Officine Panerai

My watch collector career started around 2008 when my family presented me with a big thick book devoted to the history of Rolex for my birthday. I already was a big fan of the brand, but knew little about its history and much less about those early little...  

The 249 is a superb Panerai. I also remember trying to track one down when they were announced as a “Special Edition”. The crazy days of Panerai mania ! I still have it and always will. ...  

... and I feel very fortunate to find mine. I had never dreamed about finding one in my usual hunting grounds! O started my love with Panerai with my first one: a Pam 111 which I bought in an AD in Paris in 2006. I knew very little about the brand in thos... 

Very interesting and it reminded me of when I first became interested in Panerai. I was in Cairo and a single Panerai was on display in a small cabinet. It wasn’t even in a prominent position. I asked about the watch but no one had any idea about it. That... 

,,, and it is amazing to observe how the brand has grown in all those years. As a matter of fact in those times I was able to have in my memory almost all the model references of their catalog. In the last three or four years so many models have been laun... 

Who would have thought that the time would pass so quickly I recently looked at the Boutique Blue Editions. A California Blue would have been exciting but sadly it was not to be. Happy hunting !

... Regarding Panerai Cali dials: I am not aware a Cali dial is offered within the blue dial series. But I feel that in next SIHH we could have some new Cali, perhaps in their Due line or perhaps the blue dial line. Just a hunch of mine as I have no forma... 

As they say, in horology patience is a virtue, but who has it. Aris

... I´m glad you like the little Rollies as well!! Abrazos mi querido amigo! Abel

Here one from my Boss, a Nomos Club Campus ...  

... Thanks for sharing this picture of your boss Nomos! I didn´t know this model! It has a "reverse" Cali dial! First time I see this Nomos dial and first time I see a Cali with the Roman numerals below. It looks very nice and original this way! Other bra... 

Yes Cali dial has special charm and yes 249 is my favourite modern PAM. Great Cali team you have. Cheers D

In any case the Cali dial has something which makes it very special, and even the current 424 No date is very charming as well. Cheers! Abel

I am not so Paneristi, but with the California dial i love this watch. Abrazos a Argentina

without much passions (touch of asperger took care of that) I litterally "bumped" into the 249, point blank. I always thought that Panerais were pregnant watches and convinced I would buy one ONLY if they'd promised me, I would get at least 4 or 5 watchle... 

... It is obvious that this particular 249 was made for you!! I also think of Panerai as pregnant watches! It is confirmed by the way my Panerai collection grew in the last few years!! Lol! I wish you´ll keep enjoying and loving your Pam 249 for many many... 

My 249 says hi: ...  

While I missed the original PAM 249, more so I wasn't interested enough given the 47mm case, I did end up buying at PAM 448 when they were released. As it turned out the watch was really just to big for me and so I parted with it after a year or so of ver... 

... being similar to the 249 but in a Limited to 750 examples series making it rarer. Of course the 47 mm case is not for the taste of all watch lovers and understand your point. Yes, the 779 could be an answer. I´m sure Panerai will keep offering cali di... 

That's is quite a nice focused collection of Rolex Error Proof Dial watches! I need to get a Cali some day. Which one I don't know yet

... and of course the 249 and 448 offer the purest options. Of course the Pam 424 would be the easiest way to go as they are presently in their catalog and can be found in their AD´s or Boutiques. I find it also very charming with its light brown colored ... 

I would always try to look at the Panerai Radiomir with the california dial but they always had the logo at six o' clock. That PAM 249 is a beauty!!

Going after the 249 or 448 is less easy as the production was 1936 and 750 examples respectively. And prices are in the rise. You should check the 424 No Date in your wrist. It deserves the chance! Cheers! Abel

Great to know and see what sparked your interest in Rolex and Panerai, and to see that Bubbleback with the Mercedes hand!

Glad you like the little Bubbleback with Mercedes hand. I really love it! Cheers! Abel.

I really enjoyed scrolling through the pics, Abel. A 249 is something that's on my list. Glad you ended up with one! Best, Echi

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I am thinking of a 249/448

It seems the 249 has a black shiny dial, and the 424 a tobacco satin dial, can you confirm?

you like archeology Lolllll The dial of the 424 is black. not tobacco ...  

The dial of the 424 is not black, really, it's more a bownish black. It's a nice color actually, that matches well with the patina lume and gold hands. I was just wondering if the 249 is same, or really "black".

...in the screenshot I attached to my last post (directly, from Google) there are all the data of the watch. Why would there be: black dial, if it was brownish?

But in truth, when you carefully look at it, it is not quite black, and the color really appeal to me, and works very well with the tone of the watch. Perhaps a picture can illustrate it better, although it is hard to capture this properly, as we talk abo...  

but hey, you see it brown-ish? Good for you, enjoy it