i_am_Sam
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The PreVendome Mare Nostrum
I have always admired the PreVendome Panerais because of the purity of the design the fat tritium indexes and of course their significance in Panerai's history. But I always looked down on their Mare Nostrum series.
I love the concept of the watch, but my thought on the watch, that Panerai downsized the case from the original 52mm to 42mm always bothers me.. The tachymeter on the bezel also bothers me.. A lot of things bothered me about the watch..
Until last Saturday that I finally saw one in metal.. I realized that I have underestimated the Mare Nostrum.. I saw a 5218-302/A, the Slytech Mare Nostrum.. And what can I say? I couldn't stop looking at it.. Those who have never seen it in metal, might have the same thought as my thought before last Saturday.
But I have to tell you, it is an absolutely charming piece.. I have never thought that I would be looking at this more even when there's a PreVendome logo also sitting in front of me..
Those small things still bothers me.. But those small things put together as this whole watch made it very special...
Just look at the dark blue dial... It changed color from black to dark blue from different angles..
And on the wrist, it was just perfect.. To me it felt like wearing a royal oak chronograph.. Only with stronger character and more comfortable
So I wanted to hear your thoughts or experience about the PreVendome Mare Nostrum... On the 301/A 302/A or even 304/A..
Could this be my first chrono panerai / watch...?? (err.. if I have more money)
Best,
Sam
This message has been edited by samrotandi on 2010-12-14 00:58:31
Vintage
Explore the mythical Panerai Mare Nostrum, from its 1943 prototype to the 1990s re-editions and the new PAM 300. Discover its history, design, and collector appeal.
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The PreVendome Mare Nostrum
I have always admired the PreVendome Panerais because of the purity of the design the fat tritium indexes and of course their significance in Panerai's history. But I always looked down on their Mare Nostrum series. I love the concept of the watch, but my...
Needless to say, I'm a big fan myself...
But I'm curious: You mentioned you didn't like the PV MN due to the downsizing from the original, but isn't it the same thing for the PV Logo and others? They're all downsized/modernized version of the original piece right? Why do we love them more than t...
I had all the Pre Vendome Mare Nostrum
The 2 Slytech ( smooth bezel which is now on Patrice's wrist and Tachy bezel which is now in Australia on a very good fellow's wrist ), and several 301/ A. It is indeed a very special watch from the Panerai Family. Smaller than the others, with its 42 mm ...
Didn't you have all the PreVs?? :)
I agree that it is THE ONLY legitimate Panerai chrono model... So which one is your favorite out of the 3? Best, Sam
I had them all, indeed...
All the Pre V including the Blackseal Slytech... less the 209/ A and the 210 /A. Out of the 3, the smooth bezel 5218-304 is by far my favourite, as it is the closer to the original. But I'm deeply in love with my 301/ A, too. Best, Nicolas.
I'm amazed Nicolas...
Did you have them all at the same time?? Actually out of the three, my favorite is 301/A and 304/A.. 301/A simply because it's the only one without SLYTECH bradning and 304/A because of the smooth bezel.. A combination between the two would be PERFECT... ...
For the Slytech Mares, Sam
There is no " / A "... So the exact reference is 5218-302, and 5218-304, while on the current Mare the Ref is 5218 - 301 / A... Don't ask me why, I don't know. The smooth bezel is a monster, a very rare piece ( only 31 were made under the Pre V era ). I'm...
That is very interesting...
What about the 205 and 207? It must've been hard to let them go... But I believe it's good to know that your ex-watches are in good hands! Best, Sam
The 205/A has gone in Belgium, while the 207/A may now be in the US.
The most problematic for me was to let go the 202 /A Non Matching, as it was a really special watch, and I can even say that if I regret having let one go, this is this one. But now, it is in England. Best, Nicolas.
If that is the ONLY legitimate Pam Chrono,
What is the PAM 300, or the original Mare Nostrum vintage? Fakes? I'd say that all these PreVs are "wannabes" , not being able to live up to the legend, thus having to compromise. My 2 yens, Stephen
Well I can see your point of view but....
