I understand the concept of the honeymoon and sellers regret syndromes. So I'll post some plain observations and illustrate them in photographs.
Some basic information:
Model Name: PAM 24 Luminor Submersible, I-02xx (2006)
Movement Type: Automatic - CoSC Certified
Features: Date, Uni-directional Professional Diver’s Bezel
Water resistance: 300m, or 1000 feet.
Movement Details: OPIII, a highly modified V7750 Chronometer grade, 21J movement, with a 42 hour power reserve.
Dial Description: Black Dial with luminous hour markers and Sub second dial at 9 O'clock and magnified date at 3 O'clock
Bezel: Brushed Stainless steel - Unidrectional Rotating Professional Diver's Bezel
Case Size: 44mm / 15.75mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel Polished
Caseback: Solid case back
Strap/Bracelet: 24mm Black Panerai rubber strap; Plus Velcro diver's strap plus stainless steel deployment buckle
To start the case is very well done and the piece exudes high quality manufacture. On par with Breitlings and Omegas newest watches. Rolex's are very well made but are so conservative they tend to lack that "very high" quality feeling (except the 'tonas and YM's). The overall look is vintage with a slightly steampunk vibe. Never thought so until I saw it in the flesh. Bronze bezel and hands would make this thing rock.
The Bezel sucks and is loose on this watch. I have read up on it and the bezel spring leaf is plastic on these models! A replaceable and easy to wear out piece. It works so I'll leave it for now. (all three beat it on this feature)
The lume is very good and just under Omega PO intensity. Far better then B and R.
The dial is excellent. The indices are circle-filled (ala R Sub) and the numbers are painted. No dust or oddities, it is very easy to read. Interesting note, the hands are skeletonized so as to be able to see the running seconds at all times, a divers must have attribute. Circular patterning on the seconds sub-dial is an attractive addition.
A signature feature, the crown bridge is polished like the case and snaps down with authority. The crown not screwed in and the WR is 300M!! I'll have to take their word for it. Another interesting feature is the inverted cyclops as seen below. It is on the inside of the crystal... weird but it works. So sapphire is flat up top, no nicking the cyclops (ala R).
OKOKOK Blah blah Jackass! How does it wear? It wears at about 45mm and tallish. Not too tall, i.e. B Super Avenger or Uts 3000. This model has the screw tubes, the next year (J models) have the strap changing tool, a push button system. I am ambivalent on this feature, sounds like future trouble to me.
The wrist shot...
I am collecting straps right now, I can say the rubber is very good, the deployment is excellent and brushed to perfection. The velcro dive strap is very comfortable and light, it is a great sports strap for sure. All pic's are on a 5 year old Bob strap that is buttery soft, looks like hell but oh well.
Running at +3 so alls good under the hood. Interesting note, The OPIII is a Chronometer 7750. P tears it all the way down, throws out the chronograph features and adds a bunch of custom bridges etc. Each one is regulated and set. Neat. I'll take it in to have it pressure tested before boat season.
It won't take the place of my Sub, but it is going to be my every day-off watch.
I like it.
