Posts filed under Panerai

News: Panerai Presents the Luminor Sealand Special Edition PAM 847. Honoring the Year of the Horse with a 100 Piece Limited Edition.

Officine Panerai is pleased to present a special edition timepiece dedicated to the Year of the Horse - the PAM 00847 Luminor Sealand – with a 44 mm diameter case. The classic and iconic Luminor case features a hinged cover protector with a horse symbol hand engraved by Italian master craftsmen.  The technique of engraving is particularly painstaking – the grooves are made in the steel by a special tool called a 'sparsello' before being inlaid with threads of gold. The gold is inserted in repeated parallel layers and hammered until it completely fills the engraved outlines, thus defining and filling out the form of the horse. The process of inlaying the gold is carried out only after the cover has been engraved and polished, when even the smallest error could damage the work carried out earlier, so the work demands remarkable skill on the part of the craftsmen.

Few places in the world can pride themselves on a history and richness comparable to Florence. Emblematic of the Italian Renaissance and birthplace of some of the greatest geniuses of all time, Tuscany’s great city has inspired generations of thinkers and artists who have given the world many works of extraordinary beauty throughout the centuries. The excellence of Florence, like that of Italy in general, is always at its best in the combination of genius, craftsmanship, creativity and technical expertise in all forms of artistic expression. The Panerai Bottega in Florence, the first watch shop in the city, is still nourished by this culture, constantly striving towards its mission of balancing tradition and innovation.

This excellence of craftsmanship and Italian know-how is linked with Chinese culture in the Luminor Sealand. Dedicated to the Year of the Horse, the new Special Edition timepiece is limited to just 100 units and is part of the series created by Officine Panerai in honor of the signs of the Chinese Zodiac. The watch is the sixth in the exclusive series, which began in 2009 with the Special Edition created for the year of the Ox, followed by watches commemorating the year of the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon and the Snake. 

The protective conceals the minimalist grey dial which, in the classic Panerai style, features only a small seconds dial and date. This is fitted in a Luminor 44 mm case which, along with the device protecting the winding crown, is made entirely  of brushed AISI 316L stainless steel. The movement is the OP III calibre, hand-wound with a power reserve of 42 hours and C.O.S.C. certified. Available exclusively in Panerai boutiques throughout the world, the Luminor Sealand —PAM00847— is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters and it is supplied with a strap of soft brown leather, a second spare strap and a screwdriver.

For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, News and tagged Panerai Luminor Sealand PAM 847 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Destro PAM 557. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Following the big success of the Luminor 1950 3 Days ref. PAM 372 reviewed here launched two years ago and following its simple vintage inspired lines, Officine Panerai presented the Destro —left-handed— version of this watch during the SIHH 2014 last week in Geneva.

The new Luminor 1950 3 Days Destro ref. PAM 557 comes with the exact same specifications as its predecessor but with the crown and crown protector on the left side of the case. The reason for this choice lies in the history of Panerai, which more than 70 years ago produced examples designed for commandos who preferred to wear the watch on the right wrist, with the compass and depth gauge on the other wrist. The biggest difference between these two watches —besides the obvious crown positioning— is the vintage looking untreated natural calf strap fitted on the new Destro. Since we had our PAM 372 with us during our meeting with Panerai last week, we decided to take some side-by-side shots of the two siblings for your viewing pleasure.

Just like on the PAM 372 the watch is supplied with a second interchangeable strap —we ignore the look or color of it at this point—, a second plexiglas and a steel screwdriver.

Sticker Price $10,600 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Luminor 1950 3 Days ref. PAM 372 Luminor 1950 3 Days ref. PAM 557 Luminor 1950 3 Days Destro ref. PAM 557 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro 8 Days Titanio PAM 579. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Every detail of the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro —Left-Handed— 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 tells a piece of the history of Panerai watches. The new Special Edition, a unique edition limited to 300 units, reunites many of the characteristics designed and developed in the course of the thirties and forties for the Panerai watches made for the commandos of the Royal Italian Navy, integrating them perfectly with the technical solutions and materials of high quality modern sports watchmaking. The Luminor 1950 47 mm case of the new chronograph has a detail which has a striking effect on the design of the watch, derived from some of the historic models: the winding crown and the device for protecting it are fitted on the left side. The reason for this choice lies in the history of Panerai, which more than 70 years ago produced examples designed for commandos who preferred to wear the watch on the right wrist, with the compass and depth gauge on the other wrist. To keep the shape of the device protecting the crown aesthetically pure, the push-piece which controls all the chronograph functions is positioned on the right side of the watch, at two o’clock.

