With SIHH right around the corner (Geneva, January 2012), it is time to the the 2012 pre-releases started.  In keeping with recent trends, Panerai is again first out of the gates with one of its 2012 pieces, the PAM 422, aka the Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days.  According to Panerai, the PAM 422 is inspired by a rare model of the 1940s that represents an intermediate stage in the transformation from the Radiomir to the Luminor case.  Interestingly, this watch is (visually) just a few tweaks away from last year’s PAM 372 (which is, comparatively, sans power reserve and small seconds), but the Paneristi seem a bit divided on whether or not it is fair to compare these two watches — I’m not a Panerai historian so I’ll stay out of the debate.  Rest assured, there will be plenty of Panerai Fanboys who will love this one…

Panerai PAM 422 Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days

Limited Edition 2,000 pieces

47mm polished steel case, 3mm Plexiglas crystal, natural leather strap (untreated)

“Sandwich dial”

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator on the back, seconds reset

hand-wound mechanical Panerai P.3001 movement (manufacture) with 3 day power reserve

The strap is pure and natural leather, without any additional lacquer finishing, closed with the classic Panerai brushed-steel buckle

SIHH 2012

For the newbies out there, SIHH is one of the two most important watch shows of the year during which the world’s most prestigious brands unveil their latest and greatest watches (and I bring it all to you — first — here at Perpetuelle.com).