Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603)
Angus Davies reviews the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603), a new special edition watch for 2015, limited to only 150 timepieces.
This detailed review of the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603) includes live images and specification details.
It is difficult being a parent. On one hand you wish to instil a sense of seemly modesty in your children. Conversely, it is important that they do not hide their talent and optimise every opportunity at their disposal.
I am reminded of this precarious balancing act as I hold the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm in my hands. The reasons for this train of thought will become apparent in due course.
Panerai often draws heavily on its historical relationship with the Royal Italian Navy and has repeatedly visited former gems within its extensive back catalogue. In 1943, Officine Panerai created its first prototype chronograph, the Mare Nostrum, which would provide the inspiration for a special edition, Mare Nostrum (PAM 00300), released in 2010, equipped with a black dial, 52mm steel case and green strap.
This year, at SIHH, the watch brand released the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603). At first glance it appears similar to the limited edition model of 2010, albeit featuring a different colourway, but close scrutiny reveals several differences.
The dial
The dial is delivered on two levels with the central area sitting below the periphery. The dial details are delivered on a sea of rich tobacco brown effusing a vintage character.
Occupying the central area of the dial are two subdials, a 30 minute chronograph, positioned at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds display, located opposite at 9 o’clock. The subdials are printed in cream. The hour and minute hands appear golden, lined with luminescent material which delivers a green emission in dim light.
Adorning the periphery of the dial, on a raised circlet, are the hour markers and minute track. Arabic numerals are sparingly used at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, emitting a green lume in restricted light echt Panerai.
The sparsity of the dial bestows superb clarity and ease of interpretation. Returning to my introduction, Panerai has deftly steered a prudent course between conspicuous ability and tasteful restraint.
The case
Clearly, one reason for the aforementioned ease of interpretation can be attributed to the scale of this watch. Measuring 52mm in diameter, the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603) is a horological leviathan granting sufficient room for all dial elements to comfortably breathe, with nothing appearing crammed.
A potential pitfall of such a large scale watch is compromised wearer comfort. I experienced no such problems with the Mare Nostrum Titanio upon my wrist, but I suspect that smaller wearers may find the watch unduly cumbersome.
Unlike the special edition Mare Nostrum (PAM 00300), released in 2010, this model is not made of steel but titanium. This proffers lower mass and the metal is hypoallergenic. The watch is not lightweight but, likewise, it is not leaden. Indeed, I would suggest it is scale rather than mass which may dissuade some potential buyers from taking the plunge and succumbing to the charms of the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603).
The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal which I much prefer to the Plexiglass found on some limited edition Radiomir models. The glass-like material fitted to the Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603) is tougher and less susceptible to damage.
The chronograph push pieces are capstan-like in profile, reinforcing the vintage character of the watch. The crown is marked with the words ‘Mare Nostrum’ supplanting the usual Panerai logo.
A brown leather strap, detailed with beige stitching, augments the nostalgia quotient. The strap proffers delightful tactility and is partnered with a trapezoidal brushed titanium pin buckle.
The movement
It is the movement which is both my favourite aspect of this watch’s specification and my biggest source of frustration.
The Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603) is equipped with a superb chronograph movement, the Panerai OP XXV made by the venerable movement specialist Minerva. The specification accompanying this Panerai timepiece is likely to induce salivation in any self-respecting watch lover. The notable highlights include a column-wheel chronograph, swan-neck regulator and bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève motif. Moreover, the sublime movement finishing of products crafted at the Minerva atelier in Villeret is legendary.
Pressing the push pieces on the PAM00603 rewards the wearer with the smoothest of actions, indicative of the no-compromise creation of the movement.
However, just in the way I have advised my children “don’t hide your light under a bushel”, I do feel saddened that I cannot see the beauty of the movement via an exhibition case back.
Interestingly, the 2010 special edition was equipped with a see-through case back and the omission from this 2015 special edition seems a shame, albeit it will prove more agreeable with traditionalists.
In fact, I remember a few years ago chatting to a well-known watchmaker and discussing divers’ watches. We disagreed with each other on the subject of exhibition case backs appearing on models for subaquatic use. The watchmaker stated that a diver’s watch should always have a solid back, whilst I said I always felt the added value of a fine movement should be freely shown. Evidently, Panerai has subscribed to tradition, equipping the PAM00603 with a solid case back, even though this watch only has a maximum water resistance of 30 metres.
Closing remarks
The Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603) is a stunning watch. I accept it may prove too large for some potential purchasers, however, with only 150 examples being produced, demand will inevitably outstrip supply. As I held the Mare Nostrum Titanio in my hands, I felt a pang of sadness that I would never see this watch again, such is the feverish demand for the special edition models released by Officine Panerai each year.
Based on the history of Panerai special editions, I would not be surprised if the value of this watch does not increase with time. Nevertheless, I would not choose a watch for this mercenary reason, but look to the other strengths of this timepiece. It is incredibly good-looking with its captivating tobacco brown dial and the movement is superb. Moreover, the dial is simple to read and the limited availability means it offers a welcome degree of exclusivity. Indeed, with these numerous talents, next time Panerai should not be quite as bashful and reveal all of its attributes for the delectation of wearers.
Technical Specification
- Model: Panerai Mare Nostrum Titanio 52mm (PAM 00603)
- Reference: PAM00603
- Case: Titanium; diameter 52.00 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; chronograph.
- Movement: Panerai OP XXV calibre (Minerva 13-22 base), hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 vph (2.5Hz); 22 jewels; power reserve 55 hours.
- Strap: Brown calf leather with brushed titanium pin buckle.
- Limited Edition: 150 pieces
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