Fratello Classics: Reviewing the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days


Panerai Luminor Marina 8 DaysAbout 10 years ago, around the time I started my watch blog Fratello Watches, I owned a couple of Panerai watches and wore them with much pleasure. However, being not only a writer of watch articles but also a watch collector, I “traded them up” over the years for watches from other brands. Of course, the Panerai watches I used to own were made long before the brand introduced its in-house-developed movements.

This Panerai Luminor Marina 8-Days (ref. PAM00510), which Panerai loaned me for a review, reminded me of those old Panerai watches, the major difference being that this one contains an in-house movement with an eight-day power reserve instead of the modified ETA (Unitas) movements that were used previously. So, let’s have a closer look at the modern PAM00510, introduced nearly two years ago at the SIHH in Geneva. I remember where I saw the Panerai Luminor Marina up close and decided to pull the trigger on the purchase. It was at a dealer in Antwerp, Belgium, when I decided to go for the 44-mm version. The military-looking case, the large, luminous hour markers, and the distinctive crown-lock system were the most important ingredients that convinced me to buy it. As I looked over this Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00510, I wondered what exactly changed over the years. To me, the watch has the same appeal, though now with an in-house movement and a note on the dial that it has an eight-days power reserve. The latter is, of course, quite useful in a watch with a hand-wound movement, and perhaps not the only watch you’ll wear during the week.

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days - flat

Turning the watch around, I started to look for a power-reserve indicator, but did not find one. I guess you just have to keep track of the days so as not to run out of energy. However, to be honest, I have the habit of winding a watch every day before putting it on my wrist, so I am sure that the watch is wound properly when I’m wearing it. Even if you don’t do this every day (or every other day), you won’t have any worries with this Panerai, as its two barrels will ensure the full eight days of power. Regarding the movement, the Panerai P.5000 caliber has a very clean appearance and finish. It matches the overall appeal of the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days. A richly engraved movement with lots of gears and wheels to “observe” wouldn’t fit the military look of the watch. In the end, this is still a watch inspired by the original Panerai used by the Italian Navy for military operations. Perhaps it shouldn’t even have a transparent caseback, but since the men who wear one are probably interested in mechanics and technology, it is cool to at least be able to enjoy the mechanical, hand-wound P.5000 movement when turning the watch over.

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days - back

 

This large pocket watch sized movement has 127 components, with — as mentioned — two barrels to store the lengthy power reserve, and it ticks at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The Panerai 510 comes on a thick leather strap with a large, beautiful, polished buckle, also known as the “Pre-Vendome” buckle. This aspect may need some explanation for the non-Paneristi out there reading this review. In the period between 1993 and 1997, before Panerai was owned by the Vendôme Group (which since 1998 is itself 100% owned by the Richemont Group), Panerai watches were delivered with this large buckle, similar to the one in our photos. After 1997, there was a long period in which Panerai watches had a more “modest” buckle on its straps. Personally, I love the so-called Pre-Vendome buckle, and I think it really suits the watch and the strap.

The strap and buckle are kept in place by screws rather than spring bars. With the small screwdriver that comes with each Panerai watch, you are perfectly able to change the straps yourself. If you want to make sure not to damage either the case or buckle when changing it, make sure to use a bit of Scotch tape to protect the case around the hole. This way, if you lose control over the screwdriver and accidentally hit a part of the case, the tape will be there to protect it from getting scratched. A polished surface, like the side of the case or a lug, will show scratches in a pretty obvious way.

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days - folded

The patented system for the crown lock is a fairly simple yet refined one. To wind or set the watch, just release the lock by using your fingernail to flip it open. Since there is no date or other complication on this watch, it is very easy to operate. Although the thick, vintage-looking strap on this watch might look very uncomfortable, it is actually one of the nicest watch straps I have worn in a long time. The softness of the strap is unbelievable and doesn’t feel at all thick or inflexible. You will either learn to love the cracked leather look of the strap or you will always be bothered by it. If it’s not your thing, you can easily order an extra strap of your choice using the strap selector on the official Panerai website (here). If you want a more classy look for this Panerai, go for one of the alligator straps,and if you want a more low-profile look you might want to check out the calfskin straps. In case you want to use this watch in or near the water (it is a divers’ watch, after all, with a water resistance of 300 meters), I’d suggest using a textile or rubber strap. (Yes, even though alligators live in the water, alligator leather straps don’t belong there.)

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days - side

In conclusion, I loved wearing this Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days. Even though I will always like the Panerai Luminor Base (the model without a seconds hand) a little better, because it is more “clean”-looking, a seconds hand moving around on the dial does makes this watch seem more alive. I am a fairly tall guy, so this watch really suits me quite well with its thick, 44-mm case. And since I am also a fairly technical-oriented fellow, I love the fact that it is has an eight-days power reserve and even that you need to wind it by hand.

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  1. Jason Wugalter

    I own a few Panerai watches. I have recently taken a fancy to the Pam 510 & 564 models. This article really helps me to understand as an interested buyer what I can expect before making my purchase. Thank you! Jason

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