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The 203 is my favorite gen Panerai model. For those that may not be familiar, there is a fantastic article on Perezscope that details the history of this very special Panerai model:
https://perezcope.com/2016/11/04/the...t-the-pam-203/
I've been searching for a proper non-alarm, crown winding Angelus SF240 movement in nice condition for ages and have come to terms with the fact that I might never find a suitable one for a correct 203 homage build. I'll keep searching.... I do know that conversion plates are available (with some risk) for alarm SF240's, though my preference would be to have the real deal.
This build came about through some good fortune and even better timing.
The XF 127 that I had purchased some time ago was getting quite a lot of wrist time after I had sent it for a service, lug softening and firming up of the CG lever. As my appreciation of the PAM127 grew I started doing more research thanks to ALE7575 and his amazing review sticky to understand the details of the 127 models from the different factories. From this I had made my mind up that the late Noob factory versions were the best overall (although the XF dial has more accurate printing), though unfortunately were long out of stock and difficult to find via M2M sales.
During this time I had also become familiar with Marlin's work and modifications to further improve the rep 127. After hunting unsuccessfully for a Noob I decided that I'd like to send the XF to Marlin for his full suite of modifications, though he informed me that he had a very unfortunate accident and was not able to accept any new projects for several months. I remained in contact with him periodically and thankfully for him he had recovered to the point where he could begin working his magic again late last year, so I sent him the XF and one of my 111's as a sacrificial lamb for him to use it's proper shaped 'dagger' on the 127.
Of course, not long after I had sent Marlin the XF, I managed to trade for a late Noob 127 in absolutely perfect condition... So I sent the Noob and Marlin agreed to take the best parts from both watches and create the nicest possible 'hybrid' 127.
Then of course a franken 127 came up for sale with gen dial, hands and crown.... How could I resist!? I had it shipped directly to Marlin who had thankfully not reached a point in his process where he couldn't incorporate the gen parts into the 127 build.
So, the next idea I had was to ask the incredible craftsman Belkin12 to produce a 203 homage dial for me that would fit the A6497 movement. As always he created a stunning piece. I should at this point say that my thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and entire country as they are forced to live through these hellish times in Ukraine. We can only hope that the international sanctions being imposed against the aggressor are effective and a cease fire is negotiated quickly.
Marlin is putting the final touches to the 203 build before turning his attention to finishing the franken 127. The 203 build utilized the XF case and movement, has a WSO xtal installed and several of Marlin's mods including Swiss hybrid movement parts and brush / polish work to the case, hands and movement.
Here are a few pictures - I'll add more once I receive the watch next week.
https://perezcope.com/2016/11/04/the...t-the-pam-203/
I've been searching for a proper non-alarm, crown winding Angelus SF240 movement in nice condition for ages and have come to terms with the fact that I might never find a suitable one for a correct 203 homage build. I'll keep searching.... I do know that conversion plates are available (with some risk) for alarm SF240's, though my preference would be to have the real deal.
This build came about through some good fortune and even better timing.
The XF 127 that I had purchased some time ago was getting quite a lot of wrist time after I had sent it for a service, lug softening and firming up of the CG lever. As my appreciation of the PAM127 grew I started doing more research thanks to ALE7575 and his amazing review sticky to understand the details of the 127 models from the different factories. From this I had made my mind up that the late Noob factory versions were the best overall (although the XF dial has more accurate printing), though unfortunately were long out of stock and difficult to find via M2M sales.
During this time I had also become familiar with Marlin's work and modifications to further improve the rep 127. After hunting unsuccessfully for a Noob I decided that I'd like to send the XF to Marlin for his full suite of modifications, though he informed me that he had a very unfortunate accident and was not able to accept any new projects for several months. I remained in contact with him periodically and thankfully for him he had recovered to the point where he could begin working his magic again late last year, so I sent him the XF and one of my 111's as a sacrificial lamb for him to use it's proper shaped 'dagger' on the 127.
Of course, not long after I had sent Marlin the XF, I managed to trade for a late Noob 127 in absolutely perfect condition... So I sent the Noob and Marlin agreed to take the best parts from both watches and create the nicest possible 'hybrid' 127.
Then of course a franken 127 came up for sale with gen dial, hands and crown.... How could I resist!? I had it shipped directly to Marlin who had thankfully not reached a point in his process where he couldn't incorporate the gen parts into the 127 build.
So, the next idea I had was to ask the incredible craftsman Belkin12 to produce a 203 homage dial for me that would fit the A6497 movement. As always he created a stunning piece. I should at this point say that my thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and entire country as they are forced to live through these hellish times in Ukraine. We can only hope that the international sanctions being imposed against the aggressor are effective and a cease fire is negotiated quickly.
Marlin is putting the final touches to the 203 build before turning his attention to finishing the franken 127. The 203 build utilized the XF case and movement, has a WSO xtal installed and several of Marlin's mods including Swiss hybrid movement parts and brush / polish work to the case, hands and movement.
Here are a few pictures - I'll add more once I receive the watch next week.
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