A true classic, this particular Panerai Luminor is made from lightweight titanium. Model reference PAM00177
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
We saw the paperwork for this watch before we bought it, but sadly the seller scratched off the name of the buyer ‘for data protection reasons’. While this is nonsense, and quite annoying, we do know the watch was sold in 2005.
CONDITION
Panerai have a long and happy history. Initially set up on the Ponte alle Grazie bridge in Florence, they quickly gained a good reputation and expanded. You can read more about their history here, which also tells us this Luminor case style was first used in 1950 when it was specified for the Italian Navy. The design has three very distinct design points. The size is big, even for today. The second is the sandwich dial that has cut outs to reveal the lume. And the third is the crown guard, making it very difficult to accidently have the crown pulled out to set the hands – fatal for a dive watch.
We have wanted one of these for a while, and while it would be lovely to have a watch from pre 1993, but these are very scarce and extremely expensive – an early one with a Rolex movement can fetch £100,000+. So we decided we didn’t want the base model that doesn’t have a seconds hand, and we didn’t want the logo dial for a more classic look. Ideally we wanted an exhibition case back, as it looks good, and we wanted the 44mm case and manual wind. The thing that always put us off is the fear that the watch would be too heavy, so when we found our ideal specification with a lightweight Titanium case we took our chance.
The case does have a few marks, but they are not severe. The sapphire crystal is perfect, as is the dial and hands. The movement is a Unitas 6497 based calibre, nicely finished to Panerai’s standards, and all is running well. On the rubber strap with Panerai deployant clasp the watch weighs 116g, so still quite heavy but not ridiculous. In the box is a new brown leather Panerai strap and the screwdriver to assist changing this over.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box, damaged warranty card, screwdriver and spare leather strap, and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 49.6 mm
Width without crown 44.0 mm
Between lugs 24 mm
Lug to lug length 52.9 mm
Case Thickness 15.2 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 6 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
