Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible PAM 243 Luxury Watch Review

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The Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible PAM 243 is the latest in a line of Paneri Luminor "Super Subs" dating back to the famed PAM 64 "Bomba" of 2000. Like the PAM 64 and the PAM 87 that followed, the PAM 243 combines the original Panerai Luminor 44mm case size with the 1000-meter hardcore dive rating that defines the Submersible 1000 breed.

Unlike its two illustrious ancestors, the Luminor Submersible PAM 243 is built upon Panerai's "1950" case profile. Originally launched as a larger Luminor, the "1950" nomenclature now refers specifically to a certain case shape. While still a "cushion" when viewed from overhead (Height:Width=1:1) the Luminor 1950 case features more complex curvature, thoughtful detail, and ergonomic nuance. This Luminor Submersible 1000-Meter still lives up to the "tuna can" nickname of the series, but now the tuna is bluefin rather than skipjack.

Substance is what defines a Panerai Luminor "Super Sub." A thicker stainless steel case is a given, but Panerai steps up to the plate with 5.1mm sapphire crystal that looks as though it could stop a bullet. The sheer depth of this synthetic stone as viewed through the bezel is staggering, and the sapphire's burly build is matches by the size of the unidirectional dive bezel that encircles the dial.

Since the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1000 PAM 64 limited edition of Y2K, the Firenze firm has equipped each Super Sub with a helium escape valve. Originally pioneered by Rolex and Doxa, the helium valve has become an essential element of over-the-top luxury dive watches. This feature will release accumulated helium when decompressing from extreme submergence in a diving bell- you know, for the next time you do that... But, like a V-12 in a Ferrari, the point is that it's there if you want to test it (and yourself!), and luxury is about quality that surpasses needs.

Atop the dial, Panerai provides a new face for its 1000-meter Luminor Submersible. While the PAM 64 and PAM 87 employed stick indices, the PAM 243 reprises the dot-style index pioneered by the original 1998 Luminor Submersible PAM 25. This return-to-roots approach strongly ties the PAM 243 to one of the most successful modern-era Panerai divers, and it differentiates the newest Super Sub from its 1000-meter predecessors.

Beneath the generously-lumed dial, Panerai equips the Luminor Submersible PAM 243 with a bombproof caliber OP III automatic movement. Since its first appearance in the 1990s, this long-service power plant has amassed an enviable record for durability, longevity, and precision.

Each PAM 243 is a COSC-certified Swiss Chronometer, and the Cal. OP III is equipped with a stop-seconds feature to make the most of its signature refinement. When the crown is pulled, the seconds hand stops, and this Swiss Chronometer can be synchronized to a reliable reference time such as an atomic clock, known accurate quartz timer, or a diving partner's watch.

Even if taking the plunge isn't part of your summer plans, rest assured; the Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible PAM 243 looks just as sharp on the beach, by the pool, or high-and-dry in the vacation destination of your choice.

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