Officine Panerai watches are well known for their oversized dimension. Despite having a large variety of diameters between 38mm to 60mm, the majority of the product line is reserved for the 44-47mm range respectively. Considering the brand’s connection with naval world, we are not surprised to see a Depth Gauge equipped timepiece from the brand… On the paper only…
PAM307 hit the stores with a limited production number of 500 pieces in 2008. In fact, it is the successor of the previous version PAM193 limited to 600 pieces only. The model is named after the explorer Mike Horn’s 35meter boat ’’ Pangea ‘’ that he used for his 4 years adventure. Panerai is one of sponsors for Horn.
This unique timepiece features a 47mm diameter case made of titanium. When we take a look at the brand’s 47mm collection, we see that the average thickness of the models with that specific case diameter is between 13 and 18mm. However, PAM307 sports a massive thickness of 23mm..! Undoubtedly, the major reason for that insane figure is the Depth Gauge module (that we are going to talk about later). In terms of wrist presence, PAM307 provides an extreme look with its massive thickness.
Thanks to the lower mass weight of titanium, the total weight including the rubber strap and the buckle is nicely balanced at 180 grams. The domed designed case back helps to get the best results in terms of wearing comfort. Don’t get me wrong here, best results for ‘’this watch’’.
The front side sports a 3mm thick sapphire crystal. Rotating diver’s bezel and Luminor style crown guard are the other visual details.
As we mentioned before, PAM307 is actually professional diving equipment with a Depth Gauge feature. Within the massive case, there is a lithium-ion battery powered module for the Depth Gauge function. METAS approved module is activated with the push button located at 10 o’clock position.
When you press the button, the Depth Gauge indicator hand moves to display your last dive’s Depth rate. The module switches to OFF position after a 6 seconds delay. When you press the same button for 6 seconds, the indicator hand resets to zero and gets set to measure your next dive. The module continuously measures the Depth rate in every 1.25 seconds. It is effectively precise with a +/- 20cm tolerance. The Depth Gauge module can measure the Depth 4 times in a row and it offers 500h operating period before battery change. In case the battery’s power reserve gets critically low, PAM307 warns the user with a beeping sound alarm.
The module can work at 120 meters maximum Depth; therefore the WR rating is limited to the same figure accordingly.
Time display function of PAM307 is powered by the automatic movement Caliber OP XV like the similar timepieces of the same era and collection. The movement is based on the Caliber ETA Valjoux 7750-P1 which is exclusively simplified by removing its chronograph functions. OP XV beats at 28800vph and offers 42h power reserve when fully wound.
Unlike its predecessor PAM193 with black dial and tritium applied indices, PAM307 features a deep blue dial and SuperLuminova filled indices and hands. The successor also sports the super practical easy strap change system as well which eliminates the need for screws and (possible scratch marks) in favor of user friendly push pins.
As per the rest of the Submersible product range, PAM307 comes on an accordion type rubber strap in black color. 26mm x 22mm measuring strap offers a comfortable wear and a nicely balanced placing on the wrist however, I would strongly suggest an aged leather strap to soften the tool watch appearance and add some spice to the looks.
Obviously, Panerai Luminor 1950 Pangea Submersible Depth Gauge PAM00307 is a groundbreaking model in terms of being extra ordinary. Unfortunately, we cannot tell the same for wearing comfort as if you do not have a pair of Hulk wrists, you may end up looking absurd with this one on your wrist.
Way back in January 1950, a patent was granted for a luminous material called Luminor that could be used on watch dials. Now, on the 70th anniversary of that innovation, Panerai is releasing a trio of Luminor Marina models to celebrate – and, as you might imagine, they make creative use of lume well beyond the typical applications on hands and dial markings.
The trio of watches we have here share a lot in common, though they each present something unique too. All of them are 44mm across and use a case in the familiar Panerai Luminor Marina profile, with the oversized, locking crown guard, the short, robust lugs, and the round, sloped bezel set on top of the cushion-shaped case. They also all use the in-house P.9010 movement, which is an in-house movement with a three-day power reserve. These watches are iconic for a reason: They’re distinctive while also feeling natural in a way, like a thing that has always existed. What makes each of the three models unique is what that case is made of. The PAM 1117 uses titanium, the PAM 1118 uses Carbotech (which you may remember from this watch), and the PAM 1119 uses Fibratech, another lightweight and super tough material that’s well suited to a watch like this.
But while the interesting case materials are plenty cool, what these watches are really all about is that lume. It’s the reason for their creation and Panerai fully embraced that idea. The lume in all three watches is a new grade of Super-LumiNova called “X1” that Panerai says is stronger and longer-lasting than other variants, letting them use it in the structural elements of the watch themselves. You’ve got the typical sandwich dial with lume on the lower layer, which lights up the time-telling functions, but there’s also lume in the inner bezel ring, on elements of the crown and crown guard, and even in the stitching on the strap. Catching one of these watches glowing at night must be a sight to see. Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to give you some first-hand impressions of this soon enough.
Now, here’s the icing on the cake: Since these are celebrating a 70th anniversary, Panerai is guaranteeing these watches for 70 years. They’re only available at Panerai boutiques, and for that duration, you’ll be able to bring them back to a Panerai boutique for service any time one is needed. There are, of course, all kinds of conditions to this that are outlined in the official paperwork that comes with each watch, but that’s one heck of a warranty right there.