In spite of the case diameter of 47 mm, a classic size of the period models which were worn over the diving suit, its weight has been substantially reduced through the choice of titanium, a material which among other things is strongly resistant to corrosion and is also hypo-allergenic. Other elements which have their roots in the history of Panerai are the domed sapphire crystal protecting the dial and the matte tobacco brown sandwich dial formed of two superimposed plates enclosing the ecru luminous substance, visible through the holes cut in the upper part corresponding to the indexes. This structure, combined with the legendary cleanness of the dial design, ensures the greatest clarity and legibility even under the poorest lighting conditions.

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Through the transparent back the hand-wound P.2004/9 movement can be seen, revealing details of its original construction with large brushed finish bridges, chamfered and polished angles and screws with a mirror-polished finish. With its three spring barrels, the movement is supplied with a constant force for eight consecutive days and the power reserve indicator is on the back of the movement, so as to keep the design of the dial as minimalist as possible.

The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro —Left-Handed— 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 is the chronograph, which has a single push-piece to operate the starting, stopping and zeroing of the time interval being measured. Fitted with a column wheel, a component used in the most sophisticated movements because it provides the greatest accuracy, the chronograph also has a friction clutch, which avoids any uncertainty in the movement of the chronograph hand. The 30-minute chrono counter at nine o’clock stands out immediately because the hand does not move continuously but in jumps as it clicks forward one position for every minute that is recorded. The P.2004/9 calibre is also fitted with the device for zeroing the seconds hand at 3 o'clock whenever the crown is pulled out to guarantee the most accurate time setting. The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 is supplied with a strap of natural leather and a second strap made of rubber, as well as the screwdriver for replacing the buckle and the special tool for changing the strap. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Sticker Price $22,500 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Panerai PAM 579 Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio Panerai Calibre P.2004/9 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Oro Rosso With California Dial PAM 519. Live Pictures and Pricing.

The first chronograph made by Officine Panerai dates back to 1943, the year in which the prototype of the Mare Nostrum was presented to deck officers of the Italian Navy. This long experience lives on today in the wide range of Panerai chronographs, all with designs inspired by the models created in the thirties and forties and enhanced by technical content of high quality watchmaking, developed by the manufacture in Neuchâtel in a variety of calibres enabling enthusiasts to choose the functions best suited to stopping time in their own way: Chronograph, Chrono Flyback, Chrono Regatta Countdown, Chrono Monopulsante, Chrono Rattrapante. The 2014 collection includes new and exclusive chronographs which enhance Officine Panerai’s range in this chosen area of high quality sports watchmaking.

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This year at the SIHH 2014, Officine Panerai presented three vintage inspired chronographs all cased in precious metal Radiomir cushion shaped cases measuring 45mm diameter, plexiglas and fitted with the manual wound OP XXV calibre, developed on a Minerva 13-22 base. The Minerva manufacture has had historic links with Panerai since the 1920s, when the Swiss manufacturer was a supplier to the Florentine watchmaker.

The Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Oro Rosso PAM 519 is available in a limited edition of a 100 pieces just like the white gold Radiomir Chronograph Oro Bianco PAM 520. The PAM 519 is fitted with a beautiful 18K red gold —oro rosso— case, a gorgeous tobacco brown California dial with ecru superluminova, a running seconds register at 9, a 30-minute chrono counter at 3 o'clock and a tachymeter scale, all round out by an elegant brown alligator strap with red gold adjustable buckle that makes this watch look just perfect. The watch just like the other two chronographs in the new collection is fitted with a display case back where the beautifully finished calibre is fully visible. A real treat for the eyes.

