JOA Panerai 249 Homage with Unitas Movement

I picked up my second JOA Homage model recently. It is a PAM249 homage model, the black dial California dial 47mm Radiomir. Im a big fan of the JOA Homages as they are very well done and have great dials and lume, quality cases and crystals, and can be fitted with great ETA movements. This one is no exception, and comes exactly as advertised.

As you can see above, the 47mm Radiomir Homage features a black Cali-style dial with blued steel hands. Lume is fantastic, though unfortunately I did not capture a shot. The dial also has the words Swiss Made on it, not sure if the dial really is Swiss made, but it is very well made and has great detail under a 5x loupe.

Watch features a slightly domed Sapphire Crystal, without front AR coating. I think there might be AR coating on the inside as it appears to have some degree of AR. Crown is an unmarked crown, not a Brevet-marked crown.

Back is solid and without any markings. I kind of like having the solid caseback on this model as it feels a bit nicer on the wrist, and gives a bit more sense of strength to the case. The stock Unitas movement in the back isnt anything especially pretty anyway!

The case is fully polished, and slightly thicker and has a higher bezel than the original. Not something I am too concerned with as I am not trying to pretend just like the style of the watch and enjoy the large, clean dial.

Finally, the wrist shot. I think the 47mm sits nicely on my wrist, but there are many that feel it too large. To each his own, I say.. otherwise wed all look like lemmings and carry iPhones. Better every one have their own sense of style and preference!

Rotary After Eight Watches – as seen on TV

PAM386 Luminor Composite Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic

Based on the attention that the 2011 Panerai models have received on the different watch fora, the composite PAM386 may be one of the most overlooked new Panerai watches this year. Which is strange, because it’s not only a very good looking watch – it’s also a very interesting watch because it is made using the new Panerai composite. This material was also used in the Radiomir PAM339 and that watch was a big hit – perhaps the most popular Panerai watch introduced in 2010.

PAM386 Luminor Composite Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic 44mm

There were two watches that I didn’t get to photograph at the SIHH in January this year and the PAM386 was one of them. I guess I forgot to ask for those watches as I was a bit overwhelmed by the PAM372 and another composite watch, the 47mm special edition PAM375. The PAM380 Radiomir blackseal is another watch that I was able to shoot later and this week I got the opportunity to take pictures of the PAM386 – thanks to the kind people of Richemont in Amsterdam.

The composite case is brown

The PAM386 has a brown 44mm case and its dial is brown too. Its actual color doesn’t show very well in many photos (as you can see in the first one where the dial appears to be black), but the above photo is pretty close to its actual color. The Luminova is beige which combines nicely with the brown of the dial.

The Panerai “Assolutamente” strap

The watch comes with the Panerai Assolutamente strap. One of the nicest OEM straps no doubt. It can be ordered from Panerai separately too. Its product code is MX006GJF in case you’re interested. The strap tapers from 24mm to 22mm and it’s 115×75 – which is a bit short for my taste, but I think it’s also available in other lengths.

Case back

The Panerai PAM386 has the automatic mechanical P.9000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. This movement has a 3 day power reserve (it uses 2 barrels). The watch has a crystal case back so you can see some of its movement details and the rotor. The dial has a date at 3 o’clock, a small seconds dial at 9 o’clock and it offers 300 meter water resistance.

If you want a composite Luminor and you’re not on the list for a PAM375, then this 386 is certainly worth considering. It’s a very functional watch, its case size (44mm) is probably a bit better suited for people that don’t have wrists like tree trunks and it’s simply stunning in person with its amazing brown dial and beige numbers.

PAM386 Luminor Composite Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic

Steve McQueen’s Rolex Up for Sale

It’s well known that Steve McQueen wore a Rolex Submariner; not so well known is that he actually owned two of them. The well-documented example, a ref. #5512, sold at Antiquorum in 2009 for $234,000. Now California’s Fourtané has turned up the other, an almost identical ref. #5113. They have not disclosed the price but we expect they’ll be looking to realize about the same as the Antiquorum sale. Turns out McQueen gave the second Sub to his longtime friend and stunt driver Bud Ekins, who ran a Triumph dealership in California.

McQueen was negotiating a motorcycle purchase while being advised by Ekins, and offered to do the deal the man threw in the Submariner. One week later the actor gave the watch to Ekins help coaching him on motorcycle racing and acquisitions. Ekins, a celebrity in his own right, wore the watch every day for 22 years side by side with McQueen. The watch is currently on display at Fourtane’s flagship store on Ocean Ave in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – but we bet not for long. Meanwhile, check out the Submariners for sale on James.