The Panerai PAM312 on the left and the PAM104 on the right
Two different animals for sure. Of course the PAM312 (Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days Automatic) has the new P.9000 in-house movement. But that's on the inside. The most eye catching difference is the brushed steel 1950's case that is used for all the new P.9000 series watches.
The new PAM312 on the left
The Panerai PAM312 in front of PAM104
Furthermore the 312 has a sandwich dial vs a painted dial on the 104. And the PAM312 has a crystal without a magnification window (or cyclops). It has a smaller sub seconds dial which leaves room for the number nine. Strangely enough, I've always felt that the 233 looks better than the PAM270, and that's mainly because it doesn't have the number nine on the dial which makes it look more balanced. But in the case of the 312, I do like the nine being there a lot. It looks just perfect.
The Panerai PAM312 without cyclops and with the nine on the dial
It looks like Panerai created some serious competition for their own PAM104. I've always considered the 104 to be a great looking daily beater, but in my opinion the PAM312 has so much to offer that I do wonder about the future of the ETA based work horse Luminor Marina.
PAM312 specifications
Movement: automatic mechanical, Panerai P. 9000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 13 ¾ lignes, 7.9 mm thick, 28 jewels, Glucydur® balance, 28,800 alternations/hour. Power reserve 3 days, two barrels. Incabloc® anti-shock device. 195 components.Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date.
Case: diameter 44 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel.
Bezel: polished steel.
Back: see-through sapphire crystal.
Device protecting the crown: (protected as a Trademark) brushed steel.
Crystal: sapphire, made from corundum, 2.6mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.
Water-resistance: 300 metres.
Strap: PANERAI personalised black alligator strap and large-size brushed steel buckle.
Technical specifications as stated on the panerai.com website.
Related posts
PAM312 Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days AutomaticPAM305 Luminor 1950 submersible
PAM104 Luminor Marina Automatic
All photos © 2009 M.Wilmsen
Somehow I think the 104 is more handsome and 312 looks more rugged. For me it's still 104 in terms of looks .. And price
ReplyDeleteI just picked up my 312 in Florence, the Panerai "mothership". I was torn between the 361 and the 312. Both had the brushed rather than the polished. I decided on the 312 only because it had the date included.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review. I've been into watches for a long time but only have taken an interest in Panerais now. Hopefully I can get one before the year ends.
ReplyDelete312 is mine since saturday :)
ReplyDeleteQuite satisfied
It is mine since monday, love at first sight :)
ReplyDeleteWould prefer 312 as perfect combination and almost got one on my wrist now if bag was not stolen in Amsterdam last week.
ReplyDeleteTHE BEST PANERAI I EVER HAD IS THE 312, BETTER THAN THE 104.
ReplyDeleteSell off my pam 229.......bought a Pam 312
ReplyDeleteLooks and feel Great.........
I am selling my Pam 312 . Bought from Berrys Newcastle . All boxed with paperwork and receipt . email me at ian@ihenry.wanadoo.co.uk if you are interested . Cheers
ReplyDelete312 and 104 are both great piece......
ReplyDeleteGuys looks great when they are worn...really
Hard to find any wrist time for my other watches
Just bought my 312, coming in the morning. Been looking for the right watch for months and this one just hit me perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHow much is the going rate for previously owned?
ReplyDeletewhere is best place to buy pam312?
ReplyDeletewhat is good price?
I bought my PAM312 as a celebration of my 40th birthday and my divorce :)
ReplyDeleteI have just bought a PAM104 and was able to directly compare with the PAM312 before puchase.
ReplyDeleteThe PAM104 is a much more balanced looking package with a very clear and easy to read dial.
The ETA action is also fantastic with a COSC Certification. If compared directly the PAM104 still has the edge over the 312 with regards to looks.
Neill
I was looking at PAM312 and PAM104 and I find the 104's second hand too big while the 312's sizing of it is perfect. Also, the cyclops is yuck. PAM312 all the way.
ReplyDeleteI always thought the 104 type case was desirable until I tried on the 312 type case and it was game over. There is no comparison - the 312 is so beautifully sculptured whilst the 104 is just a square block by comparison. Furthermore the sandwich dial is unique to Panerai, and lastly it's got a Panerai movement not some $100 movement you can find on any watch. There's no comparison - those folks justifying their 104 purchase do so because they can't afford the 312, it's that simple.
ReplyDeleteOnce the PAM 104 will be phased out, you'll see all the PAM 312 lovers running back after it, like any previous model of Panerai...
ReplyDeleteOld is Gold