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This beautiful watch is significantly lower priced when compared to the platinum version and in our opinion way more appealing. What can we say, we are suckers for tobacco brown dials perfectly contrasting against 18K red gold cases.

Sticker Price $58,500 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Oro Rosso PAM 519 Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chrono California Dial 2014.

SIHH 2014: Experience the Officine Panerai Pavilion. Filled with Historical Museum Pieces and Great Design.

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The Officine Panerai pavilion was one of our favorites at the SIHH 2014. Filled with very interesting pieces from their museum collection, the pavilion was very nicely executed and for sure a real treat for the eyes. Not to mention the large number of novelties that were unveiled, the historical museum pieces on display included several compasses, a 1950, a Mare Nostrum and a 3646 California dial amongst others. We apologize in advance for the light reflections on the watches on display, but as we've said it before the light was not conducive for proper photography. We really hope Panerai can work on their lights for next year.

Now pretend you were there with us and enjoy the pictures.

For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Officine Panerai SIHH 2014 Pavilion 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Presents the Pocket Watch 3 Days in Red Gold PAM 447 and White Gold PAM 529. Live Pictures and Pricing.

The absolute purity of Panerai’s design achieves an unprecedented and exclusive expression in the new gold pocket watches, two extremely elegant Special Editions of only 50 units each: the Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Rosso —red gold— PAM 447 and the Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Bianco —white gold— PAM 529. The pocket watch is one of the most elegant and sophisticated masculine accessories, thanks to its association with the not-so-distant past when a gentleman would never have thought of wearing his timepiece on his wrist: until the early years of the century wristwatches were largely seen as a lady’s accessory. It was only during the First World War that the wearing of wristwatches began to spread among men, gradually transforming the pocket watch as an everyday item into an exclusive rarity, reserved for connoisseurs and collectors. In the first decades of the 20th century, Panerai’s Orologeria in Florence was a popular destination for anyone looking for a pocket watch, as is expressed by the inscription “Orologi da tasca delle principali marche svizzere” —Pocket watches of the main Swiss brands— on the window facing the Baptistery in Piazza San Giovanni.

The new Pocket Watch 3 Days models are renewing this tradition, and enhancing it with the high quality watchmaking content of the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. The case of the new Panerai pocket watches has the simple, perfect cushion shape of the Radiomir, the first prototypes of which date from 1936. Available in red gold and white gold, the polished case 50 mm in diameter has a single gold bow surrounding the winding crown at 12 o’clock, instead of the classic wire strap attachments. The bow is where you secure the beautifully done chain measuring close to 16 inches in length and a design inspired by nautical chains. Like the case, it is made entirely in red gold or white gold, terminated by two hooks of the same material which engage easily and securely.

The dial of the watch is in the classic Panerai style, with large baton hour markers and numerals at the cardinal points, and it has the sun-brushed finish which endows both versions – anthracite for the white gold model and brown for the red gold – with a sophisticated appearance of great depth. The new pocket watches reproduce the construction which has been typical of Panerai dials since the 1930s: two superimposed discs enclose a layer of ecru Super-LumiNova, which shines with exceptional brightness through the apertures in the upper disc corresponding to the hour markers. This structure ensures remarkable legibility even under conditions of very poor light.

As is often the case with precious objects of understated elegance, it is the back of the watch that hides the most fascinating surprise for enthusiasts of high quality watchmaking. The large round cover concealing the movement can easily be opened in order to admire the finish of the in-house calibre P.3001/10, completely developed and made in the Officine Panerai manufacture at Neuchâtel. Hand-wound with a power reserve of three days and power reserve indication —with luminova on the indicator hand— set in the back, the P.3001/10 calibre is presented for the first time in a new version, with the bridges and the two barrels skeletonised and with chamfered polished angles. The skeletonizing enables the finish and sophistication of the details of the movement to be observed, such as the wheel work and the gilded engraving. It also reveals the operation of the calibre, for example, the unwinding and winding of the springs in the barrels as the watch is running or while it is being wound. A fascinating spectacle which is protected and concealed from view by means of the polished cover, the outside of which can be personalized with engraving. The calibre P.3001/10 is composed of 210 components and provides a power reserve of 3 days.

