
Panerai PAM351 Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic
The PAM351 has quite a few of the ingredients that are highly appreciated by the brand's aficionados; a 1950's style 44mm titanium case, a tobacco brown dial and a set of gold hands. Taking these aspects into account and considering the popularity of the technically similar PAM312 and PAM320 (introduced in 2009) - the PAM351 must have what it takes to become a big hit.

The brushed titanium case as seen from the side, note the polished edges on the case back
Perhaps you know these forum posts where people ask "What new Panerai model are you hoping for?". I for one have replied at least a few times saying that I'm hoping for a Luminor with a brown dial and gold hands. Albeit that my dream watch would be a hand-wound mechanical stainless steel base... Perhaps in 2011?

The 351 has a brown dial and gold hands
The 1950's style case of the PAM351 is brushed titanium, but its bezel is made from polished steel. In my opinion Panerai have managed to combine brushed and polished surfaces into a great looking contemporary wristwatch. When you think about it, it's quite bold to combine titanium, polished steel and gold hands - but it does seem to work quite well.

Panerai combined a titanium case with a polished steel bezel
All Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days watches in the contemporary line up share the same in-house P.9000 movement. This movement is 7.9mm thick, has 28 jewels and ticks at 28,800 alternations per hour. It offers a power reserve of 3 days by use of two spring barrels, as opposed to the 3 barrel models that offer an even longer power reserve. E.g. the automatic PAM270 with its power reserve of 10 days.

The case backs of the PAM351 and the PAM359 (on the right).
The PAM351 has a crystal case back. In the above picture you can see the case backs of both the 351 and the 359 on the right. The PAM359 has a polished steel case but the case back and crown guard are brushed.

A comparison shot of the titanium case of the 351 and the steel case of the 359
The above screen shot shows the polished steel 1950's case of the PAM359 behind the titanium case of the 351. As you can see the difference in materials used make these watches look very differently.
You can see the rest of the pictures that I took of the 351 and 359 on paneristipix.com.
All photos © 2010 M.Wilmsen - do not use these photos without permission.
Related posts
PAM270 Luminor 1950 10 Days GMTPAM359 Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic
PAM312 Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic
PAM320 Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days GMT
SIHH 2010 Panerai Novelties
thank you for a very good review.
ReplyDeletewhat is the difference between a 351 and a 352 besides the bracelet?
As far as I know there is no difference - besides the bracelet vs the strap.
ReplyDeleteMartin,
ReplyDeleteDo you have any of those 351 shots in a size suitable for wallpaper?
Thanks!
If you click on the photos you'll get a 1024 pixel version. I can make a few bigger ones if you want. Send me an e-mail.
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews, good writing, good objectivity. I have one comment regarding the review of the 351: according to Panerai's 2011 catalog, the bezel is "polished titanium."
ReplyDeleteThanks and yes, the bezel is polished titanium. That's correct, it's not made of steel.
ReplyDeleteHi Martin, I've just got my 351.
ReplyDeleteI've also read about the "steel" bezel in Panerai's catalogue,- but some dealers still claim it's steel and that the writing is wrong...Can you verify what's right?
Regards,
Charles - Oslo
Congratulations Charles! According to the specs the bezel is polished titanium. I'll try to find some more info for you.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Martin
Hi Martin, great blog. Do you know if the PAM 351 comes in a left handed version?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
David
Thanks, and to my knowledge there is no destro version of the 351.
ReplyDeleteHi Martin, if I only can buy 1 Panerai, I should get 312 or 351? What's your opinion?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Jerry from Hong kong
Both are very nice. The most important differences are steel vs titanium and black vs brown dial. I prefer steel myself so personally, I would buy the 312.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
ReplyDeleteJerry
Just bought it two weeks ago. LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat narrative and photos! I just added a PAM351 to my collection, LOVE IT! But I love my woman who is currently wearing it, even more :)
ReplyDeleteCC
Great review, I love the PAM111 such beautiful watches!
ReplyDeletehi Martin
ReplyDeleteIs PAM 351 using a hand made or machine cut case ?
Cases are machine made.
Delete