Panerai Luminor Owner Review : Generous, conceptual and accomplished

Panerai and I have a true love story. A passion that began in the early 2000s, when I discovered this watch on Sylvester Stallone's wrist. To me, it was a revelation: unique, robust, monumental, cinematic... A piece apart in the watchmaking world, which immediately stood out in my mind. From that moment on, I had only one goal: to own one. That's how, in the mid-2000s, I acquired my first Panerai: the PAM 177. A titanium Luminor Marina, with an off-center small seconds hand and a sapphire crystal caseback revealing a Unitas movement. A simple, technical, and elegant model that fulfilled me... until the day I had to part with it. A heartbreak that I would regret for many years. After a patient and passionate search, I finally stumbled upon the one that would rekindle the flame: a PAM 116, 2002 edition. A true gem, produced in very limited quantities—1,200 pieces in 2002, only 300 in 2003. Its brown dial, the color of a cigar cap, is breathtakingly beautiful. It offers a striking contrast with the luminescent hands coated with Luminova, playing with the light and the sun's reflections depending on the viewing angle. The dial is of rare purity: two hands, four numerals, two inscriptions, and the discreet Swiss inscription at the bottom. Nothing superfluous. The titanium, which I particularly like, enhances the whole. And once again, the sapphire crystal case back reveals a finely decorated Unitas movement, adorned with small horizontally engraved "Panerai" signs. But what sets this piece apart even more is its buckle: a unique design that I've only seen on this model. It's a departure from the classic buckles of the Luminor range, yet it perfectly complements the strap and the personality of the watch. I'm a Panerai fan, and I fully embrace it. Since I found this coveted piece, I've worn it almost every day. I acquired it secondhand, at an affordable price, from a trusted Marseille dealer. And this time, it's certain: I'll never part with it again. Next stop? A watchmaking pilgrimage to Paris, heading to Casa Panerai on the Champs-Élysées... with my PAM 116 on my wrist, of course.