With the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days Oro Rosa PAM 344, Panerai made yet another significant step towards becoming a full-blown Manufacture capable of making both cases and movements in-house. The 2010 model extended the range of chronographs powered by their hand-wound Calibre P.2004 that was introduced back in 2006 to power the then-future “complication” timekeepers.
While the last year’s Luminor 1950 8 Days Rattrapante (PAM 319) featured the exclusive Calibre P.2006/3 hand-wound movement, this one has a more modest Calibre P.2004 ticking inside its generous (to say the least) 44 millimeter case.
Although the movement is capable of also displaying a second time-zone to make life easier for frequent travelers, this particular version of the mechanism is limited to just a 30-minute chronograph with a central seconds hand and a circular power reserve indicator.
Made of 18-karat brushed rose gold, the oversized case sports the signature “cushion” shape with a nicely polished round bezel and the inevitable patented (or is it still patent-pending?) locking crown guard.
The Italian brand says nothing about the case’s height, but, judging by the thickness of the movement (it is no less than 8.2 mm thick,) one must imply that the PAM344’s height will be well above 15 millimeters.
Still, while not caring too much about how thick this ultra-luxury gadget is, I must admit that the Italians know what they are doing: the Chrono Monopulsante looks very proportional and, um, very organic with all elements of the case, dial, and even the deployant buckle on the leather strap carefully calculated and adjusted to each other.
Like other Luminor models, the PAM344 features Panerai’s trademark sandwich dial with the luminous layer placed between the lower and upper parts of the dial. The latter is colored chocolate brown and looks just gorgeous together with the pink gold case and hands made of the same noble metal.
Unlike the 1950 8 Days Rattrapante model, the PAM 344 features a different “interface” for its power reserve indicator, instead of the original-looking linear display, this one uses a more traditional round sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
The only push-piece that operates the chronograph function is located at 8 o’clock, making it easier to start and stop the chronograph with the thumb of your right hand. Well, even if you are a leftie, there will be no problem with starting and stopping the chronograph with your left index finger!
According to the company, the PAM 344 will be available soon in a limited run of only 150 copies: a number, which seems to be justified, since the Chrono Monopulsante is going to be offered at a base price of around $40,000. Presented at the SIHH 2010, the PAM344 will go on sale around the world later this year.
See also: Half-a-Pound of Goodness: the 2009 Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight Titanium Blue Dial (PAM 326)
Photos: Panerai
Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days Oro Rosa PAM344 specification
Price range: $40,000 (MSRP)
Movement: Calibre P.2004, in-house, 28,800 vph, three spring barrels, 333 parts, column-wheel chronograph, Swiss Made
Winding: Hand-wound
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Complications: Chronograph, power reserve indicator
Power reserve: 8 days (192 hours)
Case: 18-karat Rose gold
Shape: Cushion
Transparent back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Case size: 44.00 mm
Dial: Chocolate brown
Hands: Rose gold, luminous
Strap: Brown leather strap with rose gold pin buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective