Panerai with Zenith movements

[gregvisser]

Hi folks,

Just recently discovered that Panerai produced a few models with the El Primero movements. I am battling to get good intel on this with some places saying they were never made, when I know they were.

Did they use the 36k movement from Zenith that was used in the Daytona? Which models came out with this movement? Which years were they produced? How many were produced?

Pics are always appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

[Conan435]

I know the PAM 74 was made with an el Primero movement. I think the 72, 121, and 122 were also.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by gregvisser

...Did they use the 36k movement from Zenith that was used in the Daytona?

I think the only version of the Primero used is the 36K; here's what I've compiled:

OP IV (chronograph)
052,072,074,108,121&122
OP VI (Flyback)
60&132

[leeye]

Panerai watches using the El Primero movement.

PAM074 Luminor Chrono, PAM072 Luminor Chrono, PAM052 Luminor Chrono, PAM108 Luminor Chrono, PAM121 Luminor Chrono, PAM122 Liminor Chrono

Movement - OP IV (Zenith El Primero) self Winding, 31 Jewels, 36000 vph

PAM060 Luminor Chrono Flyback

Movement - OP VI (Zenith El Primero) self Winding, 31 Jewels, 36000 vph

Below is the limited edition PAM 108 Luminor Chrono for AMG. Only 100 pieces were made (i think).

[gregvisser]

Thanks guys. This is good intel. I think we all agree that the Zenith 36k movement is a good one. So why weren't or aren't these Pams more popular? Is it that they are just not Pam enough?

Greg

[RUpanerai]

Size and people don't really buy Panerais for their chronographs.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by RUpanerai

...people don't really buy Panerais for their chronographs.

Agreed; the only "chronograph" I'd like from OP is their monopulsantes (the 345, to be exact) and maybe something with a P.2006 in it.

Anyway, I would rather go to Zenith directly for a Primero*

*maybe their new "Striking Tenth"

[rulessapt]

Originally Posted by gregvisser

Thanks guys. This is good intel. I think we all agree that the Zenith 36k movement is a good one. So why weren't or aren't these Pams more popular? Is it that they are just not Pam enough?

Greg

At 40mm they aren't really everyones cup of tea.

I have a 141, which has the Zenith 680 Elite movement and it is 42mm, not a chronograph, but beautifully decorated movement as Panerai used to 10 years ago.
I had a shot at a 122 a while ago, but it ( to me ) didn't seem "Panerai" enough. Does that make sense?

cheers
richard