Consistent with the history of the brand, every Panerai watch has a high degree of water-resistance and the two new models, the Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Bianco and the Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Rosso, are no exception, being guaranteed to resist a pressure of five atmospheres —equivalent to a depth of about 50 meters. The exquisite mahogany box specially made to contain the watch also includes a special stand on which the watch can be placed when it is not being worn, turning it into a unique table clock.

Sticker Price $71,800 USD Rosso —red gold— and $75,700 USD Bianco —white gold.

For more info on Panerai click here.

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Panerai Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Rosso PAM 447 Panerai Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Bianco PAM 529 Panerai Calibre P.3001/10 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Presents 6 New Luminor Base 8-Days Watches Featuring Calibre P.5000. Live Pictures and Pricing.

This week at the SIHH 2014 Officine Panerai unveiled six new Luminor Base 8-Days watches featuring the manual wound calibre P.5000 with an 8-day power reserve. This calibre combines two key characteristics which are part of the history of Panerai watches since the first models created for the Italian Navy commandos by being manual wound and by having an 8-day power reserve. The calibre P.5000 has a diameter of 35.7 mm and a thickness of 4.5 mm, 21 jewels, 127 components and its balance wheel oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz, equivalent to 21,600 vph. Its original, very strong structure recalls that of old movements in which the mechanism was contained between two plates concealing most of the wheels and allowing only a few details to be seen, such as the balance cock and the intermediate wheel. All these watches come with a case measuring 44mm in diameter and all models with the exception of the PAM 590 are fitted with a display case back allowing unobstructed view of the beautifully finished calibre. All new models feature a sandwich type dial with the exception of the white dial models. Now let's move on to the live pictures of each watch and the pricing. We apologize in advance for the images but the light was literally terrible at the Panerai pavilion.

The new models in the line-up of the Luminor Base 8-Days collection from left to right in the top and bottom pictures are:

Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. PAM 590 Special Edition in stainless steel with black dial and subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock —available for sale only in North America— fitted with a gorgeous tan color Assolutamente calf strap. Sticker Price $7,700 USD.

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Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. PAM 562 Titanium model with tobacco colored dial and dark tobacco leather strap. Sticker Price $8,300 USD.

Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 563 Stainless steel watch with white dial, black Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock. Sticker Price $8,100 USD.

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Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 560 Stainless steel watch with black dial and black leather strap. Sticker Price $7,800 USD.

Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 564 Titanium model with tobacco colored dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock and dark tobacco strap. Sticker Price $8,600 USD.

Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 561 Stainless steel watch with white dial and black Arabic numerals and tan leather strap. Sticker Price $7,800 USD.

Now, let's add a wristshots of our favorite model in the line-up. We already want this special edition watch PAM 590 really bad. In our opinion this is the best execution in the line-up with the PAM 564 as a close contender. Perhaps what we like about this watch so much is that is very reminiscent of the PAM 203 but in a mini version with black hands.

For more info on Panerai SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.

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Posted on January 26, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 561 Stainless steel Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 560 Stainless steel Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 562 Titanium Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 563 Stainless Steel Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 564 Titanium Panerai Luminor Base 8-Days Ref. 590 Special Edition Panerai Novelties SIHH 2014 Panerai Calibre P.5000 2014.

SIHH 2014: Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Platino Limited Edition of 50 Pieces. Live Pictures and Pricing.

