Officine Panerai

amanico
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Panerai SIHH 2014: Luminor 1950 Left Handed, Ref Pam 557.

If you loved the Pam 372, the Luminor 1950, born in 2011, if I remember well, I think you will love the Pam 557, which is the left handed version of the Pam 372.

Let's first have a quick look at the Pam 372.

A superb case, a Cal 3000 which offers a 3 days power reserve, manual winding movement, a plexy for the dial side, and a sapphire for the back side, a water resistance to 100 meters, which is enough for most of the situations.

And let's not forget a superb dial, consecrating in a strong way the " less is more " rule.

Pam 372:





The Destro version of the 372, the Ref Pam 557, makes me think about the Pam 127 / 217 duo, you know, those big Panerais we used to call the Fiddy and the Destro, housing an ETA movement, and displaying a small second at 9 o clock, respectively born in 2002 and 2005.

Three years separated them, as it is the case for the Pamv 372 and the 557.

The Pam 557 shares the same spirit than the Pam 372, the same dial and the same movement, but with this special touch, allure and look, due to the presence of the crown and its typical protection at 9 o clock.

Two press files pictures of the Pam 557:





My pictures, taken during the SIHH, now:









If you are an old school Panerai Fan, you will not stay insensible to this " Destro ". It has a lot of the Panerai DNA, the character, the sobriety, despite its big size, and the natural power of the time keepers from the Firenze Brand.

Even the strap is pleasant, with this vintage look.

One small, very small reserve, though, about the movement.

For a supposed diving Watch, a 3 days power reserve is a tad short.

Indeed, most of the brands, Panerai included, understood that a short power reserve will lead to wind the movement too often, which will quickly ruin the seal of the crown.

That is why all the brands decided to use an automatic movement OR a 7 / 8 Days movement.

That is why Panerai changed the Rolex Cortebert movement for the Angelus 8 Days.

I would have preferred to see Panerai housing the the P 5000, which offers an autonomy of 8 days, for the 372 and this 557.

Would I consider that small reserve as a No Go for this Watch? Certainly not!

I put it on my wrist, and I immediately remembered why I loved Panerai...

Though, the 372 will always remain my first choice. Because I always had a problem with the " Destros ". BUT the 557 hs a lot of charm.

Another last detail: Panerai had the good taste to not make the 557 in a limited edition. A Watch which, like the 372, will not be for the Flippers, but for the true, authentic, passionate Panerai Fans.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best,

Nicolas

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