First Panerai Questions

[ufboy73]

Hey Guys,

I am quite familiar with the Rolex world (at least the sports models that seem to interest me more).

After taking a serious look for the first time at some Panerais at an AD, I think I've got the fever! Just beautiful - some unholy combination of artistic beuaty and functional ruggedness that is completely compelling to me.

In doing a bit of research on the history of Panerai (as these types of things play a role for me - albeit a romanticised version no doubt), I had some questions that I am hoping you guys could help me with.

I know, for example, that historically the Radiomir came first followed in the late '40s by the Luminor. I also know that the current Panerai catalogue is divided by the Historic and Contemporary lines. I am curious, am I correct in thinking that the ALL of the models found in the Historic lineup are (or I should say at one time, WERE) models that OP produced for military purposes? As a further example, I would guess that the more austere 112 is more likely than the 111 to be represenative of the original Luminor model - am I wrong here? Which of the current models have that kind of historic pedigree?

Are there other currently produced models in that are 'truer' to the orginals that were produced in the '30s, '40s, and '50s?

And what of the OP logo? Does that have some sort of historical precedent or is it a more recent development?

Not saying that this would be the determining factor in my decision BUT I certaily do like the idea of history behind my next watch.

THanks a lot!

For my first PAM, I am really thinking about the 111, 112, 000 - but the 312 sure looks beuatiful as well. A GMT could certainly come in handy with all of my work travel also - though, I would think this is clearly a more recently designed model.