The Panerai Source Forums

Hi everyone, I've just bought my first Panerai from a reputable second-hand dealer here in Australia. It's a PAM0024, E production which makes it circa 2002. Can anyone tell me if this model comes with a sandwich dial? Also I've noticed the hour and minute "Skeletal" hands looks rough and unfinished (will try to post some photos shortly) - is this characteristic of such a high-end piece? What also concerns me is that the booklet that I received seems incorrect as it's for a Luminor Marina and mentions leather and bracelet straps, not the rubber and velcro straps I received!! I thought I'd ask this forum before going back to the dealer, who by all accounts is very reputable and professional. Would appreciate your expert feedback/comments. Just in case I can't upload any pixs, here is the link - http://www.watchgallery.com.au/Watches/ ... Box-a.aspx

Here is my 5 cents:

Hands should not be rough, but polished. That said, the watch is E-series so can be that it ws different then. Panerai has made "cosmetical" changes before on models. Example, PAM 312 which i have had a brushed/sapphire back case, on K-Models it's polished/sapphire.

Booklet if i am not mistaken should be for "Subermersible" and not "Marina" - 2 different series.

Have you checked the lume on the hands? ok?

The only thing is hope that someone else in the forum has a E-series 024 or get in touch with Richemont and check with them directly.

Has the watch been serviced recently?

The pictures suggest it's a nice 'clean' example. If the hands have any grey tone and/or unevenness to the edges, it is oxidisation which is common in some older models, mainly Subs. The hands can be replaced but only with 'L' Luminova lume, not the original 'T' Tritum markers it currently appears to have. Many like purity and originality regardless. Many don't. Depending what you paid for it, it's a nice looking watch and personally i'd live with it happily and leave it alone,

Hand-books to some extent are generic but i believe a Sub instruction manual should show a Sub on the front cover if it's specifically correct. The operating process is exactly the same however as a Luminor Marina aside fom the bezel calibration facility.

With the queries you've raised i'm surprised you bought it

You do have a famous Panerai enthusiast in Aus. If you don't know of him, Google "Hammer Paneristi"