There are many a style of luxury and exquisite watches on the market. For every type of man and every different kind of personal style. Whether you prefer a large or prominent watch. Otherwise, if you prefer a more subtle look there is one ideal for you as well. Of course you have your classic styles and more modern designs. Although, you have quite a few vintage pieces there are also extraordinary vintage look and design inspired watches. These pack in all of the classic aesthetics while carrying the absolute latest in technological innovations and modern movements and machinations. It is one of these incredible vintage inspired luxe watches we are reviewing today for this week’s edition of Diamonds by Raymond Lee’s Masculine Monday. The Panerai Pam 104 Luminor Marina is an exquisite watch. It matches perfectly all of these features. An absolutely stunning piece of haute horlogerie in time.

Composed of some of the top of the range materials and features with vintage inspired design and a classic twist this Panerai is emblematic of the brand. Further, it has all of the incredible features that set Panerai apart. Attitude and a singular unique personal branded style. The Panerai watches are one that can be immediately identified. We will go into all the details that truly make this brand an Italian classic. Made in Italy never looked so good. Further, we will review for you the watch itself. From the large open dial face to the genuine leather bracelet nad unique case design. Another, unique feature on this watch is the crown and bezel. For this and a little something more please see below our review of the Panerai Pam 104 Luminor Marina at our conveniently located and expertly designed store in Boca Raton, South Florida, Diamonds by Raymond Lee.

The Panerai brand, a history of Italian roots

From the very beginning the Panerai watch brand has had a deep rooted culture in their tradition and unique personality. It is evident in each and every one of their pieces. They craft unique pieces that have the Made in Italy look like no other. First established in Florence, Italy in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai the Panerai brand has produced singular watches over the years. The very first shop was set up on the iconic Ponte alle Grazie. Furthermore, the shop became the city’s very first watch making school. Officine Panerai expanded into more than a shop. Also, furthering the Italian watch making industry. At the turn of the twentieth century the Officine Panerai switched over to being called Orologeria Svizzera. This is when they began to create some of their most iconic pieces. For example the luxury time pieces they created for the Royal Italian Navy in the 1950s.

This was the natural evolution of the Italian brand. Additionally, from their original Radiomir patent there was so much effort in refining and perfecting their look and feel. The watch itself also improved of course with more advanced technological features and unique shape. Overall the Panerai brand itself grew with it. Developing a tradition of large sized watches with a significant weight to them. These resistant and durable watches are made to withstand strenuous conditions. As the designs were intended to be for watches used as tools of a trade they are not just a time keeping machine. Rather, each of these watches is a rustic representation of the strong Italian blood and honor. For all of the tradition and commitment imbued into bringing them to the world is exemplified across every one of the designs. They are a major player in the fine watch making market now a days.

The Panerai Pam 104 Luminor Marina

First, when it comes to the Panerai Pam 104 Luminor Marina we need to look at the sheer size of the watch itself. It does have a large case and therefore dial face. Further, this makes the watch an extremely readable one. It offers this masculine and rustic feel to the watch. Overall it echoes the founder and the Royal Navy appointment that set apart the Panerai watches. The Luminor series is one of the most famous of the Panerai collections. It actually includes a range of two models. The first is the Luminor and the second is the Luminor Marina. The fine differences can really be seen in the watch’s functionalities more than the visual aesthetic. Although, the most defining feature on a Panerai Luminor after the large case and dial is the protected watch crown. This detail is not found in very many watches it a unique feature.

The Panerai Pam 104 Luminor Marina

The unique look of this watch as you can see above makes it an instantly recognizable accessory. First the feature numbers for the hour markers in their very unique vintage style script numbering. Next of course the cushion shape case itself. This one is unlike any of the other watch cases in the world. Additionally the rounded bezel and raised dial give it a curvature and sleek look. Even the leads that attach the bracelet to this watch’s case are unique and quite large but open. It is a definitively unique and masculine look. The design brings together classic old school elements like the brown leather strap and unique lettering with the modernized stainless steel and clear face. Each of the hour markers in their simplistic design balance out the main dial features. Below we go into each one of these unique Panerai Luminor Marina details reviewing the watch overall.

