Sun 8 Jun 2014
The Panerai PAM288 has always held a special place in my heart, partly because the fellow whom helped me with this site when I started it back in 2008 had one, and provided some photos for me to use for it on the website. I haven’t heard from the fellow in quite a number of years now, but those great photos and beautiful PAM 288 always left an impression in my mind.
Something about the classic Radiomir case paired with the slightly busier chronograph dial and tachymeter bezel just did it for me. The thicker case also really looks fantastic especially with the deep-set dial. Its funny, with this watch I have found that people really love the look of it even more than the Luminor style, which they usually prefer over the Radiomir. I have gotten countless compliments on this watch!
The head-on shot is good and represents the overall feel of the dial accurately, featuring the two sub-dial chronograph layout and no date. It still captures the spirit of the Radiomir style in its standard 45mm diameter, without compromising too much as I have felt that some of the Submersible and other Chronograph models can depart too much from the classic Panerai style.
Nice close up of the dial face, showing the yellow superluminova lume, and precise white lettering on the matte black dial. Simple, understated and unmistakable. 100% Panerai.
The extra-thick case and bezel as seen from the side. Much more substantial than the base Radiomir models, and very fitting for this slightly sportier Radiomir. Pushers are simple, and suit perfectly.
The case back is the standard issue solid Panerai model as you can see. The case features 100m water resistance, as engraved on the case back. Beating beneath its solid exterior is the Caliber OP XII movement, which is a Valjoux 7753 Base.
I installed a 24mm Heroic18 strap on the PAM288, even though I think it would have looked better with a 26mm strap. There’s some gaps on the sides of the strap on the lugs. Still looks pretty good, and I wanted to get it on something a bit thicker than the OEM strap. I have some great 26mm straps on the way I got specifically for this watch!
A bonus lume-shot that I don’t usually take, but just happened to remember this time and Panerai’s always have great lume. The 288 is not a sandwich dial, but it is not a slouch in the Lume department.
And as always I end with the wrist shot. Looking great on my 6.75″ wrist. I have found with my new DSLR camera that the wrist shots actually make the watch look smaller on my wrist than they actually do. The watch wears very nicely on my wrist, and the 45mm diameter suits me just fine. I love the thicker case, as it gives a substantially different wrist feel and presence than my Panerai PAM183.
Overall I am very happy with this watch!
Specs:
Production Years: 2007-2011
Movement: Calibre OP XII
Power Reserve: 46 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Dial Color: Black
Bezel: Polished Steel
Case: Polished Steel
Caseback: Solid
Crystal: 1.9mm Sapphire
Diameter: 45mm
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator
Lug Width: 26mm
