Panerai’s desire to move up

Panerai’s desire to move up? That’s at least what it seems like, now they’ve come with a bunch of new models featuring their new in-house movements.

Over the last few months Panerai has introduced a number of new models, featuring their own new in-house movements… and a new price list. And since I’ve been planning to buy a new brother for my old PAM 00001 B series (1999), I had a good look at the new price list.

I don’t want to buy another Panerai with the same movement as my beloved old PAM 00001, which is a ETA/Unitas 6497 with reworked bridges and a much better finish. So the in-house movements sound interesting… A few weeks ago I already showed photos of one of the new Panerai models and now I finally know the price… which was a bit of a shock. As usual, my taste transcends my budget.

The PAM235, which is execuited in white gold, features the new in-house caliber P.2003 with a power reserve indicator, GMT and a 24-hours indication. The price will be around € 25.000 Euro. Actually, all new Panerai models, whether they’re made of ceramics or supplied with one of the new Manufacture movements, are beyond my budgetary possibilities, far beyond!

The regular models still feature the ETA/Unitas movements and the ETA/Valjous 7750 and 7763 base movements. The price for these pieces is roughly between € 4.500 and € 8.500 Euro. All Special Editions feature the new in-house movements and are thus price accordingly; mostly above € 10.000 Euro.

I think these are extremely desirable watches, however I will need to wait until the used models will be available in my price range. It looks like Panerai has got BIG dreams and they want to move up to the category where we can find Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Lange &  Söhne. So now it’s waiting until the watch buying public agrees with this. It’s a big step for a brand that made name by putting reworked ETA/Unitas movements in a rugged and macho steel case.