The stainless steel case, bezel and crown

This watch is a fine time piece in stainless steel metal. For durability and superior resistance to the elements the case is and bezel are fully solid stainless steel. Since Panerai began creating this watch protecting the functions was top priority. Almost more than anything else they had a strong focus on strength and visibility for this watch. The bezel is simple and smooth. While it is raised and angled the large size of the watch is an additional benefit. Also, the cushion shaped case is a very unique design. Most watches are still the traditional circle shape. Meanwhile the Panerai takes on this cushion shape. They created this design for the Royal Italian Navy. A unique watch for unique men who served and protected. The uniform crown case and bezel all form a perfect backdrop surrounding the flat black dial face. But more on the dial later on here.

Another unique feature is of course the crown. The protected crown on this watch is one of the singular details that really make it different from any other watch including the Panerais. It has an additional stainless steel bridge protecting the crown from movements or impact. While the large case and this additional bridge are large it does not really affect the wear of the watch. It fits a bit snug against the wrist. However, the rounded smooth bridge are comfortable even when writing while wearing the watch. Furthermore, this unique look characterizes the watch. Made during an era of World War technical research and resistant technological innovations were in vogue. This crown protecting bridge has got additional reinforced wire lugs created from the exact same block of steel as the case. It gives the watch a stronger yet uniform look while also adding resistance and durability to the watch.

The black and luminescent large dial

A unique and stunning feature is of course also the flat matte black dial on this watch. It is a classic dark and eye catching dial. First let us start with the prominent features on this piece. The hour markers as we have said above are simple minimalistic luminescent stick designs. Except for the twelve o’clock and six o’clock. Those two are written out in Arabic numerals in a flourished vintage inspired lettering. Furthermore there is a small sub dial at the central nine o’clock space. Also, at the central three o’clock space there is an open date window. This one also has an augmented feature for improved visibility and readability. The hour and minute hands themselves are also luminescent and feature a traditional arrow point end. Also at the center they are held with a normal pin. The sub dial also has luminescent hand cut in a marquise shape.

The watch also has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. It is made in the highest precision to fit over the unique cushion cut watch case. While for visibility the round bezel and crystal features improve readability these are not actually the most comfortable shape to wear. This is why the round features are placed onto the cushion cut case. It fits snugly along the wrist without gaps and follows the natural shape of your wrist. An incredible success in fine watch making and design. This watch is. just another example of the quality design and production of its Italian roots. The singular style and inimitable design make this watch one of the most unique for collectors and men who do not adhere to the status quo. It is for the gentleman who has a refined personal style and is not following any of the fads. 

The genuine brown leather bracelet and stainless steel clasp

Finally the genuine brown leather strap with detailed stitching. Like all of the very best things Made in Italy. A genuine fine leather is used for this watch bracelet. It has a patterned texture and bright white stitching all along the bracelet. Furthermore the the texture is a more classic look. It is what keeps this vintage inspired modern closer to a more traditional style of watch. Also the stainless steel Panerai brushed style clasp. While it may not appear to be one this is a double fold over clasp not a traditional buckle clasp that it appears to be. This imitation of the classic design ties together the traditional look of the watch overall while using the modern and much more resistant closure. This stainless steel buckle shuts tightly. To keep safe a watch that is unlike any other. Overall this watch is a piece for the modern gentleman. Inspired by the classics but always true to their very own. 

A Diamonds by Raymond Lee favorite, your luxury watch experts in South Florida

We truly delight in reviewing unique pieces like this one from our curated collection. A lot of our time is spent actually sourcing these incredible pieces. All of the fine watches in our curated collection bring together what there is of the very best. Both in design and in technological functionality. We source the finest brands in watch making and of course always test the specific pieces. Our master jewelers and diamond experts inspect the pieces to ensure that they are operating at the exact precision they are intended to. Also, all of our pieces are carefully considered and curated together for an incredible selection. Our stores here in South Florida are easy to find and a wonder to enjoy. We have done our very absolute best to make sure all of our locations are places you will want to come and to spend some time at with our team!

We are a family owned and run business and have been serving South Florida community for the past three decades. Our commitment and purpose are geared to continuing to serve all of you for the next three decades too. We believe there is no better way to make a fine jewelry or luxury watch purchase than trying it on yourself. So we are here to show you through our collection, answer any and all questions and help you build up your own personal collection. We are always on the look out for new pieces. Particularly those that are limited edition or just some of the most unique fine watches around. We offer all of the luxury watch brands at our shop and are constantly adding new ones. For reviews like this you can take a look through blog where we have gone into detail about several of our favorite watches.