Hall of Fame: Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111

When it comes to Panerai, there’s often a division among watch enthusiasts. People either seem to love them or hate them. They’re certainly not for everyone with their 44mm and up sizing and not-so-subtle appearance. There’s also hundreds of references to wade through from the standard Luminor and Radiomir lines, as well as boutique specific special editions, yearly special editions, prototypes, re-issues, and historic Pre-Vendome pieces. I’m not going go into all the details and intricacies of the brand but I will expound on a very specific reference that is quintessential to the Italian manufacture, the Officine Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111.

If someone is looking for their first Panerai watch but unsure of where to start among the sea of references, the PAM 111 is almost always what I recommend. Don’t get me wrong, I love the vintage and historic Panerai’s like the 6152/1, 5218/202A, Mare Nostrum, or any Pre-V, however, for our Hall of Fame watches we like to feature tough-yet-classic watches that are accessible to most everyone in the market in terms of availability and price. There’s also a certain elegance the Radiomir line has but it’s the Luminor Marina PAM00111 with its historic roots, outstanding features, and unmistakable Panerai look with the “device protecting the crown” that ranks among our top. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. As a friend once said, “It’s the no-date Sub of Panerai,” and I’m inclined to agree.

As Panerai watches go, it’s relatively subtle. The 44mm 316L stainless steel case is large but not unreasonable, and Panerai no doubt makes them larger. Like most Panerai, it certainly has presence, but thanks to the movement’s dimensions, the case is not overly thick at 14.48mm and sits well on the wrist.

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111

Speaking of the movement, it is a hand wound COSC certified OP XI Calibre, which is based on the tough, reliable, and easily serviceable ETA 6497/2. It has been modified by Panerai with a swan’s neck regulator, completely redesigned bridges, Geneva stripes across the plates, and a power reserve of 56 hours. The early production 111’s from 2002-2005 had “Panerai” repeatedly engraved across the bridges in place of the newer Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes) but is mechanically the same. This good looking movement is displayed through the sapphire case back. Although it may lack some of the cutting edge technology of more contemporary ones, it is an uncomplicated tank of a movement that will last a lifetime.

Under the slightly domed and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the Luminor Marina PAM00111 has a simple, legible, classic Panerai dial with the 12, 3, 6 and sub-seconds at 9. Although many Paneristi are enthusiastic fans of the iconic Luminor Base watches, which are those with only the hour and minute hands with no seconds hand or complications, the sub-seconds has great historical significance within the Panerai mythos. Originally the Royal Italian Navy divers who had Panerai watches appreciated them for their toughness, reliability, and underwater legibility, but there was a need for an additional improvement. They requested a sub-seconds hand to be added. This was essential in the case of underwater missions where a difference of a few seconds could be of vital importance for the success of an operation. The “Marina” designation in the name refers to the sub-seconds. This adds a simple but effective feature to the dial, and it also helps to quickly identify if your timepiece is running.

view of the PAM 111’s sandwich dial, courtesy hqmilton.com

The earlier E, F, and G-series (2002-2005) feature a traditional painted dial. All models after the G-series have a sandwich dial. A sandwich dial is where the top layer of the dial has the numbers, markers, and sub-seconds cut out and then that piece is placed over a disk with Luminova so it creates a layered, or sandwich, effect and shows off that impressive Panerai lume. The versions with sandwich dials are a thing of beauty and add another dimension and layer of depth to the dial.

The PAM 111 is a watch you can dress up or dress down. With its robust construction and 300 meter depth rating, you can put it through the ringer with little worry mechanically. All in all it’s an extremely versatile piece. With the polished case, classic dial, and clean lines and proportions, the Panerai 111 looks good on damn near any strap you can find for it. And if you’re a Panerai fan, you know just how important that is. As with any other Panerai watch, this one comes with a presentation box and accessories appropriate for an expensive Swiss timepiece. Along with a very nice pearwood box, you’ll get a polishing cloth, rubber bezel protector, screwdriver for strap changes, and an additional rubber strap. Other manufactures should take a lesson from this.

Panerais aren’t for everyone. The less-than-restrained look and 44mm size of the 111 leads to a fairly conspicuous presence on the wrist that some people may have trouble pulling off. Yet it’s this look and size that’s part of the manufacture’s appeal. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the impact Panerai has made in and out of the watch industry, and the cult following they’ve garnered. The Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111 is a modern classic and archetypical Panerai; a timepiece that’s certainly deserving of the Wound For Life Hall of Fame.

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