I really think that they compromised the size because not everybody can wear such large watch.. To me the original is still the better if you compare it to the preVs.. But in the real world (at least my world) the PreV mares are simply better because of t...
Ahh, I understand your view
But for me maybe it is because of my principles that all PAM should be historically accurate, especially with respects to their sizes. Which means STRICTLY only 47mm, 52mm and 60mm. DOn't look down on the rupiah! It is getting stronger day by day, that cu...
I can also understand your point of view...
And I salute you that you have principles and you hold on to it... You're right... So it's a bit cheaper to buy panerais nowadays... (hope that panerai don't read this or they will increase the price much higher next year) Cheers Sam
So why not going directly to the Vintage, Stephen?
And if you stick to History, so why going on a Cali with a small second??? Size doesn't make all... Best, Nicolas.
I wish i was blessed with the funds mon ami
Then you'd see me getting loads of vintages. Alas i am but too late to the passion. So i have to live with the modern! BUT, for me, towards Panerai, the size makes it all. I know about the 349, a very controversial piece. But don't forget, so many things ...
In your case, it seems that it is not a matter of means, but of choice.
If you sell all your modern Panerais, you could go on a Vintage, don't you think? It is a matter of choice, which is your absolute right, indeed. Best, Nicolas.
So according to you the Panerai Pre-Vendome era is not part of Panerai History ?
I am confused! This message has been edited by PoyFR on 2010-12-14 09:52:30
It's about to be re-written alright
Just look at what our friend Marc acquired today! If that is NOT history, lol, what is? More of history than the PreV's for sure! A bientot Stephen
Can you tell me how many Panerai 47mm (and more) are being sold compared to 44mm
Whilst I do like and appreciate PAM 300 and PAM 341, there is only so much I will wear on my 'tiny' wrist. To re-write a new chapter, should we go about with a medallion? ;-) This message has been edited by PoyFR on 2010-12-14 17:54:52...
This is highly controversial Poy
But for me i find only those pieces that salutes TRULY the Historical vintage panerais, those up till 1993 are the true ones. These are of course just my very humble opinions. ( I think mon ami Nico is going to get to me about my 349's dial for this, hoho...
No controvertial at all, hisotry is history and it is here to remain
No controversial at all, history is history and it is here to remain. If you wish to split Panerai ‘watches’ history in parts, then your statement is not correct. Under Giuseppe PANERAI 1935-1972, All vintage pieces 2533, 3646, 6152, 6152-1, 2/56, 6154 we...
This is a 1st that i'v heard
And so pardon my lack of education of the TRUE history of Panerai! I know about the period up till 1972, but for the period from 72 till 97, i didn't know they were destined for Military use? I know the civilian part, but did the Marina Militare actually ...
Stephen, i have carefully read this whole thread
and I think it will be extremely difficult for you to be consistent. If you wish to be so, you will have to dig deeper into the history of Panerai. My suggestion is not to have a 'black or white' approach to things because the truth and history is not two...
I meant THE Mare Nostrum, Stephen ...
Not specially the Pre V. As you know, I love a lot the Pam 300, I only regret that it is unwearable for my very modest wrist. As for the Pre V Wannabees, I let you the care and the responsability of what you wrote... Best, Nicolas.
If it was not for the Pre-Vendome, chances are you would have never considered PANERAI
Stephen, whilst I sort of agree that everything should be replicated as original as it can be, sizes included, I totally disagree with you about sizes and what you call ‘wanabee’ Back in 1993 if PANERAI replicated their watches in 47mm and 60mm, chances a...
Not everyone loves it
and it's a good thing, it makes it affordable as you said, you can be affraid of the size before realize it's one of the most balanced watch you ever seen and wore. Of course we can ask if a tachymeter is useful and legitimate or if 3atm is enough but its...
Well Sam
I won't be seeing myself touching that at all, because it falls under my criteria for a Pam, e.g. under 47mm. And also i will be getting my 300 real soon, so time to go original! You should go that way too! Ciao Stephen
A chrono for you Stephen??? Are you sure???
