In January 2011, Panerai presented its then-new Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days (PAM 422). The ref. 422 was limited to 2000 pieces and powered by their in-house Panerai P.3001 hand-wound caliber. Featuring the same easily recognizable exterior, the watch got better power reserve thus becoming a more interesting choice for those who like to keep their collection of luxury time-measuring accessories in constant rotation on their wrists.
Judging by the movement’s specs that I was able to find, it has a lot in common with the Caliber P.3000/1 that we have seen last year ticking inside the Luminor Composite 1950 3 Days (PAM 375) and several other watches from the Italian brand.
Sporting the same double-barrel winding system, the movement is still good for the same 72 hours before the mainspring will lose its juice affecting the timekeeper’s accuracy.
The new watch is equipped with an easy-to-read power reserve indicator that, probably, in order to keep the PAM 422‘s face clean, is only visible through the gadget’s transparent case back.
By the way, the classic dial with the familiar small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock is protected from the elements not with the usual in this price segment sapphire crystal, but with a hardened Plexiglas material, which is easier to scratch but is a lot more difficult to shutter.
As usual, the movement sports the usual Spartan level of decor. However, the brushed surfaces successfully underline the extremely high level of execution of all of its 207 components.
At 16½ (more than 32 millimeters) in diameter, the movement is large and so is the case that measures a whole 47 mm in width. The piece will surely look good on the mighty wrist of Mr. Stallone (no doubt, we are going to see the piece in the next installment of The Expendables,) but for an ordinary office worker, it is going to totally overkill.
Although in its press release Panerai refers to some vintage model that influenced their designers, I must admit that for me it is, well, just another Panerai. Not that it is bad: we can always get a Breitling if we want something different, right?
As for the price, the MSRP for this new specimen is pretty standard (for Panerai) $9600. While still a bit overpriced from the general perspective, the price is -at least, partially- justified by the iconic exterior design, which is unique to the revered Italian brand.
See also: Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio (PAM 345)
Photos: Panerai
Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days (PAM 422) specification
Price: $9600 (MSRP)
Movement: Hand-wound, Panerai P.3001, in-house, 32.22 mm x 6.30 mm, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 21
Movement frequency: 21,600 vph
Movement decoration: Brushed
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve
Power reserve: 72 hours (3 days)
Case: Stainless steel, polished
Shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 47.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Stick-shaped, luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Natural leather strap with Panerai brushed-steel buckle
Crystal: Plexiglas, 3.00 mm thick
Back: Transparent