The chronographs that every Paneristi was expecting were finally unveiled this week. Three fascinating chronograph references in precious metals had been added to Panerai's Special Editions collection. The Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Platino PAM 518 is fitted with a platinum case measuring 45mm in diameter, screw-down flat winding crown, polished chronograph pushers and a gorgeous vintage looking ivory dial with luminous dots, pulsometer scale, minute chapter ring and chronograph blued hands. The dial is perfectly balanced with a running seconds register at 9 and a 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock. This new Panerai along with the other two chronographs that were presented this week, is fitted with a Minerva manual wound movement Panerai OP XXV calibre with 22 jewels, Glucydur balance, swan’s neck regulator and the movement provides a power reserve of 55 hours while beating at a frequency of 18,000 vph. The movement is fully visible via the display case back and a real treat for the eyes. To enhance the vintage appearance of this Radiomir 1940, Panerai decided to fit the line with plexiglass instead of sapphire crystals and a nicely finished brown alligator strap with white gold buckle. The Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Platino PAM 518 is only available in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

Sticker Price $78,000 USD. For more info on Panerai SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, SIHH and tagged Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Platino PAM 518 Panerai PAM 518 2014.

Experience: Rob Montana The Strap Smith. Enhancing the Vintage Look of Watches.

Rob Montana the man behind The Strap Smith comes from a lineage of leather makers and son to a 4-H leather instructor. Rob is one of six children that grew up surrounded by the world of leather in a small town in northwest Montana and a man that enjoys the outdoors, racing motorcycles, sailing, traveling, backpacking, rock climbing and skiing and someone that became a full time strap maker in 2007 after quitting his day job.

Since he was a little kid he had been fascinated with watches but never thought he would be able to afford a really nice watch. Through his appreciation for high quality hand made items with great attention to detail he runs one of the most successful vintage strap businesses in the watch world and a name that is synonym for some of the best vintage aftermarket straps for Panerai, Bell & Ross, Rolex, IWC, U-BOAT, Breitling, Tudor and many others. Rob had even outfitted Jay Leno's watches with his straps.  

Few leather straps come with so much passion as those from The Strap Smith handmade by Rob in Whitefish, Montana. Whitefish is a small town with a population of 6,357 and home to a ski resort on Big Mountain called Whitefish Mountain Resort right next to Glacier National Park. Rob Montana's name is not only very well known in the Paneristi community but also at the headquarters of Detroit based Shinola, whom he's been working with on everything leather related. Rob is an adventure seeker and watch collector that started his collection with a Fortis Chronograph and quickly grew into Panerai with a PAM 88. Today, the Panerai PAM 243 is his favorite and daily wearer.

Rob's vintage straps are made out of World War I vintage ammo pouches from Sweden. Even though, Rob offers a wide selection of custom straps through his website, nothing compares to the rugged and vintage nature of these straps with their particular musty smell that you can even notice when your watch is sitting next to your bed on your night stand.

All Rob Montana straps are hand cut, hand stitched and marked by Rob out of his workshop in Montana. What makes these straps even more unique —other than the interesting provenance of the leather— is that Rob is one of the few true full-time custom strap makers in the U.S.; therefore, every order is personal, from the first email a customer receives to the postage label that was placed with Rob's hands. All straps are custom made to order and you can choose everything from the the type of leather to be used for your strap to the length, the width, type of buckle, strap perforations and even the stitching. You could also just choose no buckle and use your own OEM buckle. In this case we wanted to add a little bit more character to the strap and decided to go with the PIG/SLC in negative relief.

If you are looking to enhance even more the vintage look of your your PAM 372 Luminor 1950 3 Days or any other Panerai from the historical collection, make sure you get one of these vintage straps fitted with a PIG buckle. As you can see, the color on the strap we fitted to the 372 is a perfect match to the luminova on the dial and with this change the watch became even more appealing and way more vintage looking.

On the wrist, the strap feels very solid, comfortable and the desired vintage look is just unparalleled. The strap is very thick but very supple at the same time and the contrast stitching is the cherry on top of the cake.

Sticker Price Starting at $200 USD. For more info on The Strap Smith click here.

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Panerai and tagged Panerai PAM 372 Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Rob Montana Straps The Strap Smith by Rob Montana 2013.

