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

In 2015, the S3 company (Swiss Space Systems) will be organizing its first weightless ZeroG flights to a broad public. As the main partner in this project, Breitling will equip passengers with an exclusive chronograph specially designed for this experience. Registration is now open!

In 1962, Breitling made its maiden weightless flight on the wrist of Scott Carpenter with a Navitimer Cosmonaute – the first space-traveling wrist chronograph. The brand with the winged B is now the main sponsor of the Swiss project S3 (Swiss Space Systems), of which the avowed aim is “space for all”. For this purpose, S3 has notably set up a program of weightless flights. The ZeroG project will begin in 2015 in over 15 locations around the world, including Asia, the Middle East and Central America. These flights of around two hours aboard an Airbus will each include 15 “parabolas” or free floats lasting between 20 to 25 seconds and providing a chance to experience total weightlessness by floating as if in space. Passengers’ equipment will include a Breitling chronograph specially created for the occasion. Equipped with a light and sturdy black titanium case and a SuperQuartz™ movement (ten times more accurate than standard quartz), this S3 ZeroG chronograph is distinguished by its S3 logo appearing on the dial and the rubber strap, as well as by its caseback engraving depicting a parabolic flight. It will serve as a boarding card for passengers and will not be commercialized outside this flight program. Along with their flight suit, the lucky partakers in the ZeroG experience will be entitled to keep this authentic high-performance and functional instrument for professionals, water-resistant to 100 meters, as mementoes representing the equipment having accompanied them during this unique and unforgettable moment.

For more details on flights: zerog.s-3.ch.

Breitling launched a new model, a redesigned Superocean Steelfish with a Chronograph. I have mixed feelings about this watch, as it is moving away from the Rider Tabs on the SuperOcean series of watches. I like the rider tabs, and while I understand this is supposed to be following the design of the regular SuperOcean, but with a reversed Steel/Rubber bezel, I’m not sure I am liking it yet. It lacks identity. It now has a plain bezel and plain arabics.

In its element
Breitling sets out to conquer the ocean depths with a special series combining the legendary performances of the Superocean with a sporting and technical look of the first water.

An authentic seagoing instrument, this aptly named model is distinguished by its broad ratcheted bezel featuring a highly professional style including black rubber-incrusted numerals and markings; as well as by its oversized twin day-date windows. The case displays a satin-brushed finish on the top as well as polished sides; its sturdiness and its water-resistance to 500 m (1,650 ft) are enhanced by a screw-locked crown with protective reinforcements and by pushpieces that cannot be activated until they are unlocked. The large Arabic numerals and hands with a luminescent coating combine with a thick sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides to guarantee optimal readability in all circumstances. The Superocean Chronograph Steelfish special edition is available with a black, silver or blue dial and fitted with a steel bracelet or rubber strap. To preserve optimal precision come hell or high water, it is equipped with a selfwinding chronograph that is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – as indeed are all Breitling movements.

I was always a fan of the extra large 48mm Alpina Avalanche Extreme watch, and when I tried one on for the first I was very disappointed to find out that it looked ridiculous on my wrist and just didn’t sit right on it. The rubber strap mounted on the fixed lugs just didn’t conform to my wrist. So when I had a chance to snap up this 42mm Avalanche Extreme Automatic, I jumped on it, hoping that I had found a happy medium. While it did fit better, I was a bit disappointed with the look and size on my wrist.

This model differs from the large 48mm models in that its not a significantly smaller watch, and actually wears much more like 40mm rather than the 42mm it measures at. This is probably partly because of the narrow lugs and rubber strap, combined with the somewhat “shorter” length of the watch from lug to lug.

Generally it is a handsome watch, however it has a very symmetrical look that I found slightly bothersome on the wrist. I feel like the watch looks like a “target” on my wrist, and I didn’t find the look very attractive on me. Combined with the fact that the watch looked too small on my wrist, I knew it was going to be a catch and release.

The watch features a 316L stainless steel case with PVD Stainless Steel bezel and caseback with exhibition window. Crystal is Sapphire, and the case is water resistant to 200m. The Alpina Avalanche Automatic is Swiss Made.

