Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT PAM 233
- finishing of the casing
- its charm
- a manufacture movement
- useful complications
- the strap that does not measure up with the watch
| Brand | Panerai |
| Model name | Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT PAM 233 |
| Reference | PAM 233 |
| Case material | Steel |
| Case diameter (without crown) | 44 mm |
| Case diameter (crown included) | 49 mm |
| Caliber | P2002/1 |
| Base Caliber | Manufacture (Jaeger-Lecoultre base) |
| Functions | Date Day / Night GMT Hour Minute Power reserve Reset of the second hand Second |
| Crystal | Domed-crystal glass with anti-reflective coating |
| Power reserve | 192h (8 days) |
| Transparent back | Yes |
| Lug width | 23,88 mm |
| Length from lug to lug | 52,76 mm |
| Case thickness | 17,40 mm |
| Strap material | Calf leather |
| Clasp type | Pin buckle |
| Clasp material | Steel |
| Total weight | 135 grammes |
| Retail price USA at July 23rd, 2010 | $9,900.00 |
| Comfort (/15) | 12 |
| Movement (/20) | 13.5 |
| Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) | 3.5 |
| Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) | 5 |
| Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) | 0 |
| Power reserve (/2) | 2 |
| Complications (/5) | 3 |
| Finishing (/20) | 16 |
| Dial finishing (/6) | 4.5 |
| Case finishing (/6) | 4.5 |
| Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) | 2 |
| Crystal quality (/4) | 4 |
| Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) | 1 |
| Functionality (/20) | 16 |
| Diurnal legibility (/5) | 4 |
| Night legibility (/4) | 4 |
| Water resistance (/3) | 1 |
| Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) | 3 |
| Clasp : quality and safety (/4) | 4 |
| Additional items (/10) | 6 |
| Limited edition (/3) | 0 |
| Watch delivered with several straps (/2) | 1 |
| Quality of the watch box (/1) | 1 |
| Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) | 2 |
| Goodies included (/1) | 1 |
| Understandability of the brochure (/1) | 1 |
| Value for money (/15) | 13 |
| When to wear it ? | Every day, however the weather is ! |
A skilful balance between vintage and strength
This Luminor is one of the rare 44 mm references equipped with the “1950” casing and with an ultra-rounded sapphire glass, characteristics hitherto reserved to the 47 mm limited serials such as the mythic Luminor 127.
The curved result radiates a tremendous charm, a blend of “vintage” refinement and strength.
The 1950 casing, of a more pronounced cushion shape than on the classic casings, lightens the design of the watch.
The 44 mm diameter will not shock, included on modest wrists. The dial takes up the “sandwich” construction, so particular to the Panerai (a black hemstitched plate that recovers a Super Luminova coated basis).
In spite of the numerous available indications, it remains a model of sobriety, each element being well placed.
A first class movement
If this Luminor is undoubtedly an aesthetical success, it is not outdone regarding the movement.
The P2002 that equips it offers an 8-day power reserve, visible thanks to a horizontal indicator (which is very useful on a manual watch)
The 8-day power reserve was moreover a historical characteristic of the 1930’s first Panerai: during commando missions, it allows to stay synchronized with its team mates until the return to the base, even if the watch was not wind up in the heat of the action…
The GMT, another very useful functionality, is here easy to use.
To change the time zone, the crown needs just to be turned in order to move the hand on a one-hour leap.
It allows wedging the local time while keeping the GMT hand on the original time.
The day/night indicator will avoid the 2 o’clock phone calls and the problems that can result from it….
Another mechanical refinement, the second is equipped with an automatic reset to zero: noticeable for those who are obsessive of the adjustment of the seconds’ hand on the minutes’ one!
Finally, the finishing of the movement is quite pleasant: the bridges are fully brushed and engraved with the principal technical characteristics.
Sober, simple, functional, just as the watch around it!
What to remember
Very versatile, this Luminor will be comfortable with either a suit or a short.
If you are looking for a watch that can accompany you 365 days a year, it is an excellent candidate!
Within 10.000 €, its price is all the more reasonable considering the provided services and the global realization’s quality.
In short, a champion in its category that has more than convinced us!