Disclaimer: The VSF 1279 presented here is closely related to the VSF 1096, for which I have already written a review . Case, bezel, and movement are the same. In this review, I will therefore focus on the differences and refer to the 1096 review for the similarities.
The 1279 is probably one of the most attractive models in the 2021 range. It combines a modern mix of materials with DLMS titanium and Carbotech and is very light, which suits the 42mm size well. At the same time, it has the extremely pretty blue sunburst dial, which Rep friends already know from some VSF models like the 1313. Unlike the 1096, the hurdles for VSF were not so great, since basic components such as the dial (albeit in a different size) and the movement were already available and VSF already had experience with the Carbotech cover and DLMS titanium cases.
1279 was presented at SIHH 2021 and with a size of 42mm is fully in line with the current marketing trend of Panerai, who want to serve the Asian market with smaller watches. And even as a die-hard fan of the brand, it has to be said that especially the light titanium models in 42mm are also very comfortable to wear for normal European wrists. The watch is limited to 500 pieces, so unfortunately there are very few pictures and reviews of this model on the web.
See the 1096 review. The 1279 has the same case, only the caseback is different. In my opinion, VSF has done a very good job with the caseback. It's made of titanium, correctly engraved and looks on point. Interestingly, the caseback is - for whatever reason - slightly more curved than on the 1096, which is why the 1279, at 14.6mm, is 0.1mm thicker than the 1096 and 0.3mm thicker than the Gen, which is not a problem. There is also a small deduction here because the CG is dirty.
See the 1096 review.
VSF did a very good job with the Hands. The date window looks very good and the DW is also well done.
The CG is not so good. In addition to the dirt (see above), the entire surface looks somewhat darker than on the case and the Gen, and the structure is not so well worked out. Otherwise, the CG, Crown and Crown-Lever are of solid VSF quality. You will certainly find small flaws "under the microscope", but for me at least, they don't matter.
VSF has experience with the blue sandwich dial with sunburst effect. In my opinion, the dial is perfect and also reproduces the colour variety of the Gen-Dial very well - ranging from a dark midnight blue to a light blue in the sunburst.
The watch comes with a rep-aligator strap that is far too stiff. So if you buy the 1279, you'll be forced to buy a better aftermarket strap. But isn't that the case with every Pam Rep?
Unlike the 1096, the 1279 is convincing all along the line. If you are looking for a light 42mm Luminor, you can buy it without hesitation.
It will have a permanent place in my collection and will certainly get a lot of wrist time.
The 1279 is probably one of the most attractive models in the 2021 range. It combines a modern mix of materials with DLMS titanium and Carbotech and is very light, which suits the 42mm size well. At the same time, it has the extremely pretty blue sunburst dial, which Rep friends already know from some VSF models like the 1313. Unlike the 1096, the hurdles for VSF were not so great, since basic components such as the dial (albeit in a different size) and the movement were already available and VSF already had experience with the Carbotech cover and DLMS titanium cases.
The Gen
1279 was presented at SIHH 2021 and with a size of 42mm is fully in line with the current marketing trend of Panerai, who want to serve the Asian market with smaller watches. And even as a die-hard fan of the brand, it has to be said that especially the light titanium models in 42mm are also very comfortable to wear for normal European wrists. The watch is limited to 500 pieces, so unfortunately there are very few pictures and reviews of this model on the web.
The Case
See the 1096 review. The 1279 has the same case, only the caseback is different. In my opinion, VSF has done a very good job with the caseback. It's made of titanium, correctly engraved and looks on point. Interestingly, the caseback is - for whatever reason - slightly more curved than on the 1096, which is why the 1279, at 14.6mm, is 0.1mm thicker than the 1096 and 0.3mm thicker than the Gen, which is not a problem. There is also a small deduction here because the CG is dirty.
9/10
Movement
See the 1096 review.
9/10
Hands, Date, CG
VSF did a very good job with the Hands. The date window looks very good and the DW is also well done.
The CG is not so good. In addition to the dirt (see above), the entire surface looks somewhat darker than on the case and the Gen, and the structure is not so well worked out. Otherwise, the CG, Crown and Crown-Lever are of solid VSF quality. You will certainly find small flaws "under the microscope", but for me at least, they don't matter.
9/10
Dial
VSF has experience with the blue sandwich dial with sunburst effect. In my opinion, the dial is perfect and also reproduces the colour variety of the Gen-Dial very well - ranging from a dark midnight blue to a light blue in the sunburst.
10/10
Strap
The watch comes with a rep-aligator strap that is far too stiff. So if you buy the 1279, you'll be forced to buy a better aftermarket strap. But isn't that the case with every Pam Rep?
2/10
Conclusion
Unlike the 1096, the 1279 is convincing all along the line. If you are looking for a light 42mm Luminor, you can buy it without hesitation.
It will have a permanent place in my collection and will certainly get a lot of wrist time.
