Threfore the gen PAM 177 released in 2004 G-series has OP XI movement and Display caseback.
Both PAM 176-177 with the PAM 306 (Low grade replica) are the only PAM Luminor made of Titanium and with Sandwich dial.
Talking about Titanium gen Panerais, the PAM 177 (like the PAM 176) doesn’t have the charism, the part of legitimity and History that the PAM 036 and 040 have. But concerning replicas, the PAM 176 and 177 are the simplest and the best Titanium PAM replicas at this moment. Reps M-series from H maker are Super reps.
July 2012 -there is a M-series version from Noob evaluated as a Super rep. too
Mars 2013 -there is a version N-series from Noob, seemingly with all improvements of last versions from this maker (models like Pam 111 V3), evaluated as a Super rep.
A good candidate for a first Panerai replica, but be careful because Titanium gets easily scratched.
Nice review with complete and nice pictorial of a PAM 176 which is almost the same as PAM 177 (but without seconds @9 subdial) here:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=181725 by kilowattore
July 2014- Noob releases a rep PAM 177 P-series. No improvements announced and by the pics actually there are not modifications, just the engravings on caseback and the Pre-V type hands appropriate for P-series.
No evaluation changes: Super rep.
Many delaers have not changed their catalogues and are still indicating N-series, but you can receive N or P-series (M-series is most likely sold out) depending on the stock of your dealer and the production date of your watch.
2015 NOTE- Since Noob introduced in January 2015 a PAM 176 P-series with some improvements, we could expect (from January 2015) the same with Noob PAM 177 P-series, but neither PAM 176 nor PAM 177 improvements were officially announced by Noob or dealers. Therefore they are not obligated to give those improvements.
Anyway is interesting to know that we could receive an impoved PAM 177 P-series with a bit of luck.
No changes in evaluation but this improved P-series would be clearly the best option available in January 2015.
WARNING REMARKS: From December 2014, Noob, H maker and KW-V6Fac introduced new casesets for Luminor Bettarini 44mm. With improved lug shape, better lug contours, better overall finish, better and nicer CGs. Noob corrected the bevelled of crystals and introduced “slim” Crowns. The main problem is that makers still have “old” parts and are mixing those “old” parts with “new” parts in the current productions.
You should be careful with QC pics in order to know what you are actually receiving.
A good candidate for a first Panerai replica, but be careful because Titanium gets easily scratched.
REPLICA links:
(**)http://www.puretime.watch/product/pam177-n-noob-best-edition-on-black-oem-rubber-strap/ Noob N-P
(**)http://www.puretime.watch/product/pam177-n-noob-best-edition-on-black-croco-leather-strap/ Noob N-P
(**)http://www.puretime.watch/product/pam177-n-noob-best-edition-on-brown-asso-leather-strap/ Noob N-P
(**)http://www.tswatchltd.com/12518-xfpn177-pam177-n-noobfactory-ti-ru-2012-ultimate-best-1-1-asian-6497.html Noob N-P
(**)http://www.tswatchltd.com/12517-xfpn177-pam177-n-noobfactory-ti-lt-2012-ultimate-best-1-1-asian-6497.html Noob N-P
(**)http://www.tswatchltd.com/12521-xfpn177-pam177-n-noobfactory-ti-lt-2012-ultimate-best-1-1-asian-6497.html Noob N-P
(**)http://www.tswatchltd.com/12403-pa7570b-pam177-n-h-factory-black-dial-ti-lt-1-1-asian-6497.html Hmaker N
(**)http://www.tswatchltd.com/12370-pa7220b-pam111-m-h-factory-black-dial-ti-lt-1-1-asian-6497.html Hmaker M
(**)http://www.2015asian.com/cn/product_show.asp?big_pid=&ps_id=&P_id=2952 Noob N
(**)http://www.2015asian.com/product_show.asp?P_id=3199 Noob P-series
(**)http://www.2015asian.com/product_show.asp?P_id=2952 Hmaker N
(**)http://www.torobravo2015.com/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=pam+177&product_id=566 Noob P (**)http://www.intime.co/product.php?id_product=111 Noob N-P
(**)http://www.ttw8488.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_49&produ cts_id=8701 Hmaker N
(**)http://www.pf-818.com/pn177n02a-tileblk-p-12133.html Hmaker N
GEN links:
http://www.paneraisource.com/watch_details/Historic_9.html
http://www.paneristi.com/reference/vendome/marina.html
http://www.panerai.com/s_page.xpd?id_lingua=2&id_sezione=16&id_prodotto=3 068&id_categoria=34
As you can see above there are two groups of information for the watch:
- A Data Table (light green frame)
- Review & Interesting Additional Information (below the Data Table)
Data Table for each model contains:
- PAM No. gen identification
- Series Type and Model name of the gen PAM
- 5 photographs showing different positions and details of the replica
- Characteristics and colour of the dial, texture and lume application type
- Finishes and materials of the bezel and case
- Caseback Type: Solid or Display
- Movement of the replica
- Dimensions of the replica: diameter x thickness in mm
- Width between lugs in mm
- Observations of interest
Review & Additional information for each model contains:
- EVALUATION of the replica and some comparisons
- Interesting Auxiliary information about the replica and gen of each PAM model and related watches.
