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Anatol's "XMas project" on his Panerai PAM372, inspired by vintage Panerai 6152 models, sparked a lively debate within the WatchProSite community. His custom dial and solid caseback modification challenges conventional notions of originality and authenticity in luxury watch collecting. This article explores the nuances of his project and the community's diverse reactions.
I am very happy to present my finished XMas project today!
After looking at too many vintage Panerai 6152, I decided to customize my PAM372 with a vintage style dial and a solid caseback. And here is the result. Hope you like it!
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2021-01-07 07:40:46
About the Panerai Pre Vendome Ref. 6152
The Panerai Pre Vendome 6152 is a significant reference within the brand's history, representing a period before Panerai's wider commercial availability. These watches are characterized by their robust construction and design elements that predate the modern Panerai aesthetic. The 6152 series is particularly noted for its case architecture, which served as a foundational design for later models. This reference appeals to collectors interested in the early evolution of Panerai's wristwatches.
This reference typically features a substantial case, often made of stainless steel, designed for durability. The movement housed within these watches is generally a manually wound caliber, providing a power reserve consistent with the technology of its era. The crystal protecting the dial is commonly plexiglass, a material prevalent in watches of this period, contributing to its vintage character. The case dimensions are notably large, a hallmark of Panerai's historical designs.
For collectors, the Panerai 6152 holds importance as a piece of the brand's pre-Vendome lineage. Its scarcity and historical context make it a sought-after item for those who appreciate the origins of the Panerai identity. The watch's design cues offer a direct link to the brand's functional roots, distinguishing it from later, more commercially oriented releases. Variants within this series may exist, reflecting the production methods of the time.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Rolex 618
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 47mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Plexiglass
About the Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Ref. PAM372
The Panerai PAM372 is a Luminor 1950 model that draws inspiration from historical Panerai designs, particularly those from the 1950s. It is distinguished by its clean, two-hand dial layout and the absence of a small seconds sub-dial, which emphasizes its vintage aesthetic. This reference was part of a series that aimed to reintroduce classic Panerai elements to a contemporary audience, focusing on simplicity and historical accuracy in its presentation. It represents a direct link to the brand's heritage, offering a less complicated display than many of its counterparts.
The watch features a 47mm polished steel case, characteristic of early Panerai models, fitted with a 3mm thick Plexiglass crystal. It houses the in-house developed manual-wind Calibre P.3000, which provides a substantial power reserve of three days. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing for appreciation of its construction. The large crown guard, a signature Luminor feature, ensures water resistance and protects the winding crown.
For collectors, the PAM372 is notable for its faithful recreation of historical design cues, including the "sandwich" dial construction and the use of Plexiglass, which contributes to its vintage appeal. Its limited production run and adherence to traditional Panerai proportions make it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts who value the brand's origins. The watch appeals to those seeking a direct connection to Panerai's past without modern embellishments.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Calibre P.3000
- Case
- Polished Steel
- Diameter
- 47mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Plexiglass
About the Panerai Ref. Luminor1950
The Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM00372 is a notable reference that captures the essence of Panerai's historical designs, particularly those from the mid-20th century. It is distinguished by its clean dial, lack of a date complication, and the use of a Plexiglas crystal, which is a nod to vintage Panerai watches. This model was introduced as a special edition, appealing to collectors who appreciate the brand's heritage aesthetic without modern embellishments. Its design emphasizes legibility and the robust character associated with the Luminor case.
The watch features a substantial 47mm case crafted from polished stainless steel, characteristic of the Luminor 1950 series. It houses the in-house P.3000 manual-winding mechanical movement, which provides a power reserve of three days, or 72 hours. The crystal is made of Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage appeal and offering a different visual quality compared to sapphire. The solid case back further reinforces its historical design inspiration.
This reference holds particular appeal for collectors seeking a direct link to Panerai's past. Its large case size and minimalist dial with a sandwich construction are defining features that resonate with enthusiasts of the brand's original tool watch ethos. The PAM00372 is considered a significant piece for those who value historical accuracy and the distinctive design language that defines Panerai's most recognizable models.
Specifications
- Caliber
- P.3000
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 47mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Plexiglas
Key Points from the Discussion
- The modification of a watch, such as changing the dial and caseback, raises a debate about what constitutes a 'fake' versus a personalized item, akin to customizing car rims without making the car a fake. However, if presented without context, such a modified watch could easily be mistaken for a non-genuine piece.
- Anatol meticulously crafted the vintage-style dial by painting engravings and numbers, then filling them with resin to mimic the sealed radium effect of historical Panerai dials. He also used an aftermarket caseback designed for a replica 6152, ensuring it fit and maintained the watch's water resistance.
- Some collectors argue that altering the dial and caseback of an original Panerai PAM372, which is recognized as a derivative of the vintage 6152, is a radical modification akin to 'plastic surgery' and compromises its originality, regardless of the owner's intent.
- Anatol clarified that his intention was not to deceive but to create a 'kit watch' for personal enjoyment, emphasizing that all original components are retained, allowing the watch to be returned to stock condition.
- The community acknowledges the significant skill and effort involved in custom painting and modifying a watch dial to achieve a specific vintage aesthetic.
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