Officine Panerai

samwan
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Old PAM, new watch and some hastily taken wrist-shots...

I never imagined that I would acquire a submersible as I thought the model was bulky....until I saw the PAM 87 in the flesh. The blue dial immediately captured my attention and, ironically, the bulkiness turned out to be a captivating factor.

The model was old - it was later replaced by PAM 243 (1950 1,000m) and is now discontinued. It is significantly fatter, heavier and more massive than any other 44 mm Panerai and uses a thicker 5 mm crystal (it is 25% thicker than its younger cousin - the 300m Submersible PAM 24). Nicked name "La Bamba" or "The Tuna Can", it features a passive helium release valve on the side of the case (just like a Rolex Sea-dweller). 

The model was originally released in the C series as a unique edition, but then promptly appeared for D with a blue dial (mine is an E), plus an engraving on the crown-lock. In fact, the blue dial of the F series got substantially darker.

Other features include baton hands, small seconds at 9, date under a Cyclops at 3 and a uni-directional bezel. Movement is based on the regular automatic OP III.

Here are some wrist-shots:

I promise to take some proper pictures when I have the time.

Sam

PS. did you notice the golf tan?