Rare Bird: Pre-Vendome Panerai Luminor Marina ref. 5218-203/A Serial Number 0002. A Full Set Up for Auction and a Paneristi Dream Come True. (Update with Hammer Price)

Today, we stopped by Chicago's leading auction house Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and found several amazing timepieces going for sale during their Fine Timepieces Auction Sale 280 taking place this next Monday December 9th at 5:30pm CST. Among the rarities and special timepieces to be auctioned, we came across Lot 51, an amazing mint Pre-Vendome Panerai Luminor Marina ref. 5218-203/A in a full set accompanied by its outer blue box, wooden box, Panerai booklet with certificate dated November 9th, 1994, service documentation affixed to the booklet, additional brand new and unused Panerai Pre-Vendome strap, Panerai screwdriver and even a set of four new screws for those that tend to mar their screws when changing straps.

This amazing watch is fitted with a titanium nitrate treated stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter, a matte black dial with small seconds at 9 o'clock and fitted with the manual wound Unitas calibre UT6497. Only 200 pieces were ever made of this timepiece and we consider this watch to be even more special because of its extremely low serial number 0002. This is what we call "a true Panerai collector's dream come true". Our educated guess, is that this watch will be selling on Monday around the low of the estimate which is set at $35,000-55,000 USD. Update: The watch fetched a hammer price of $30,000 USD yesterday evening.

We will know let the rest of our pictures, do the talking. Please do not use this images or our content as your buying guide or condition report for this watch, as only Leslie Hindman Auctioneers can provide you with such information.

For more info on Leslie Hindman Auctioneers click here.  

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai, Watch Auctions and tagged Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Pre-Vendome Panerai Luminor Marina ref. 218-203/A Pre-Vendome Panerai Luminor Marina ref. 218-203/A Serial 0002 Unitas Calibre UT6497 2013.

Insider: Micah Dirksen Vintager Mauser Straps. A True Outfitter to the Paneristi Community.

Few leather straps come with so much history, love and passion for watches as the Vintager Straps handmade by Micah Dirksen. Micah is a very well known name in the Paneristi community. Who knows how many Panerais out there are fitted with his straps, but one thing we know, is that when you order one of his straps you fully understand why his reputation is so impeccable.

Micah started collecting Swatch watches when he was a teenager and at that time he was also very fascinated by Rolex; however, money wasn't there to buy one. When finances allowed, he purchased his first Rolex to coincide with the birth year of his son and after many years collecting Rolexes, he found out that Panerai and Rolex had an intertwined history and became quite interested in them. Ironically, he was a "bracelet only" kind of guy, today, he outfits most Paneristi with his straps.

Micah's vintage Mauser straps are made out of vintage —from the 1900s thru the 1950s but mainly from the 1940s— Mauser ammo pouches from Switzerland and the former Czech Republic. The rugged and vintage nature of these straps is present all the way from their look to the musky smell of their leather. All straps are hand cut, hand stitched and marked by Micah out of his workshop in Napa Valley. To make a Mauser vintage strap, he uses one whole Mauser ammo pouch. As he says: "one pouch, one strap".

Many straps out there are made by guys that make these as a hobby and others just put their names on them after having someone make them on their behalf. What makes these straps even more unique —other than the interesting provenance of the leather— is that Micah is a full-time custom strap maker; therefore, every order is personal, from the first email a customer receives to the postage label that was placed with Micah's hands. All straps are custom made to order and you can choose everything from the the Mauser pouch to be used for your strap to the length, the width, type of buckle, strap perforations and even the stitching. You could also just choose no buckle and use your own OEM buckle just like we did.

If you are looking to add a true vintage look to your PAM 388 Radiomir Black Seal 3-Day Automatic or to any other Panerai with strong historical influence, make sure you get one of these Vintager Straps from Micah. As you can see, the watch obtained more character and the fit of the strap is just perfect. On the wrist, the strap feels solid, comfortable and the desired vintage look is unparalleled. For those of you that want to darken your strap since day one, Micah will send you a small can of Dr. J's paste to get the patina and greasy look going.

Now, since we know that many of you are already wondering why Micah chose an octopus as his logo, here's the answer: because he felt that the octopus clearly represents what the original Panerai watches were all about, a rugged durable diver's watch.

Sticker Price Starting at $210 USD. For more info on Micah Vintager Straps click here.

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Panerai and tagged Vintager Straps Micah Dirksen Napa Valley Watch Straps 2013.

