Reply With QuoteThat is flipping gorgeous, great photos and write up too 8)
The Panerai PAM249 is a Special Edition Radiomir from 2006, 1936 units of this Special Edition watch were produced. The number of units of course references the year (1936) in which the original model 3646 was produced. The striking "art deco" like California dial shows an unusual combination of Roman and Arabic numerals.
It the most photo shy watch out there and no picture will ever do it the justice that seeing it in the flesh and attaching it to your wrist does. Quote, “When I opened the lid at work it was literally breathtaking” & “The only watch to ever have that effect on initial opening” The best analogy I can give is that sometimes you listen to a song and love it straight away, its easy to hum along to or pick up the lyrics, other songs get played and played and then you suddenly realize it’s a great tune. The first type that hits you instantly can fade and become quite irritating the slow and steady one that crept up on you will be a tune for life……That’s The 249!
The PAM249 has a crystal caseback, unlike the vintage 3646 which has a solid caseback. The crystal case back allows you to see the nicely finished movement in action. The 249 uses the hand-wound mechanical Panerai OP X calibre. The cushion shaped Radiomir case has a diameter of 47mm and it is made out of high grade stainless steel. The blued steel hands have a lot more impact in the flesh and look amazing on the aged dial. A domed plexi like the original which has excellent transparency combined with great resistance to atmospheric agents and acids, the dial maintains the air of mystery of its famous predecessor; it carries no inscription, being anonymous as was the custom with products being tested by the special services. This avoided the risk of the manufacturer being identified and thus becoming vulnerable to possible actions of sabotage or spying if a watch should fall into enemy hands during wartime missions. There is also a second plexi supplied in case it gets damaged. Plexi is of course not as scratch resistant as a crystal but Panerai decided to use a plexi to stay close to the design of the original watch and it does look great.
Case:
In three parts, diameter 47 mm, in steel with polished finish, with removable wire link strap attachments fixed to the case by small screws (Officine Panerai patent). Personalised screw-down winding crown. Plexiglas® crystal 2 mm thick Back:Steel, screw, with sapphire crystal window Water-resistance:To 30 metres
Movement:
Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai calibre OP X, 16 lignes, 17 jewels, 21,600 vibrations/hour, Glucydur®, balance, Nivarox® I balance spring, Incabloc® anti-shock device, “swan neck” regulation of the active length of the balance spring. Power reserve of 56 hours, Côtes de Genève decoration, blued screws
Dial:
Black with luminous triangular index, baton hour markers, Roman and Arabic numerals Strap:In natural hand-sewn leather, the inner part made of hypoallergenic material, personalised steel buckle sewn to the strap
An absolute legend for enthusiasts of Officine Panerai is back again. After 70 years, the model created in 1936 for the 1st Submersible Group has become one of the most fascinating and historically influential of the current Panerai collection. It is a watch which celebrates the birth of wristwatch manufacture under the Panerai name, faithfully recapturing the aesthetic lines of the prototype developed in response to the request made by the Royal Italian Navy in September 1935 for a luminous underwater watch for divers.
It was a turning point for Officine Panerai, which had specialised for many years in the manufacture of an impressive series of instruments with outstanding technical content, covered by the provisions of military secrecy: as well as mechanical calculators for launching torpedoes and self-luminous devices for night gunnery, Officine Panerai made underwater compasses and mechanical depth gauges. These were instruments which had to be of the very highest quality, in that they had to provide maximum reliability and accuracy during missions. The same constructional principles were applied to the watches. The prototype of March 1936 was followed by ten further examples, used in various exercises to test the effectiveness of its water-resistance and the perfect legibility of its time indication under all conditions of use. The most prominent of the innovations introduced by this 1936 model, which brilliantly passed all the tests it underwent, was the use of Radiomir, a special luminous paint consisting of zinc sulphide, radium bromide (the source of the name ‘Radiomir’) and mesothorium. The distinctive feature of the case, cushion-shaped in keeping with the style in vogue in the 1930s, is its large size, the diameter being 47 mm, while the black dial displayed an interesting combination of baton hour markers and Arabic and Roman numerals.
This is one of the most interesting in the range, the only one to carry a ‘Cali’ dial which some people don’t get, but you have to stick with it, look at the balance, ask yourself why it is like it is, appreciate the aged lume and when the penny drops it becomes a wonder. Half the joy of owning one is knowing that you ‘get it’ and so many people don’t! Its an Odd Ball, a weird kid, not like any other, but often those people who we judge so quickly turn out to be true legends! At 47mm it should be big and indeed it is big enough to be noticed but appears smaller than the 232 or on a par with a 45mm Rad as the dial & dome channel the eyes inward.
