WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Officine Panerai

Advice on PAM249 California Dial

 

Ciao Paneristi!
This is my 1st post on the forum, and I hope that all you real paneristi might be able to help me in my slight dilemma.The situation is, I do not yet own a panerai,and have only recently taken an interest in this brand. Ultimately, I have decided that I would like a Radiomir as my 1st Panerai.
And my eyes have taken a liking to the special edition back from 2006, the PAM249 Radiomir 1936 California dial.As most of you know, this watch is selling at a premium, even in my market (Tokyo, Japan).
The thing is,I would appreciate it if any Paneristi out there could help me by convincing me on why I should take the plunge with this timepiece? For my usual timepieces, I normally do not buy a watch which doesnt house an in-house movement, and if i am not mistaken the PAM249 has a movement from ETA?(Please correct me if i'm wrong) This renders the piece kinda "normal" IMHO.[I think some of you out there might want to kill me for saying this because there is nothing "normal" about the 249! smile]
The size of 47mm is wonderful, i love big pieces.And while i definitely have no intention in ever selling this piece were i to get it,as I am the buy-and-hold-till-i-die-and-pass-to-kids type,i dont know but could any of you tell me how much it is "worth"? Not in the sense of price value, but as in for a collector,for the history that it tells,how "hot" is this piece?
I love the look of the dial, and I have been to so many shops that sells it here,just to look over it again and again.A part of me somehow says that its not the type that I would buy,yet the very moment that i try to forget it,it somehow just creeps back into my mind.Just the other night I couldnt fall asleep because I was so into thinking about the watch!For the shops,except those that sell it at a really crazy premium,they are flying off the shelves!But yet this still blocks me from actually forking out my money.
I am sorry for dragging you all into my boring talk,but please,please I will appreciate any and all help if you could assist me.
Thank you Paneristis!And I hope that soon I can join the family!
Molto Grazie!
Ciao

  login to reply
Related Content
expand_more
PAM249Radiomir 1936 SE
💰1416 Marketplace Listings for Panerai›
23 Comments view entire thread 

Blunotte, things are simple

 
By: amanico : April 17th, 2008-08:43
Cali is: 1/ The First Panerai Watch ( except the proto 2533). Even if some will tell you that it's more a Rolex watch than a Panerai, I mean, the vintage, not the ré edition, this argument is available for all the Rads... 2/ As for the value if a Pam 249,...  

Ciao amanico,     First of...

 
By: BluNotte : April 17th, 2008-09:29
Ciao amanico, First of all I want to sincerely than you for your fast reply to my post. And for answering all my questions, plus also for attaching a beautiful photo of the 249! I believe this is your own piece? A few questions though I have regarding wha... 

Stephen

 
By: amanico : April 17th, 2008-09:37
If I mentionned the 127, it's because it also has a ETA movement, it's also a replica of a Vintage 6152/1 Panerai Luminor, and it's twice the value of a Cali Pam 249...That's why I mentionned the 127... As for Vendome, soory, I type too fast...Vendome ref... 

That's a big 'GO GEDDIT" on the 249!!!!!

 
By: sclamb : April 17th, 2008-11:17
I had the same thoughts as you but have never regretted getting the 249: The Eta/Unitas 6497 movement is tried and tested and very accurate. Too me, this is a unique Radiomir and one that deserves a place in your collection. Just looking at the dial throu...  

Ciao Simon,     I appreciate...

 
By: BluNotte : April 17th, 2008-19:23
Ciao Simon, I appreciate your attaching a photo of your timepiece! It looks so beautiful! I am really really falling in love with the piece! Thank you too for the comments about the movement, cause I was kind of worried about it not being that good, becau... 

  Hello Bill,     Thanks...

 
By: BluNotte : April 17th, 2008-19:17
Hello Bill, Thanks you so very much for the wristshots! They look awesome, ( and I believe feel awesome too on the wrist!) . You Paneristis are so friendly and helpful than I find myself obliged to join the family now! A question about your photo, I notic... 

Ah - the pleasure of the strap

 
By: Bill : April 17th, 2008-21:15
Buying the watch is only the beginning. They you get to enjoy the whole strap affair "new shoes" for your watch. Change at will. Bill

You are a.....

 
By: Bill : April 17th, 2008-22:14
Strap man and a mad man. LOL.... WOW! nice stuff you have there. No doubt....!!!! Bill

WOah, my jaws just dropped and my tongue is hanging loose!

 
By: BluNotte : April 18th, 2008-03:48
Man, that is INDEED one collection you have there! Are they all for the same watch? I can see that most, if not all are for Panerai watches, I like the blue crocodile straps that you have on the top right hand corner of the photo, is that for a OP? If so,... 

Where do you but the straps?

 
By: BluNotte : April 18th, 2008-05:19
Hey there Nicolas, Another thing that I want to ask you but forgot, is where do you buy the straps for the panerai? Are they available at the AD? Or did you have them order made just for you? Thanks

Hi Stephen,

 
By: Krieng : April 17th, 2008-21:11
As Nicolas mentioned earlier, the 249 is one of a nice Panerai...not only because it is the Special Edition, but also the look which is as pretty much the same as its ancestor..the 3646. I bought that watch with the premium but never regret of making my d...  

It's quite simple , Krieng and Stephen

 
By: amanico : April 17th, 2008-21:19
If you didn't ordered it at the right time, if you really want one, you have to pay the premium on the Grey Market... Impossible to find without having ordered it at the right time. Best. Nicolas

Ciao Krieng..

 
By: BluNotte : April 17th, 2008-21:31
Hello there, I want to thank you for providing me with a shot of your own 249. I appreciate it and am seeing how beautiful it is! I have a quick question though, if you or anyone could help me in this. 1) Now, if you compare the 249 and its real ancestor ... 

Stephen, thanks for your kind words.

 
By: Krieng : April 18th, 2008-02:36
I try to tell you more based on my humble knowledge.... The remake of 3646, PAM249, was announced in 2006 and it definitely hit the market..especially to all Panerai lovers. As it ancestor, the 249 is 47mm in diameter. But it has manually wound Unitas cal...