Officine Panerai

I have, and in fact, this PAM87 3 times!  My very first Panerai, purchased in 2001, was the PAM87 D series.  In many ways, this watch is nothing short of a controversial offering from Panerai, and as we look back, we can see the dangerous trail this watch has blazed.  Of course, I am referring to the fact that in 2000, Panerai launched the famous PAM64 Limited Edition "La Bomba" 1000 meter Submersible with a black dial and silver sub seconds.  Merely 1 year later, Panerai would bring out the exact same watch in a regular edition, changing only the dial color.  Not the kind of news that is well received by brand collectors and passionate fans.

For me, I had the choice of either dial at the time, and I elected to purchase the 87D.

I happen to have a photo of a PAM64C next to my last sample, the 87H.  At this point, the 87 had undergone its dial change from the E to F series.  The 87 D/E watches had a lighter shade of blue and dial features more similar to the 64.  The big differences you can see below are the position and style of the hour markers.  On the 87, starting with the F series, the markers became trimmed in steel and pushed to the edge of the dial, interrupting the white minute track.

You can also see some refinement in the markings on the bezel.

This photo really captures the dial shade of the 87F-H dials.

This watch used Tritium markers right up to the end of its production.  Not the best lume photo below, but the 1000m was easily read in low light situations.

I enjoyed the 87H on the newer style Panerai rubber strap and it paired quite well.  This watch is perhaps the most top heavy piece I have ever worn, and a rigid strap helped control the weight.

Panerai has tweaked the bezel of the Submersible series many times over the years.  I always thought the style used on the 87 was just right, with the varying weight black 15 minute scale, size and style of the 5 minute extruded metal circles, and edge coining.

Once subtle detail to set apart the PAM87 from its predecessor was the cool "1000m" marking on the rotating lever.

A watch of this brute size is best worn with short sleeves, and in tough environments.  Some collectors speak about "desk diving" and wear their watch picks up from the normal routine.  When you have a Panerai 44mm 1000m watch strapped on, it is not the watch that is in danger, but anything else that might encounter it.

And with longer sleeves, you need a loose cuff to clear this monster.

I'm not certain why I did not keep my PAM87H.  It was the last of the 87s, a small edition of 300 pieces if I recall correctly.  I do miss it.  Enough to acquire it for the 4th time?  Well, never say never, and 4 is my favorite number ;-)

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