SIHH 2010: Panerai Radiomir Mare Nostrum 52mm (PAM300)

Just like the International Watch Company did just a couple days ago, the Italian brand Panerai has also presented a number of new models for this year. One of the most interesting in this torrent of new watches is the new Panerai Mare Nostrum PAM300 chronograph.

The new chronograph was officially presented this week during SIHH 2010 trade show.

Originally designed for the Italian Navy in mid-1940s as an officer’s deck watch, the Panerai Mare Nostrum series was put in production only 50 years later sporting a two-register chronograph functionality and a tachymeter scale.

This is, as far as I understand, the second iteration of the timekeeper.

Although the watch looks rugged and ready for a good piece of the action, it is not actually rugged enough to withstand any serious water pressure and is by no means a diving watch. More than that, Panerai officially rates it for only 30 meters, which basically means that it is not a good idea even to take a shower while wearing this watch, not to say swimming or snorkeling.

Frankly, I don’t really understand why they decided not to make it a truly water resistant watch. I mean, with its huge case measuring 52 millimeters in diameter and also quite thick, there seems to be plenty of space to insert the needed gaskets to make the watch water tight. Probably, some marketing reasons.

Details are scarce, but, judging by the photos, this watch is powered by a very rare Panerai OP XXVIII Calibre, which is based on the vintage Minerva movements produced in the 1940s.

Like it is almost always the case when dealing with “historic” engines, each Minerva movement was disassembled, cleaned, oiled and then put together again to power this limited edition model.

By the way, the same movement was installed in the 2008 Panerai Ferrari FER-24 Chronograph watch.

Photos: Officine Panerai

Panerai Mare Nostrum Steel 52mm PAM300 watch specification

Price range: $36,000
Movement: Panerai OP XXVIII Calibre, hand-wound, Minerva-based, 18 jewels
Complications: Chronograph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Case size: 52.0 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black
Hands: Blue with luminescent substance
Strap: Green cloth
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 meters