Panerai PAM 662: Small Egiziano Re-edition?
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Panerai PAM 662: Small Egiziano Re-edition?

By amanico · Feb 1, 2016 · 16 replies
amanico
WPS member · Officine Panerai forum
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Amanico initiates a compelling discussion on the Panerai PAM 662, questioning if this SIHH 2016 release truly lives up to the legacy of the "Small Egiziano." His post delves into the design choices, particularly the dial, and whether it captures the essence collectors have long awaited. This exploration highlights the challenges brands face in reinterpreting beloved vintage references for a modern audience.

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I sadly couldn't take pictures of it, so I went to the official Panerai forum to borrow these pictures. 

I think it is important to discuss this watch. 

As a Small Egiziano unconditional fan, I was waiting for its release. Years after years, since 12 years, now.

A Small Egiziano is that one:


Now, the PAM 662. 

When I saw it at the Panerai booth, my heart started to beat faster. Is this the one I was waiting for? 

Case, ok. Crown, ok. Movement, ok. But the dial? 

Ok, it is brown, but not the kind of brown I was expecting, or better said, dreaming about. 

This brown is between brown and grey. Not very deep. I was dreaming about a chocolate brown, with more depth, ala Pam 36 Marina Militare OR a Caramel. 


First disappointment. 

The second disappointment is that Panerai opted for a no sandwich dial. If you are familiar with the Pam 372 or the Marina Militare Pam 587, you appreciate its sandwich structure. 

Here, the no sandwich dial enhances the perception of the dial flatness. 


Another detail I would like to see is the case back. For a re edition of the Small Egiziano, I would have preferred a solid case back. The Pam 662 has a see through case back, showing the P 3000, which is a good movement, no dispute about that, but nothing exceptional to justify a sapphire case back. 


To be complete, the case is in steel, 47 mm big, and it is a limited edition of 1000 pieces.

Ok, this opinion, I repeat, comes from a huge, hard core fan of the Small Egiziano. When you are expecting such a re edition for so many years, you are pretty demanding. 

Those who are not in this situation will find it cool. And cool, it is. But in my opinion, Panerai missed the opportunity to release a great watch. 

Hence the interrogation in my title, and my answer to this question. 

Best,

Nicolas

About the Omega Planet Ocean Ref. 662

The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean reference 662 is a notable example within the broader Planet Ocean collection, distinguished by its specific configuration and materials. This reference represents a particular iteration that balances robust functionality with refined aesthetics, appealing to collectors who appreciate a substantial yet wearable timepiece. It is part of a series that emphasizes durability and precision, consistent with Omega's heritage in professional-grade instruments. The 662 offers a distinct presence on the wrist, reflecting its design intent for both daily wear and more demanding environments.

This particular reference features a stainless steel case, providing a resilient and classic foundation. It is equipped with an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping and convenience for the wearer. The watch typically incorporates a sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance, protecting the dial. While specific dimensions can vary across the Planet Ocean line, the 662 maintains a balanced proportion that contributes to its wearability despite its robust construction.

For collectors, the reference 662 holds interest as a specific variant within the extensive Planet Ocean family. Its appeal lies in its combination of established design elements and technical specifications. It caters to those seeking a well-engineered timepiece with a strong identity, without venturing into more specialized or limited editions. The 662 stands as a solid representation of the Planet Ocean's core attributes, offering a blend of performance and enduring style.

Specifications

Caliber
Omega 8500
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
42mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
600m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BI
Bill
Feb 1, 2016

So we can call them RECreations. Nice in their own way but not enough for the hardcore fans hoping to get a glimpse of a bygone era. Bill

SH
shortys home
Feb 1, 2016

... from all the pictures I have seen so far the dial does lack depth in my eyes, the colour may look nice in real daylight, under artificial light it kind of seems to \'fade\'... Despite the dial, using the exact same case as the 587 does qualify for a\'missed chance\'. The small Egiziano re-creation (I really like that phrase!) should have used the thinner case of the 622, including the solid case back... Just imagine: 622 case and solid back, a brown sandwich dial with more depth and the hand

AM
amanico
Feb 1, 2016

Now, if that was not their idea nor goal, then... But the dial looks even flatter, and the color less appealing, in the real... Best, Nicolas

AN
AnthonyTsai
Feb 1, 2016

This PAM662 may be the closest thing to it if you ask me. Also, anytime Panerai uses one of their in-house movements, I believe it's always a sapphire back showing the movement. The solid casebacks are usually only on the OP 1 Unitas movements for entry level Panerai's. - AT

AR
Arie - Mr Orange
Feb 1, 2016

And i would put it more harsh even. In the end it is never the original and that will always be nagging in the back of your mind. At least in my mind. When I owned this watch: which is one of the very best re-editions (Tribute) ever made, I kept having the recurring thought: not the real deal. Eventually I sold it because of that very reason. Disappointing because it is a very fine watch.

SU
Subexplorer
Feb 1, 2016

... I feel that not adopting the sandwich dial and closed caseback for this model was a mistake. This watch is the only new model among recently launched watches at SIHH 2016 which aroused my interest. I would like to see it in person of course. I love brown colored dials and would have preferred a light caramel color in this watch dial so I need to see in person before deciding its purchase. I also feel that modern recreations or Tributes have an strong emotional charge behind them, specially f

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