In addition to the PAM 348, Panerai has another eye-catching model unveiled for this year’s SIHH: The Panerai Mare Nostrum PAM300.
As we know, the most often mentioned name of Panerai watches are the Ferrari series, Luminor Marina, Luminor GMT, and Radiomir. This is a rather rare model from Panerai. Before, I didn’t heard of the name Mare Nostrum from Panerai.
Although the watch looks a bit different from other Panerai watches, the impressive brushed steel bezel with ridged edge is no doubt one of the characteristics of the Panerai Radiomir collection. And this is clearly proven with the word “Panerai Radiomir” written on the dial.
Panerai Mare Nostrum was originally designed as a deck watch for the Italian Navy during the World War II. But the subsequent historical events terminated the further development of the prototype.
Now Panerai reintroduce the watch as a limited edition of just 99 items, with a price tag of $36,000. The watch comes with a king size case that measures 52 mm wide, which makes the watch special as 44, 45 and 47 mm seems to be the standard size of Panerai watches.
Although the watch looks lusty like a military watch and it is completed with luminescent Arabic numerals and hour markers like all other Panerai watches, the re-edition Mare Nostrum is by no means a diver’s watch. As it is orginally designed for use on ships instead of underwater operation, it is only water resistant to about 30 meters. This is again very special as Panerai watches are known for their high performance under water.
Other notable points of the watch include the transparent case back and the olive green canvas strap (some said it’s made of fabric and leather). As for the two sub-dial at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, it’s not of much practical use.
Overall, the Panerai Mare Nostrum PAM300 successfully creates a handsomely clean image of a military watch. It’s definitely a nice watch that should not be missed out. If it’s not such an expensive limited edition watch, I guess many men would snap up one for themselves.