Sunday, January 1, 2012

The PAM372 Luminor 1950 3 Days - it's here!

Introduced in January 2011 at the SIHH in Geneva, and hitting the AD's and boutiques just a few weeks before many new models will be presented at the next SIHH. The first PAM372 Luminor 1950 Days watches are being delivered to their lucky owners. A regular production base Panerai, 47mm and an in-house movement with 3 days power reserve. An instant grail to many. Much has been written about this watch already, so I'll stick to just these photos that I took with beautiful models Kim and Elizabeth.


Kim


Elizabeth


Panerai PAM372 Luminor 1950 3 Days




Shown here with a black Saddle strap by Di Stefano Straps (Florence)






Click the photos for a larger version

Models: Kim Bakker and Elizabeth Uyi

If you want to see more photos from this shoot, then have a look here.

All photos are © M.Wilmsen - do not use my photos without permission

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

An opportunity to own a unique Panerai print by Eng Tay and to win a PAM390

If you love Panerai, then here's your chance to own a very unique piece of art, created by well known Paneristi and New York based artist Eng Tay. Eng created a special edition print of the sought after Panerai PAM360. All the funds raised will benefit the Mulliganeers, who help the families of children in sickness and in need.


B&W photo of the 360 print, posted with permission - courtesy of Mike Mellia

If you are not a regular on paneristi.com - which you should be of course ;) - then you may have missed this. But if you are quick, you still have a chance to own a very unique signed and numbered piece of art, to help Mulliganeers and... you also have a unique chance at winning a beautiful Panerai PAM390 which was donated by Officine Panerai!

If you are a Panerai enthusiast and you have a heart, then don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Follow this link for further information on how to donate/buy your unique print: http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/message/1322664844/OT-+Fundraiser+for+Mulliganeers%3B+Special+Edition+Print

You will automatically have a shot at winning the PAM390 if you donate for the print. More info here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/thread/1324685184/This+the+season----+And+a+chance+to+win+a+PAM+390---------


New York based artist and Paneristi Eng Tay

Mind you, the PAM390 is not just any old Panerai ;) This watch was released this year (unknown at the SIHH 2011), it is a limited watch with a beautiful brown base dial, beige indices and gold hands. This is already a very sought after watch that sells well over list price because there are many who want one, while only 2,000 units are and will be made. Sadly I haven't had the opportunity to take any photos of the watch myself, but if you follow the above links you'll see a very nice photo of it. Congratulations in advance with your print and good luck with your chance at winning the PAM390!

Monday, December 12, 2011

PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm

Panerai are known for building watches that have "presence on the wrist". The PAM194 fits in that category without a doubt. Not only is its case 47mm, it's quite thick too. A big and very cool wristwatch for sure. But as it's made from titanium, it is in fact much more wearable than one would think.

Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm titanium
Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m

The PAM194 is a Special Edition G series watch (G = 2004). Only 1,000 units were made and the watch was instantly sold out at its introduction. It has a depth rating of 2,500 meters. Most submersibles have a depth rating of at most 300 meters. There are exceptions, for instance the PAM243 has a depth rating of 1,000 meters. And also a helium valve like the PAM194. To withstand high pressures when diving, the PAM194 has a sapphire crystal that is a whopping 5.9mm thick.

Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm titanium
Side view of the case, note the helium valve on the right

The PAM194 has a 1950's style case as you can see in the above photo (the case is rounded near the lugs). The indices on the dial are Tritium - a luminous substance that is no longer used - and on this particular watch you can see that it's already showing a nice patina (a yellowish discoloration which is unique to Tritium).

Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm titanium
Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m

The watch comes with a 26mm rubber accordion strap. The OP logo is embossed on both parts of the strap as shown in the corners of the above photo. The strap is fitted with a large Pre Vendome style titanium buckle.

Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm titanium
Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m

The PAM194 has the OPIII calibre movement which offers the additional functions date and small seconds. The watch has a solid case back that is also made out of titanium.

Panerai PAM194 Luminor Submersible 2500m 47mm titanium
Click the photos for a larger version

All photos © 2011 M.Wilmsen - do not use my photos without permission

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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Special Edition Watch Case by Zeugma Straps

This week I received my new wrist watch case from Zeugma Straps. This is definitely an exceptional piece of craftsmanship, most likely rivaled by none. Nuri (Zeugma Straps) tells me that his company made 120 of these cases and that they worked 10 months to complete the task.


Special Edition wrist watch case by Zeugma Straps

The finest thick and sturdy leather was used to create a unique product of the highest quality. Every case is completely hand crafted and uniquely numbered on the bottom side of the case (see photo below). No more than the current 120 cases will be produced.



The case is closed by two large strap loops as shown below.



The embossed Zeugma logo on the backside of the case:



The case safely holds up to eight large wristwatches. The inside of the lid is made from suede and is heavily padded. The board that holds the watch cushions can be taken out of the case eg to store the board in your safe or you could even use the case as a regular briefcase. If you're interested in the watches shown - from left to right Panerai PAM233, PAM360, PAM2A, PAM243.



A few more photos to show the excellent quality and fine craftsmanship. You can click the photos for a larger version.






Panerai PAM360 on top of the Zeugma case



If you are looking for a high quality hand made watch case then stop looking. You won't find anything better than this. If you want to buy one of these cases you can contact Nuri by sending an e-mail to info@zeugmastraps.com. Mind you, quality comes at a price - the cases sell for 590 USD (paypal) or 540 USD if you pay with Western Union. Considering that these cases are hand made, limited and that the finest quality leather has been used - it's a bargain. The prices include worldwide shipping with DHL.

All photos © 2011 M.Wilmsen - do not use my photos without permission.

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