Panerai PAM 399 Radiomir 1940 & PAM 422 Luminor
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Panerai PAM 399 Radiomir 1940 & PAM 422 Luminor

By amanico · Apr 2, 2012 · 39 replies
amanico
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Nicolas (amanico) provides a detailed first look at two significant Panerai releases from SIHH 2012: the PAM 399 Radiomir 1940 and the PAM 422. His review critically examines their historical accuracy, design elements, movements, and pricing, offering valuable insights for collectors considering these models. Nicolas's candid assessment helps readers navigate the nuances of Panerai's evolving collection.

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I must say that Panerai surprised me, this year.

Well, the Cali and the 2533 SLC are not for me, as I am not a big fan of the " Maiale " on the dial, while I would be ok to see it engraved on a solid case back, and the " black things " are too trendy for my taste.

So, this year, there are two watches I watched, more than others, the Pam 399, curiously called " Radiomir 1940 ", and the Pam 422, a kind of Pam 372 with a small second, and a power reserve indicator on the back, plus a sapphire instead of a plexy.

Which surprised me is the Pam 399.

When I looked at it, I was wondering if it was historically correct, or if it was only a nice watch, with some liberty and distance taken from the origins.

It is not a small Egiziano, it is not a 6152... Was this a prototype???

POY will certainly tell us more on this matter, but I have some doubts this watch ever existed.

Anyway, when you look at it, you are impressed by this watch, by its elegant case, the big crown, without crown protectors, and the interesting Minerva movement ( Cal 16-17 ), nice looking, but not especially well finished, and impressed, also, by its price ( 19 000 Euros... Damn, these Pannies start to be expensive! )

Another nice detail is the sectored hour hand, and the plexy, which I am always happy to see on such a watch.

The limit: A water resistance to ... 30 meters ( from the beach ), which is a pity as you won't be able to wear it during your summer water activities, but you're used to that, as the Cali ( Pam 249 ) has the same problem.









Limited to 100 pieces, I bet a Pam 372 with you all that Panerai will adapt the number on the demand, and that we may have much more.

My pronostic? Somewhere between 150 and 200 watches.

The Pam 422 is another story... We all know what are the roots of this watch, which are shared with the Pam 127, the 6152-1.

The writings, inaugurated on the 372, are here, as well as the faux patina, which I personally prefer to the greenish indexes seen on the Pam 127.

A huge sapphire has been chosen, instead of the plexy of the Pam 372. Less warm, or sexy, for sure, but not bad looking.

The 422 is water resistant to 100 meters, which is enough for your summer baths.





You will find the P 3001, which is correct, aesthetically speaking, as it is close to the Angelus, which was used on the original watch.

A nice looking movement, produced by Val Fleurier for Panerai, exclusively, offering a 3 Days power reserve and an indicator smartly located on the case back, to not ruin the natural balance of the dial.



Personally, I prefer the 372, for its purity, and because I always preferred " Bases " over the Luminor Marina Dials.

But I guess that those who already own the 372 will think about getting this one, too, to make the pair.

Well, I will have to wait one more year, to see a Small Egiziano ( maybe ) or, to help me to wait, maybe I will have to hunt a 372?

Best,

Nicolas

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

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TD
TdotBean
Apr 2, 2012
Great review as always.

Judging from the tone of the post. Am I wrong to assume we are going to see a return of panerai into vlad's liar. I have to admit even I don't currently wanting one, the 372 is a worth watch to own. Regards Tyler

AM
amanico
Apr 2, 2012
You're wrong.

That is far from being evident that I will have a Panerai in my collection, again. And if I will, so it iwill be a Small Egiziano ( still to be released ) or a 372. But it is really far from being evident. Do keep in mind that till recently I owned a Pre V Logo, Pre V Mare and a Vendome Cali. These are still jrad to beat, in my heart. Best, Nicolas

TD
TdotBean
Apr 2, 2012
I can never guess the mind of a frenchie

Too complex, my friend. I do agree on the Mare. I really like this watch. Regards Tyler

AM
amanico
Apr 2, 2012
That complexity is part of our charm... Sometimes. ;)

This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-04-02 07:21:56

BR
Bruno.M1
Apr 2, 2012
for me the 399 is a VERY expensive 422 ..... without the crown protector

Never understood why they didn't make 2000 of them and use a Panerai movement instead of this expensive Minerva.

AM
amanico
Apr 2, 2012
Because there is no Panerai movement, but a Valfleurier.

Expensive ,the Minerva is not. Panerai decided to make people believe that itr is expensive. Laboratorio de Ideas... Best, Nicolas

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