Insider: Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT. Classic, Robust and Versatile on a Swedish Gustav Strap.

The Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT a.k.a. PAM 233 is one of the most robust Panerais out there and one of the most beautiful ones. This particular watch belongs to a close friend and watchlifestyler that is often traveling around the Americas; therefore, the need for a long lasting power-reserve and the ability to read time in two time zones is the reason why he purchased this lovely reference.

While the case on the PAM 233 only measures 44 mm in width, it wears more like a 46 or 48 mm due to its thickness and super domed crystal. This gorgeous Panerai is fitted with the hand-wound Panerai in-house calibre P.2002 with a power-reserve of eight days. The dial, just like on other Panerais, has a simple and clean design and it includes a linear power-reserve indicator, a second time zone, a 24-hour indicator and a date aperture at 3 o'clock.

This watch comes originally fitted with a black calf strap, a second interchangeable rubber strap and a large size Panerai steel buckle; however, in this case, the strap on the watch is a Swedish Gustav Ammo by Greg Stevens Designs and a Piotr buckle. The ability to swap straps is one of the most appealing attributes of a Panerai watch and the only way one can obtain that ultra rugged vintage look while wearing one.

The rugged look of the Swedish Gustav strap can only be matched by a Rob Montana strap. In order to facilitate the strap change process, several years ago Panerai added a push-piece quick-release mechanism to the lugs so that the owners would be able to switch straps in less than one minute. Long gone are the days of spending five minutes on a strap change and often scratching the sides of the case with the screwdriver. Thank you Panerai.

As with other Panerais, the super luminova on the dial is very bright and long lasting. If you like to tell time at night, you won't have a problem wearing this watch.

This PAM 233 is a perfect fit for watchlifestylers that like outdoor adventures. So next time you embark on that hunting trip make sure this timepiece is tucked under the cuff of that Barbour jacket that you've been wearing since 1994.  

Sticker Price $15,900 USD. For more info click here.  

Posted on June 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai and tagged Officine Panerai Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT Panerai PAM 233 Swedish Gustav Ammo Strap Greg Stevens Designs Panerai Hand-Wound Calibre P.2002 2013.

Insider: Panerai Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days. Tradition and Character.

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The Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days clearly evokes the earlier days of Officine Panerai back in Firenze. In our opinion, this is one of the best balanced Panerais out there. This watch has a very solid and sturdy case measuring 44mm, sapphire display case back, black sandwich dial with superluminova—date aperture at 3 and small running seconds at 9—, 3-day power reserve, trademarked crown-guard, depth-rating to 300m/1000ft and houses Panerai's caliber P.9000—composed of 197 parts and 28 jewels.

This watch is definitely one that can be worn as a daily beater.

This Panerai is laying on top of a Chinese New Year 'Full Box'. This particular watch is very important to the watchlifestyler that owns it as he tied the knot wearing it on such an important and special occasion. The elegant look of the crocodile strap, is a perfect match to the delicate lacquered finish on the box. This 'Full Box' was gifted to our watch lifestyler by his mother as a symbol of good luck and well wishes for the new family that he recently formed with his beautiful wife. 

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Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Hong Kong and most of Asia. Lasting for 15 days, it’s the time of year to visit family and friends, clean the house, tie up any loose ends and start fresh for the upcoming new year. Flowers, lucky plants, lanterns and auspicious red couplets decorate the house. Certainly it is the most festive and happy time of year for Chinese watch stylers.

The 'Full Box' is a snack container specially designed for festive occasions in Southern China. The traditional box is usually made out of lacquered wood or modern designed high-end bakelite. Full boxes are generally round, octagonal or square in shape. Inside the box you'll find dividers that contain different types of sweets or snacks. According to the Chinese tradition, each family will prepare a 'Full Box' during Chinese New Year and share it with visiting guests as a symbol of their hospitality.

Just like this 'Full Box', the Panerai Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days exudes character, tradition and refinement. Good luck to all the Paneristis out there.   

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Panerai and tagged Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days Officine Panerai Firenze PAM 312 Full Box 2013.