But the 300 is a beast!! Very beautiful.. Love the different layers on the dial the blue hands... And of course the beautifully done movement... Well..... What can I say? I still can't see myself wearing a watch larger than 47mm... And sadly that one cost...
Not any Chronograph. Not this one.
Would not get this if it ain't a Panerai, because it doesnt even have a 12 hours counter. See how i didn't pull on a Lange DatoGraph? The 300 is AWESOME, i had a feel of the real thing in the metal a while back, and it confirms even more my desire to get ...
Yes.. Indeed that is not just any chronograph Stephen!
I totall agree with you... The 300 is something really special.. I really wish I could see one in metal.. I'm pretty sure it is on a par with the Egiziano... What an amazing duo you will have my friend!! I suppose I'll see you wearing both on your wrist a...
My 2 titans!
If only the 300 was crafted out of titanium too, because oh i so love this material! But even with it in SS, it is just not heavy at all, but thats maybe because im so used to all my darling platinums! I might, just wait and see! Ciao Stephen
But then it won't be historically correct ... lol.... :p
I can understand why you expected it to be crafted in titanium... But of course SS is THE material for Panerai.. So yeah... Can't wait to see yours!! Cheers Sam
My 2 cents on the mare pieces...
This very model is the only one that I considered purchasing for preV piece... This model has a good balance between history and aestheticity ... it has a strong statement as a timepiece, and even better... Nobody wears it! I love to be different... Thoug...
I didn't know you have interest on this piece...
I agree with you on that.. But surprisingly some people call this watch "ugly"... So I suppose PAM300 also fits your criteria... I know you too well now Alex! Cheers! Sam
Seriously...
The aesthetic guy like always appreciate complexity... A chrono for me is definitely an added value, the more complex is one movement means the more valuable it is for me... The size though would be the real bugger for me... I would only stick to 44 and 4...
I might Stephen... :)
But... Things need to slow down a lil bit... I might Need to flip my fiddy for funding it.... The big question is: is that worth it? Losing one of the most iconic panerai piece for a mere special edition one...
Your Fiddy has an ETA, the 309 has a movement
WHose finish parallels a Lange. It is NOT a mere Special Edition, and when the years have been reached, you will see which one lasts. But since you seem to be a flipper, well what do you know about watches that last? Lol Ciao Stephen
That's the thing bro... being in the risti group....
i don't think it really matters for most of the ristis... since real pam enthusiasts appreciate more history than aesthetic... see how 249, 232 's prices are firmly taking over 233's price on the market... though their retails are only half of 233? Most r...
I agree with you with regards to case material for a PAM
As much as I love Platinum, it is a no no for me for a PAM case. For PAM's the best would be Titanium or Panerai Composite. I bet OP would have chosen these if they existed during that era. Yes, you are correct in what the market says, but you need to und...
illusive mare nostrum....
i have the same thoughts on any mare nosrtum... until 1 day i saw a buddy of mine (hansen) using his pam08.. nice patina + very "uncommon" panerai.... i jst feel after seing / having all those different dials / cases sooner or later u jst need to go "down...
Ah, nice to see you post here, Pak Nyoman!
Hope you are enjoying your Mare! Have you found a nicer strap? :-P Till the next time at far east plaza! hehe Cheers! Moses
looks like you're in Love. and you know what's Next ??!
You gonna Chase it in your Dreams till it's Actually/Finally on YOUR Wrist :0))))) sorry Sam. i have NO Experience with the MN Series. haven't seen them in the Flesh but they sure do look Great in Pictures.. however.i'm not sure about it's Size.!! . at 42...
Sam...STOP.....before you bankrupt us all...LOL
Great pics...now you got me thinking........ arrrghhhhhh toooooo many watches LOL
I always loved the Mare's until I had them on Sam...
Just could never really fall for one...tried more than a few and never came around...if you look up above though I finally found the Mare for me though
This is rare!!
Mare Nostrum is one of my long time favorite panerai since I've got infected by the OP virus. Congrats to your new acquisition. Best
