Comments:
The ignored ones.....
Few year ago, Panerai came out with a new material: the composite. To say that it turned out to be a veritable...nightmare...would be a euphemism, of course. Panerai manifactured few models with this new material and although most of the Paneristi ran head long in the opposite direction, the few of us that bought them like them to pieces. The mainstream Paneristi, though, would touch them with a 10ft bargepole. Hence the...ignored ones 
PAM339 and PAM375
My recollection was that the 339 was pretty popular until the issues arose and folks began to post pictures.
At the time, 10 years ago, I thought it was a pretty cool watch.
Was there ever any resolution to the issues with the caseback? Or was it just that for some people all was good and others the watches needed to be returned?
You're right...
..when it was announced, the 339 was a very sought after model. Heck, to get mine I had to do a somersault or two. I clinched the deal with my Panerai's pusher when I put cash and a brand new PAM411 Firenze, on the scales Lollllll The new material and the Marina Militare on the dial (roumored to be the last MM, since Lochman managed to get the Italian Navy endorsment). After the flaking, though, it went straight to..skid row..and never quite made it back
Both are desirable, but too fragile. I liked the PAM 339 a little more, too bad the coating peeled off.
339
I enjoy my 339 a lot and have never had a problem with it. Looks real cool on the wrist and very light.