- Links of the most interesting replicas of the PAM model.
- Links to the original websites of gen PAM model which the replica we are studying.
EVALUATION OF REPLICAS
Concerning evaluation of repicas we have made a classification in three levels:
SUPER REPS – reps very close to the gen in materials, external look (even in side by side comparison), and reliable
FIRST CLASS REPS- reps very close to the gen and reliable, but with some difference in materials, functions… or little differences in external look or colours only remarkable in side by side comparisons.
BAD-LOW GRADE REPS- reps with evident differences with the gen, different materials, functions, colours, very different movement with a display caseback. In general all replicas which have not any good version and are not at all recommendable to buy them.
I will consider the rest of non classified replicas as GOOD OR MEDIUM GRADE REPS
Therefore, all the reps without classification are good o medium grade rep, but usually we will recommend other replicas to buy when we are considering such a type of replicas.
As you can see this "Evaluation system" is not very strict and there is not a fix rule and less an exact DEFINITION.
Please TAKE the EVALUATIONS as a SIMPLE GUIDE to know something about the quality of a replica.
With the complete information of each PAM model, we have created a Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection REVIEW-GUIDE of PAM replicas that consists of THREE SECTIONS in which the data is arranged in three different ways.
Section A-Data Tables arranged in numerical order of PAM No.
This arrangement allows you to find the Data Table of a Paneari replica model immediately, knowing its reference PAM No., because they are placed from lowest to highest PAM No.
Section B-The same Data Tables but arranged by Type Series Panerai (Luminor Base, Luminor Marina, GMT, Submersible, etc ...) and within each series ordered by similar or related models, in order to easier select the best model which fits to our needs.
Section C- Data arranged in an Excel Table.
This arrangement will allow you using the Excel functions and the Excel software abilities for Search, Identification and Selection purposes.
5.2.2-Using the Guides
As we have already commented previously, these three Sections of the Guide will allow us the Search, Identification, Evaluation and Selection of a specific PAM rep or a model which meets the features we wish.
Using the Section A of the Guide, we will be able to know that a PAM 228 is a Luminor GMT, model Firenze, with Blue dial, type “sausage” lume application, brushed SS case, polished SS bezel, solid caseback, dimensions 44x16,5mm, lug 24mm. We can see also in the Guide that PAM 228 is the same as PAM 297 but with blue dial and rubber strap instead of SS bracelet. Moreover we will have several links to know perfectly the history and features of the gen Pam 228 and the most known and interesting reps in the market for this model.
In the same way in case we are looking for a PAM replica which has:
- Black Sandwich dial type
- Brushed Luminor 1950 case
- Polished bezel
- Automatic movement
Using the Guide Section B or better the Excel Table Section C, searching for replicas with Luminor 1950 case, we find five models which meet these requirements:
- PAM 328 made of SS, SS bracelet
- PAM 312 made of SS, leather strap
- PAM 320 made of SS, GMT, leather strap
- PAM 329 made of SS, GMT, SS bracelet
- PAM 233 made of SS, GMT, Power Reserve indicator
Now, within these five models which meet the starting requirements we will make the final selection, following our personal taste or feeling.