You see it’s the subtleness of it, the fact that it bears no highly visible marking, the words ‘Panerai’ & ‘Opus Facere’ neatly engraved and tucked away at the lug ends. It doesn’t scream look at my like so many high value watches. If you could have a stereotypically owner of a 249 they would be quietly confident, not need to wear ‘the labels on the outside’ and possess an inner warmth and comfort with the product strapped to ones wrist. I know what I have, I dare to be different, I am but one of 1936 other wearers maximum.
It was released the same year as the 232 and with two outstanding models released at the same time it was slightly over shadowed with many distracted by the 232. Had it been released at any other time it might not have got under the radar. When you see them in pictures they look ‘OK’ you think but you will never forget meeting one in the flesh nor will you miss one at a fleeting glance. Whilst they have grown in value and been steady this last 18 months (largely due to a worldwide recession) this is a piece that will only take one direction. Onwards & Upwards, quite ironic as it was designed to go down!!!!!!!!!
If you have never met one its time to go dating!!!
RIAC
That is flipping gorgeous, great photos and write up too 8)
"I looked with pity not untinged with scorn upon these trivial-minded passers-by"
This is quite simply STUNNING!
Who said Panerai can't do understated?
Thanks a lot for the really nice photos and the write up....
Alex
Thanks Kerry 8)
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Enjoyed your comments on a beautiful watch. Thank you.
David
Cheers, If you cant be bothered to read or just cant read then this guy does a nice simple video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrslUpj_pek
RIAC
Thanks for posting the pics and the the write-up, Kerry. It's a shame you didn't have this on Tuesday too - that would have confused me evenb more LOL
Beautiful pics m8, it is one of the nicest watches out there in my opinion, enjoy !!
Cheers, Had a few minutes to snap her in a better light today
RIAC
great review and pics!
though personally, i felt that the 249 overshadowed the 232...
Chye
Nice. Any difference on the wrist for the 2 models?
Enjoyed reading your photo-essay, thank you for sharing! :)
I was slightly disappointed with my Pam 232 when it arrived. The four screws securing the case back looked "wrong", the engraved case back was too "busy", the gold hands on the tobacco dial appeared too "bling", and the sapphire crystal looked cold and harsh.
The Pam 249 is a complete contrast. I feel Panerai created the perfect hommage to the original California dial ref. 3646 which they failed to achieve in the Pam 232. The dial is accurately recreated (excepting the L Swiss Made L at the bottom - unnecessary!), the blued steel hands are perfect, the curve plexi crystal is just right, and the glass back is a pleasing touch. I just can't get enough of the 249, and really like seeing photographs of different strap combos. Hell, one day I might even put mine on my wrist..!
8)
Mike just to clear it up, the four screws dont secure the caseback they are the lug retaining screws for strap change. Personally the back of a 232 is simple and historic enough and to compare the 232 to the 249 is like comparing apples to bananas! The 232 is far from bling, its an absolute classic and one of the best in the range.Originally Posted by Mike Wood
Each to his own, but these both the 232 & 249 I find quite exceptional in the line up and the knowledge that its SE & Ltd. Worth noting that I equally admire Breguet XXI Rose Golds & Muller Conquistador Cortez Kings as well as PO's & Various Rolex Sports plus many of the watches we see displayed here.
But personally I would get that 249 on! No point looking at it and if youre safe keeping it to realise the cash from it then it will make all of about £500 difference if its BNIB or Worn!! Well worth the hit for the pleasure of truly living with the metal!
Good to here we have a growing army of 249 fans
RIAC
Califorina style dials are very cool, I like that one.
One of the best things about being a member on this site is having your eyes opened to new marques and models.
Over the last few days a small number of Panerai posts have certainly done this for me. I naively had this brand marked down as a being bit fey and dare I say "designerish"......How wrong was I
This is as beautiful, clean and simple watch as you could wish to see. Magnificent...I'm hooked!!!
Superb review and excellent photos. You have a enviable collection. What camera and lens combo do you use?
Mostly a Canon G9 as its easy, but occasionally a D300 With Nikon 17-55mm 2.8f Glass on
RIAC
I have had a D60 for a couple of years and feeling the urge to upgrade to a D300..Mostly a Canon G9 as its easy, but occasionally a D300 With Nikon 17-55mm 2.8f Glass on
More than happy to stand corrected! I certainly didn't go hacking at the back of the watch with screwdrivers, anyway!!Mike just to clear it up, the four screws dont secure the caseback they are the lug retaining screws for strap change. Personally the back of a 232 is simple and historic enough and to compare the 232 to the 249 is like comparing apples to bananas! The 232 is far from bling, its an absolute classic and one of the best in the range.
