Eight months of so much more than a watch

Eight months ago I got my PAM01B. I pined for this watch for more than three and a half years, so achieving this milestone in my life was pretty big for me.

Some thought (as I did) that perhaps getting the watch would be an anti-climax of sorts. You know when you long for something so long, when you get it, it doesnt live to your expectations.

This is totally not the case with this watch. The PAM01 has been on my wrist 99.9% of the time since I got it. It has been everywhere with me from my swimming pool, to the local rivers, to the big waves in the Atlantic Ocean. Hell, it even survived the GTG in Toronto.

Keep in mind this is a B series Panerai, made in 1998. Even so, on the second year of being available to the public, this watch is well within COSC standards, ticking away at about +2.5 give or take. Not bad for a watch pushing nine years old.

I have been through a lot of straps over the months but now have it down to what I think are keepers. The last one arrived today, a navy blue Strap Works calf with light blue stitch. Awesome! The strap trading can be addictive, but really a load of fun. I have learned a lot as well about hides, stitching and more.

Even better, the community among paneristi has been amazing. Great guys and girls, who are generous with information and also with helping a fellow risti out. I have recieved free stuff from good friends and people I dont know at all, and given free stuff to friends and strangers alike. This Panerai community is unlike any other in the watch world.

So, if in 2007 you see a Panerai and it kinda smiles at you, pick it up and have a close look. Once bitten, you will find that you wont want to put any other watch on your wrist.