The dial is very nicely designed, and probably one of the most interesting parts of the watch. It is multi-layered and textured, giving it a sense of complexity. Sorry for the somewhat fuzzy photos, I didn’t realize that it wasn’t in focus when I took the shot! The center of the dial features a matte white triangle pattern, and then alternative black and white rings, also in a matte texture on a raised section of dial. The indices are applied, and feature a small amount superluminova, not particularly bright. The date is located at the standard 3 o’clock location.

The caseback is exhibition, and gives a good view of the AL-525 (Base ETA 2824-2) movement. It has a nicely designed rotor, that looks quite interesting. The rotor is given a Geneva Stripe finish, and then PVD coated with a polished finish, which is a nice change. Alpina also uses proprietary triangular shaped screws to secure the case back and bezel on this particular watch.

And finally the look on the wrist. It may not look especially small in this photograph, but in real life, it gives the perception of too small, like a large man wearing a suit that doesn’t button in the front. And really that can be summed up as my comment on this watch.. too small for my tastes, but the design has some potential. I would have liked to see a 45-46mm version that conforms better to my wrist than the 48mm full sizer. Overall a decent design, with some decent execution on a watch that is a bargain on the secondary market if you like this smaller size, and also a great deal with the larger size too.

Breitling launched the long awaited two new XL sized Navitimers with in-house B01 and B04 movements, the Navitimer GMT and the Navitimer 01 46MM. Presumably, the Navitimer GMT will replace the Navitimer World eventually. GREAT moves from Breitling.. thes two pieces are much anticipated!

An icon in great shape
Breitling begins a new chapter in the epic saga of its famous Navitimer aviation chronograph by launching a reinterpretation of the classic model in a larger diameter, as well as a travel version featuring revolutionary user friendliness. These two new variations on a legendary watch are both equipped with high-performance chronometer-certified Manufacture Breitling movements.

In 1952, Breitling created a ‘wrist instrument’ purpose-built for pilots and other aviation professionals. Equipped with a circular slide rule, the Navitimer serves to handle all calculations relating to airborne navigation. This chronograph unique in its kind and featuring an ultra-technical, original yet elegant design, soon established itself as the most iconic Breitling model and a cult object for all passionate aeronautical enthusiasts. A gilt-edged security. Produced without interruption for over 60 years, this fabled watch is also the doyenne of all mechanical chronographs worldwide – and one of the ten great 20th century watchmaking classics.

Navitimer 46 mm: a larger-than-life take on the legend
New size, new power: the classic Navitimer now appears in a larger 46 mm diameter – an XL look that enhances its presence on the wrist and accentuates the originality of its design while optimizing its readability. These generous dimensions further highlight the famous black dial produced using the “épargne” technique against a pure silver background – a method ensuring excellent readability and stunning radiance. The Navitimer 46 mm is also available with a blue dial featuring tone-on-tone counters. A transparent caseback provides a chance to admire Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, probably the world’s finest automatic chronograph movement, entirely developed and produced in the Breitling Chronométrie workshops and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – the highest benchmark in terms of precision and reliability, and the only one based on an international norm. This larger-than-life take on the legend is fitted with a choice between a steel bracelet and a leather or crocodile strap. It also comes in a 200-piece red gold limited edition with a black dial.

Navitimer GMT: timezone ace
A trustworthy companion of airborne adventurers, the Navitimer has always viewed the world as its playground. The new Navitimer GMT confirms this vocation. Breitling decided to think big in creating this chronograph with a traveller’s soul. User friendliness is guaranteed by the ingenious Manufacture Breitling Caliber B04, clearly visible through the transparent caseback and equipped with a dual timezone system boasting peerless functionality: simply pulling out the crown and turning it forwards or backwards in one-hour increments enables instant setting of the travel timezone date and hour – while maintaining a home-time display in 24-hour mode and without losing any precision in terms of the minutes. The large-format steel case with its imposing 48 mm diameter frames a perfectly readable instrument panel. The new Navitimer GMT comes with two faces – a classic dial in black with silver counters or an all silver version – and may be fitted with a steel bracelet or a leather or crocodile strap. It is also available in a 200-piece red gold limited edition with a black dial.