My disappointment with the 232 may be personal, but the 249 did happily more than fulfil my expectations.
But hey-ho, I got the real McCoy in both versions, so I ain't grumbling, no sirree!!
:blackeye:
Nice Cali and nice write up - the dial and hand, etc are the main talking points but its little touches like the engraving on the case and art deco font used on the case back that set this apart from other 'standard' Panerai.
Lucky bloke Kerry, awesome pictures as always too. Think it would be hard to choose, so just have them both :lol: , stunning.
Cheers Andy, Just doing more research into the resurrection of 'Eilean' a fife vessel built in 1936 (like the cali dial origins)
Great read and pictorial on the net, Bonati* saw the boat, when he was visiting Antigua and fell in love immediately. And he didin't even know that the vessel shared the same birth year as the first Radiomir – what a coincidence! Eilean had not been sailing for over twenty years at that time and hence in a poor state. The mast was eaten by termites, instruments not functioning etc etc. All steel has been replaced as well as 20 percent wood parts are brand new.
Just a great story, the nicest thing is that Bonati has made 4 Panerai intruments for the vessel but is addamant that no watch will be produced to salute her as he doesnt want to 'sell her out'
*Bonati is The President Of Panerai
RIAC
I bought the 232 over the 249 because I was concerned that the plexiglass crystal would scratch too easily.
Nothing a bit of toothpaste wont sort out or at worst use the spare one in the box!!!
RIAC
Great story Kerry just had a little read on the web very cool
Great write up and excellent pictures - I never knew that the crystal varied between the watches, which I most admitted surprised me as both versions of the 3436 had the same plexy. My only issues with it are cost (at £7.5K way to expensive for my budget) the motor - which is the same as the standard one used in the base luminor (available for around the 2K mark), the fact that the lugs are not welded and the OP crown - but now being picky :D
All that being said! I also have a love affair with the Cali dial vintage whether an original 3436, Pam 21, Pam 249 or even my knock off (which I am wearing today) - love them all.
Many thanks for sharing
As for Mike - even on daily roation the PAM 249 might get worn once a year :D.
Andy
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
really nice piece,great photography as well. im not a bit jealous!
I'm smitten, can you still get these from an AD? Any chance of getting one at list price?
This is the one for me, PAM 190 was my favourite before.
Ok stupid question, didn't realise it was a 2006 model.
This Panerai thing is becoming an obsession but I need to convince myself I'm investing rather than spending. I prefer the simple Radiomir style, the 210 does it for me but is it going to hold its value like my Rolex?
Perhaps a PRS Italian might help scratch the itch for a while? What do you recommend
Out of interest, i believe 'opus facere' translates roughly to mean 'work to do' though i'm not 100% sure how that is to be interpreted with regards to the watch - also if anyone has a 100% translation on that then go for it ;)
Great pics and writing but if it was not you, I just won't assoicate it with Pam, a homage might be.....
Its here as an explanation
http://www.panerai.com/s_page.xpd?id...2&id_sezione=4
RIAC
I dont really understand this statement!
RIAC
What a great post. I am a Panerai fan and have a 232, what shocked me the most about wearing 47mm is actually how comfortable the watch sits. Long live the Rad. :blob4:
Cheers for the link - i've been on that site many times but i guess that little snippet of info never stuck in my mind ;)Its here as an explanation
http://www.panerai.com/s_page.xpd?id...2&id_sezione=4
Its all a bit deep, but there is a feeling that alot of time and effort went into the original and the re addition of this Ltd Ed, its an eiree example, I absolutly adore it more and more every hour.
RIAC
niceeeeeeeeeeee one...keep it safe.....
Cheers its forever strapped on
RIAC
Great post & pictures
Thank you, another Ltd Ed Panerai pics & review due soon!!!!!!
RIAC
Holy thread resurrection, but what do we think would be a reasonable price for a 249 complete set today?
They're all too much now, high four to five figures from some sellers. The 232 is much better VFMand nicer, IMO.
But the Cali dial calls me, and whilst the 232 is lovely and a Radiomir, I find it too much like my beloved 372.
Well, best you dig deep into your pockets and search one out
The plexi has a strange distorting effect on the Cali dial and makes it look rather small to me, so i'm pursuing an alternative (custom build) which i hope to reveal in a few weeks. The biggest hang-up for me on the 249 is the case engraving. Like the newer 448/449, they simply don't need that unnecessary wordage engraved on them, the 232's 'sterile' case is sooo much cleaner.
Good luck seeking one out, there are usually some for sale on P.Com but sellers are quite thin on the ground in the UK.
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