If we don’t want GMT function we will go to PAM 328 or 312 depending on our preferences about leather strap or SS bracelet.
If we like the GMT models, will choose either PAM 320 or 329 depending on the strap we want: leather or SS bracelet.
If we prefer a more complicated watch or dial with GMT function and Power Reserve indicator we will choose the PAM 233.
And in this way we will arrive to the best choice that meets our requirements.
GLOSSARY
Automatic (movement)- Movement which has a mechanical device to be winded automatically
Bracelet-Metallic strap for watches usually made of links
Brushed- Finish obtained by brushing a surface by abrasive particles in the same direction
Carbon fiber dial- Dial with appearance (or texture) or made of Carbon fiber.
Clou de Paris- It is a type of texture engraved in the surface of a Panerai dial
Composite- Panerai Composite is a material that is the result of an electrochemical process of Ceramization of Aluminium. This material is harder than SS and Titanium and it is even up to 40% harder than ceramic. Its weight is much lighter too.
Cyclops- Lens placed either in the crystal or in the dial to magnify the font of the date in order to make easier its reading.
Date adjustment @10- Device to change the date by a pusher @10 instead of the crown. No functional in 7750 movements only operative for 7753 movements.
Diver markers- Engraving in bezel or dial used to measure the time of immersions in diving
DLC coating- DLC or Diamond-Like Carbon coating is the highest quality in coating, the most durable and hardest to scratch. The coating is done with the bonding of high energy percursive carbon rapidly cooled down on the surface. DLC coatings are made by the PVD process and it is actually a high grade of PVD coatings. See PVD coating.
Display caseback- See-through caseback, it allows to see the movement
Dome crystal- Dome shaped crystal. Sometimes the Panerai domed crystal is made of Plexiglass.
DSN- Reduced name of Davidsen maker-dealer of famous, accurate and carefully engraved Panerai replicas of several stages of Panerai production.
Helium valve- A Helium release valve, or Helium escape valve, as it is also called, is a feature found on some diving watches. It provides functionality for professional divers operating at great depths for prolonged periods of time or under saturation.
Hobnail- It is a type of texture engraved in the surface of a Panerai dial
Flat dial- Dial with non textured or engraved surface
Lume- It is the system used for timepieces to be read in the dark, a luminescent material is laid on the dial indexes and hands.
Luminova- Modern luminescent material currently used for the lume in the Panerai watches
Manual (movement)- Movement which needs to be winded manually
NSEW (bezel)- Engraving in bezel, meaning North-South-East-West, used to determine the cardinal points
Patina Lume- Sometimes the luminescent material of a lume achieve an aged colour (patina) by the passage of time. You can use an aged lume colour (patina lume) to simulate the patina of an old dial.
Polished- Finish similar to a mirror
PVD coating- Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is the method used to deposit thin layers of material by condensation of vapor in a high temperature and vacuum environment. Better by far than a Painting treatment. See DLC coating.
Sandblasted- Finish obtained (or similar to obtained) by applying a jet of abrasive sand under pressure (sandblasted) over a surface. The finish is similar to a matt ceramic.
Sandwich (dial)- Sandwich dials are where numbers and minute markers are cut out of the metal plate which forms the visible dial (behind the crystal). Behind this is a second metal plate with recessed areas where a thick luminous paste is applied, the areas corresponding to the cut-outs in the first metal plate, thus “sandwiching” the luminous material between the two metal plates.
Sausage (dial)- It is a dial with just one layer where the luminescent material is applied directly over the dial markers (usually embossed) and the final appearance is like a “sausage”. By extension we have called Sausage all non Sandwich dials
Solid caseback- Caseback opaque or non see-through, this type of caseback doesn’t allow to see the movement
SS- Stainless Steel
Tachymeter- Engraving in bezel or dial used to speed measurementsd.
Tritium (lume-dial)- It is the name used to nominate the dials which have a Luminescent material based in Tritium. Used by Panerai from 1946.
Tuxedo- It is a type of texture (parallel lines like) engraved in the surface of a Panerai dial (PAM 029)
Woven- It is a type of texture engraved in the surface of a Panerai dial
REVIEW - GUIDES
See below (next posts)
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