Understanding A Classic: The Panerai PAM0233, An Icon Among Modern Panerais

July 16, 2012

If you're not a true Paneristi, it can be a little trying to keep all the modern Panerais in line.? They look (fairly) similar to each other, and they are generally referred to not by name, but by a seemingly random numeric system.? But, we are here to cut through the clutter, and as we've done in the past, we will show a Panerai that deserves your attention.?The Panerai you see above is the PAM0233, or the Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT.? The 233 holds all the traits that one would want in a modern Panerai - a brushed 1950 case (with crown protector), sandwich dial, awesome domed crystal, and most importantly, a Panerai in-house movement.? Inside the PAM233 is a Panerai Calibre P.2002/1, which in addition to hours, minutes, and seconds, shows a GMT-indication (but on a 12 hour scale, not 24, which seems to make more sense), a day/night indicator, and a linear power reserve indicator to let the wearer know how much of its impressive eight day power reserve remains.?While the PAM233 is 44mm in diameter with a domed crystal, the 8-day manually wound movement allows the watch to sit a little bit lower on the wrist than automatic 44mm PAMs. The 233 sits in Panerai's historic collection, and more details may be found here.And just for fun, here is a Panerai 233 on twenty different straps!