For the year 2011, the Italian-based Officine Panerai adds several new models to their historic 1950 Collection. The Luminor 1950 3 Days (PAM 372) is the most affordable of them all.
As it was expected, the PAM 372 will be powered by Panerai’s new P.3000 “entry-level” manufacture-made movement that the brand probably intends to make its own work-horse caliber that would power their medium-priced two-handers (I am still not sure whether the mechanism can accept add-on modules that would be able to expand its functionality.)
Developed in-house and built at their manufacturing facility in Neuchatel, Switzerland, the movement offers a rigid and robust design and, thanks to a couple of spring barrels that are connected in series, is capable of running for at least 72 hours when fully wound.
Although looking chunky and menacing, like one of those Imperial I-class Star Destroyers, the new movement is not that large, after all. Official specifications tell us that the movement has an impressive casing diameter of 37.22, but is only 5.30 mm thick.
It is built on 21 jewels, comprises 160 parts, and beats at a rather low frequency of 21,600 vph.
Finishing with this little but potent engine, I must add that there will be three more versions of the P.3000 caliber:
– P.3000-1 with a small seconds display at 9 o’clock,
– P.3000-2 with subsidiary seconds and date at 3 o’clock, and
– P.3000-3 sporting a simple GMT complication
As for the watch itself, the new Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days (PAM 372) is presented in a huge (yes, it is REALLY huge) case whole 47 mm in diameter.
Its body and bezel are made of well-polished stainless steel, and the signature crown protector module is crafted of the same metal but sports a brushed look. Not sure, whether I like the combination or not.
The rest is also the same.
The same matt black sandwich-style dial offers superb high-contrast background for the gold hour and minute hands. The same Arabic numerals and hour markers are covered with the same luminescent substance.
The only thing that looks rather outstanding for this price range (the PAM 372 is expected to sell for about €7000) is that the standard sapphire crystal is replaced with less common Plexiglas.
Whole 3 mm thick, the plastic is more prone to scratches than sapphire, but is also more “historic” and not as fragile.
The Italian company plans to sell the Luminor 1950 3 Days on a personalized leather strap and large-size brushed steel buckle. The watch will also be supplied with a second interchangeable strap and a steel screwdriver.
See also: SIHH 2010: Panerai Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Days (PAM359)
Photos: Officine Panerai
Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days (PAM 372) specification
Price: $9100 (Retail)
Movement: Hand-wound, Calibre P.3000, in-house, 160 parts, two spring barrels, 37.22 mm in diameter, 5.30 mm thick, Swiss Made
Jewels: 21
Cadence of balance: 21,600 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case: Polished Stainless steel
Shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 47.00 mm
Lug width: 26 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Gold
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Personalized leather strap and large-size brushed steel buckle. Supplied with a second interchangeable strap and a steel screwdriver.
Crystal: Plexiglas
Back: Sapphire