Pre-SIHH 2015: PANERAI Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica PAM00580

The PANERAI Only auction at Artcurial on December 8, 2014 broke two world records and the 29 batches that were sold out of the 69 presented made $1,250,000. In the meantime, the “Paneristi” community is, as usual, awaiting this year’s SIHH impatiently. The “Pannies”, as their aficionados like to call them, definitely know how to play hard to get. At Panerai, Italian design and the honor of being a distinguished brand are most undoubtedly vying with the ingenuity of their economic model, based on producing small series. This is enough to stir the desire and emotions of a public that has already been conquered by the progressive evolution of old models.

A well-researched color treatment

Unsurprisingly, the PAM 580 features the brand’s typical characteristics: pragmatic design, readability, and a streamlined look. This sporty open worked 44-mm matt and velvety zircon watch makes quite a statement on the wrist. The effect is enhanced by the skeletonized sandwich dial that highlights its wordings, the luminova treatment, and its leather aviation-style strap. The dial’s mechanical working is also special in that the minute hand jumps every 60 seconds. In the Flyback collection, the blue hand deals with seconds whilst the rhodium-plated hand indicates the minutes on the chronograph. There is also the small second at 9 o’clock, the semi-arc of the crown guard bridge and the positioning of the two pushers at 8 o’clock (flyback) and at 10 o’clock (chronograph). All in all, there is a right balance. We will hardly complain about the too-small date aperture or the rather masculine finishes. As the advert goes, it’s about the strength and honor of heroes.

Continuity instead of evolution

Launched in 2013, the in-house P 9100 movement with its 303 components is housed in a case whose titanium back features a sapphire glass. Oscillating at 4 HZ and equipped with two barrels for a 72-hour power reserve, it also features a column-wheel and vertical coupling.

The ceramic Luminor 1950 Flyback is a hybrid of the steel flyback – to which it is identical in every respect – and the Monopulsante PAM 317; the brand’s first ceramic chronograph. It is a little step forward in the brand’s tradition of taking tiny steps. Whilst it also meets the requirements of the collector community (which is thirsty of prestigious editions) the sales at Artcurial hint at a trend: record prices were registered for historical pieces (€125,800 for a 1956 diving watch) and more erratic prices for their heirs.