Officine Panerai

21 months with the 372

 

For some time now I have thought to speak about the remarkable PAM372.  I purchased mine in November of 2011 from the incredible Chad at the Beverly Hills Boutique.  It has been worn many times over that period and has performed flawlessly.  It is a very accurate timepiece as well.

The first detail so many of us long time Panerai fans became enamored with - the sunken and paint filled "LUMINOR PANERAI".  It looks so awesome and different from other PAMs.

Next for me, the case.  I have posted before that the most interesting and alluring part of any watch to me is the case design.  This 47mm PAM372 has this criteria nailed.  I really like the shape of the bezel - it angles out away from the case and then back up towards the plexiglass crystal.  It is a super design.

I am also a big fan of the brushed steel crown protector set against the polished steel case.  I like cases with multiple finishes.

The watch came on a very nice vintage distressed strap.  It is super pliable and looks very good with the vintage colored dial patina.  After a few months with that combo I still decided to change to the Assolutamente strap.  This is the most perfect OEM strap Panerai has introduced, IMO.  I rank the original "Jules Verne" strap and 1950 cashmere strap just behind this one.  All great options, but the Assolutamente really has the most perfect vintage calf look of any strap I have ever tried.  The supplied buckle is a 26mm brushed steel variant.  The strap retains its 26mm width from the lugs to the buckle.

I have worn the watch like that until very recently, when after a 4 or 5 month wait Chad called me to tell me my custom ordered green nylon strap had arrived.  I have to thank Patrick for posting a shot of this strap on his 382.  Of course the strap is a perfect match for a nice bronze case with a patina, but I also felt it would give a real military look and feel to the 372.

I think the combo works very well.  The strap is super pliable and comfortable on the wrist.  The texture of the strap also presents a nice juxtaposition to the many smooth surfaces of the PAM372.

A few more comments on the 372.  It is my first plexiglass crystal watch.  I had read about how soft it is and prone to hairline scratches.  These facts are true.  I have never smacked my 372's crystal off of anything (despite its massive size) and it still shows the infamous hairlines.  I think a process many watch collectors go through is dealing with scratches and how they handle them when first spotted.  When I started collecting years ago, the slightest scratch or imperfection would bug me.  I'm happy to say that a few years ago this issue went away for me.  I have always worn every watch I have bought, and don't have any "safe queens".  I have really come to appreciate the many hairline scratches on my 372's crystal.  It does add to the vintage look and feel of this watch.  And if that is a concern, Panerai includes a second replacement crystal in the packaging, and the owner can have that swapped out down the road.

The gold hands are sized just right and pop off the very black dial.  The sandwich dial construction adds a sense of depth and enhances the look.  I forgot to snap a movement photo for this post, but the 3 day manual wind P3000 movement is really superb.  Let's face it - this is a modern watch in terms of production, and I have no qualms about Panerai using an in-house movement to power the watch.  It has a large diameter and is well suited for the case.  I also find the quick hour setting position to be quite handy.  If you let this watch stop and go to reset it, it is a very easy and quick process.  Winding the 372 is a nice feeling.  It is crisp, and while it has more resistance and is not quite as smooth as a higher end movement, it is satisfying and appropriate for the watch. 

I suppose if I could change anything about the watch I would prefer a solid caseback.  But that is a rather minor grip about a rather near-perfect timepiece.

On the wrist... well, that is always what is most special about a Panerai.  I have found some watches look great in photos and don't do it on the wrist.  The 372 is certainly not in that category; it looks great in photos and on the wrist it really is better.  47mm certainly makes for a very large watch, but I believe small to average wrist sizes can pull it off.  My wrist is not huge in diameter but rather flat on top, and the case sits just fine on me.

I am not as caught up with Panerai as I was 10 years ago.  There are various reasons for that, but at the forefront is perhaps that this PAM is the first one that leaves me hoping for nothing else.  Sure, I find some of the other Panerai models tempting, but the PAM372 really is the most incredible and pleasurable Panerai I have ever owned.  If you have never strapped one on, give it a try, and discover the real charm that is pure Panerai.

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