Stainless steel. We know Panerai uses this versatile material to create a majority of their iconic timepieces. They have even created watches that feature a full stainless steel bracelet. But for the first time they have used this strong and robust steel as a dial. With the introduction of the 42mm PAM977 and 44m PAM97, Panerai has utilized a brushed stainless steel dial in combination with a case and bracelet out of the same material.
The brand new silver dial which features a brushed finish with visible vertical stripes is paired with raised numbers that are covered with white luminous material that will ensure it’s visibility at night and underwater thanks to the SuperLuminova that we are all familiar with in Panerai. Both of the models feature a date window at the 3 o’clock position. On the PAM977 42mm version of the watch the sub second dial replaces the 9 while on the 4mm PAM978 retains the 9 while pushing the sub second dial to the right of it.
As previously mentioned the numerals and indexes are done in a very different way on these timepieces. Each of them is actually raised and outlined in stainless steel with white colored SuperLumina filling. So we have seen painted dials, sandwich dials, 3D blocks, and now these new framed indexes. From the looks of it the more layered and textured look is here to stay and with the addition of this new way of showing the numerals and indexes it’s fairly clear that they are trying new ideas.
The case as with the dial and bracelet which features alternating polished and brushed links are both made out of 316L Stainless Steel. Turning the watch over you will notice a display case back which shows off the in-house P.9010 Automatic movement with 72 hour power reserve.
In terms of water resistance the PAM977 (42mm) has a 100 meter rating while the PAM978 (44mm) features a 300 meter rating.
PANERAI PAM977 – 42mm
MOVEMENT: Automatic mechanical P.9010 calibre, entirely executed by Panerai.
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date.
CASE: 42 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel.
DIAL: Silver vertical brushed dial with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock.
POWER RESERVE: 72H.
WATER-RESISTANCE: 10 bar (~100 metres).
PANERAI PAM978 – 44mm
MOVEMENT: Automatic mechanical P.9010 calibre, entirely executed by Panerai.
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date.
CASE: 44 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel.
DIAL: Silver vertical brushed dial with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes. Small seconds at 9 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock.
POWER RESERVE: 72H.
WATER-RESISTANCE: 30 bar (~300 metres).
Any chance you will cover the PAM1028 and PAM1058 with the blue dials? I have seen so much coverage of the 977/978, but so little of the 1028/1058. Thank you.
I will try and get some more info and do a write up on those for sure! Thanks for the feedback!