Back to basics.

[Shade]

I'm waiting for a client, and he's fashionably late, so I'll write a small story here, if you all don't mind.

Many of you might have noticed from my Signature, and my posts here, regarding my love affair with Panerai. Sure, I have other brands of watches, but Panerai, undoubtedly - is the brand I wear the most.

Why? I guess we all have our own reasons, but mine is simple - literally. Panerai is a watch that doesn't try to over-do (well some models does, I agree), and sticks to the core to it's brand and signature, and well, quite "affordable" in today's standards.

Sure, some historic models are made in Swiss ETA movements that some people despise, but I think as long as it ticks and performs well, why not?

My journey with Panerai has been very exciting, starting with a Luminor with seconds hand and date with bracelet being my very very very first Panerai (sorry I don't know the reference number - I'm bad at remembering), but it didn't last long, since I decided I hated the cyclops.

But it started a never-ending love affair.

I have journeyed through numerous of watches, from the Pam 24 sub, to the 88 GMT, then the 270 10 days, 183, 351, 352, 417... and the list goes on. I finally stuck a few in my collection, being the 233, 232, and the 249. The 3 models I love most.

Yet, after months and days, I feel something is missing. Something doesn't feel quite right. The 232 is a great great watch, but it wears quite big, while I hoped for a 45mm version, which probably is never coming (never say never eh?), the 249 is awesome, but I get finicky when I wear it as it's a plexi. The 233 is probably my pick-and-go watch for everyday anyday any activity.

Sure, it serves all it's purpose being a watch, some 1 buck watch will do that too. But for us WIS, we're all emotional with our watches.

I always feel the lume on the 233 is too green for most of the time. It's not actually the lume problem, but the shape of the case and the shape of the domed crystal, casts a shadow on the dial, hence making the lume glow even in day time indoors.

Being a wierd person, I actually hate it. It's the ONLY thing I hate about the 233. I wanted to relume it, but goodness, it's just a silly thing to do.

So... I finally decided to go back to basic.



I pushed my friend to sell his like new 000, and suddenly, it all made sense.

I have owned the 000 multiple times, and I always ended up selling it for all kinds of reasons. But now, I guess I know why they named it PAM 000. It's ground ZERO, the most basic, of the core Panerai design.

It's simplicity and aura is - to me - unbeatable.

I come to realize that of all the watches that have gone back and forth with, this is actually the watch I missed. Putting it back on my wrist seems natural, correct, and complete. It is just something that I can't pinpoint in word. Being overly romantic, is probably that long distance girlfriend you have and she's coming back for good to be with you.

For you all Panerai goers, or first timers, if you want something that has no mistake from Panerai, it must be the 000. They don't call it zero for no reason, afterall.

Thanks for reading guys. :)

PS: And my client is still not here - sigh.

[ocwatching]

Nice one Norman...
like you I kinnda head toward the Historic Base as well..
I started with the 312 as I always thought that in-house/auto/date was the way to go..when PAM released the 312 with the inhouse P9000...I was like on it like white on rice...

But as I have gotten more and more into the brand and history..I have regressed/progressed toward 8day manual/ETA base with sec/base..

clean and simple and Panerai...

Nice one Norman..very nostalgic...hope your client shows...

now..you want to sell your Lange?

oh..congrats on the Zero..that's always a hero in my book...enjoy!

[andrew79]

nice summary of ongoing process there :)....

[Shade]

Thanks Phil! Yes, the Panerai road has been very exciting. Who would've thought the "cheapest" and most simple Panerai would top my list?

My Lange - is my suit watch lol. Even if I agree to sell it, my wife wouldn't. She likes it, though she can't wear it hahaha. She makes me wear it when I wear a pink shirt too.

[Cru Jones]

Very nice pic.

Sounds like this 000 is staying. Congrats!!

[fc3s2k]

You are 100% right Norman!!!
That what makes me truly love Panerai.
I wear alot of watch, Rolex, PAM, Cartier, even Hublot but I get complimented a lot on my 210. go figure, it's the cheapest, actually my beater watch, but it's a classic and simple, that a lot of people WIS and non WIS truly appreciate.

I would love to add a zero or 112 someday.

[htc8p]

for some reason i never liked the complicated pams

but i do love my pam112 and cant seem to let it go.

[dalip]

Great post Norman.

Interesting to read your journey and thoughts.

Have to say I agree - the 000 is gorgeous in it's simplicity.

[Trailblazer]

and you sum it all..nice picture

[Shade]

Thanks guys, turns out many are like me who adores panerai in its simplicity. The 112 would be my second winner. I dont mind having either of them actually!

[dddrees]

Great read Norman. I have to agree with you on the Pam 000, it's very basic and that's exactly what makes it so great.

[texex91]

Gotta love the zero

[marcinthemiddle]

Norman!!!
That strap your Zero is on...

[masterkiller]

The Zero is great, but as I am a 'sandwich' fan I went with the PAM112 that have an even cleaner dial and i am superhappy!

/masterkiller

[Shade]

Thanks again guys!

Marc, thats the 74 from wotancraft, loving it!

Masterkiller, 112 is no slouch either. Imho they are on the same rank, but i am leaning towards the zero more due to the logo. Sandwich is great too, i might buy one too, but I may reserve to a 210 instead.

[mfer]

All I can say is "yup, know exactly what you are talking about!"

If you ever get tired of that 232......I have a golden 210.... ;-)

[wgs]

[B. Doggy]

Less is more!

[marcinthemiddle]

Originally Posted by Shade

Thanks again guys!

Marc, thats the 74 from wotancraft, loving it!

Masterkiller, 112 is no slouch either. Imho they are on the same rank, but i am leaning towards the zero more due to the logo. Sandwich is great too, i might buy one too, but I may reserve to a 210 instead.

Thanks, Norman! Imma go check it out!

[Shade]

Mik, lol, maybe not tired enough to let it go just yet!