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WATCH REVIEW Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 24

Editor's opinion
68.5 / 100
Panerai watches are in their own league : adored by the stars (Stallone, Hugh Grant, Mike Horn...), they gather as many supporters as cynics among watch making enthusiasts.
Straight to the Point

Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 24

Ref.: PAM 24
$4,500.00 US retail price May 13th, 2010
Pros
  • originality of design
  • quality manufacturing
  • exclusivity
Cons
  • price too “salty” for a simple hour / minute / second watch
  • boucle clasp not really consistent with its “diving tool” purpose
Technical specifications
Brand Panerai
Model name
Luminor Submersible
Reference
PAM 24
Case material
Steel 316L
Case diameter (without crown)
44 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
49,64 mm
Movement type
Automatic
Caliber
Panerai OPIII
Base Caliber
ETA 7750 (without the chronograph module)
Functions
Date
Hour
Minute
Second
Crystal
Dual-face crystal with anti-reflective coating
Power reserve
42h
Transparent back
No
Lug width
24 mm
Length from lug to lug
52 mm
Case thickness
15,62 mm
Clasp type
Deployment clasp
Clasp material
Steel 316L
Total weight
162 grammes
Retail price USA at May 13th, 2010
4,500.00 $
Editor's opinion 68.5/100
Comfort (/15) 13
Movement (/20) 8.5
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 1
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 4
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 2
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 0.5
Finishing (/20) 13
Dial finishing (/6) 4
Case finishing (/6) 4
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1
Crystal quality (/4) 3
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 1
Functionality (/20) 19
Diurnal legibility (/5) 5
Night legibility (/4) 4
Water resistance (/3) 2
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 4
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 4
Additional items (/10) 5
Limited edition (/3) 1
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 1
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 0
Goodies included (/1) 1
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 10
  • When to wear it ?
  • For the casual friday wear!
  • The “bottle opener” crown guard

    The first characteristic of the Luminor : the “bottle opener” crown guard.

    This has been the stylistic signature of the Luminor since the first models from the 1930’s: it acts as a lever putting pressure on the crown ensuring a water resistant seal.  

    The advantages compared to the classic screwed crowns are plentiful: instant opening/ closing, no fragility in the thread and forgetting to screw down the crown after handling is impossible.

     

    A “pumped up cushion” shape case with a sober finishing

    The case is harmonious despite its “pumped up cushion” shape.

    The plain, brushed/polished finishing goes well with the spirit of the watch.

    The Luminor Submersible is quite comfortable because it is well balanced, despite its build and its weight.

     

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    A very good legibility in diving conditions

    Tested under real conditions on a dozen dives, the legibility is indeed exceptional; the watch is evidentlyperfectly suited for “serious” use.

    This unidirectional bezel has catches, allowing easy handling, even underwater.

    The notches are firm, perfectly adjusted and their construction emanates seriousness.

    The brushed steel finishing is original and relatively scratch resistant.

    One small reservation, the bezel needs to be rinsed out after every trip to the sea because it tends to seize up a little after immersion.

     

     

    A water-resistance “Divers Professional”

    Even if most of the Luminor models are water resistant up to 300m, only the “submersible” versions, which are equipped with the turning bezel, are adapted to scuba diving.

    It is worth taking note that « Divers Professional » engraved on the back means that this Luminor is compliant with the ISO 6425 norms that define professional diving watches.

    The principal criteria are : unidirectional bezels (for measuring the immersion time or the cooking time of pasta), indication that the watch is running(here the little second hand), legibility at a distance of25 cm in dark conditions and a successful water resistance test at 125% of the indicated depth capacity on the watch (ie 375m).

     

    An easy new strap change system

    The new strap change system allows the easy switching of bracelets to suit the activity : rubber for diving, crocodile for evenings by the sea, etc…

    Anyway, the standard look of this Submersible means that it is more suited to casual weareven if it can be “dressed up” with a leather strap. The Luminor “classics” are more versatile.

    What to remember

    In conclusion, the rigorous design of this Submersible makes it worthy of the best divers in its class.
    The only criticism which can be made is its rather salty price for a 3-hand watch…

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