questions re: early PAM24 models...

[ghotihead2001]

looking to add one of these to my rotation...could anyone answer some questions

what was the last serial letter for the polished bezel PAM24?

also curious as to price range....i saw one from the E series recently a little dinged up for around 4k, also it seems like the A series commands a premium in the 6-8k range?

all input is appreciated

thanks

[elazarus]

The last of the shiny bezels were in the "C" series.

As for the valuation, The first Production year had tritium dials on all of the models. In the second year only left over tritium dials were used before they switched to the Luminova on all models except for the Submercible PAM 24 and 25.

At this point only the Submercibles had tritium as they were certified diving watches whereas all brands had to switch to Luminova from Tritium on their dials.

The tritium Panerai watches command a premium because like they say with real estate "They ain't making them anymore." You can go in and buy a PAM 24 but to get a tritium dial you need to go back in time and pay the going rate for a watch that has limited availability.

Elliot

[ghotihead2001]

Thats odd cause i saw an E serial for sale recently with a polished bezel....i dont care about the tritium or luminova distinction. Are you sure the polished bezels stopped at C?

[malik713]

I'm no expert but I thought they stopped at C also.

For what it's worth, you can have tritium applied to the watch but it will be aftermarket.

[elazarus]

Yes, I am quite sure that the shiny bezel stopped with the "C" series....although tritium was still used until later years.

The "E" series Sub had hash marks from 12 to 3 on a brushed bezel....the PAM 25 was titanium.

Here is a picture of my personal "A" series with a shiny bezel.




Elliot

[arizonaboy]

That's correct...only A, B and C series had the polished bezel. That said, I have seen some later series where the owners had the bezel professionally polished...although that isn't something I would do - or suggest :)

[DCportraits]

I have seen some 25's on different buy&sells that have had their bezels polished even though they are more recent models strictly for the look. Same as some matte polished breitlings. Too shiny for me.

[ghotihead2001]

interesting, thanks for the input....

what would you guys say is a good ballpark price for a complete 24C in good shape? 5k?

Matthew Bain has one on Ebay, but its a little banged up w/o box or papers...at 3k w a few days to go....kinda tempted...

[elazarus]

And you would want a "banged up" watch.....why?

I guess I can understand no box or papers if you are going to wear it and not worry about future resale....

Elliot

[ghotihead2001]

oh im gonna wear it, i figure any 12 or so year old watch prob needs a service at which time they can clean up any imperfections....

[Shade]

I honestly wouldnt mind a little "banged" up - depending on how banged it is. If the damage is deep/cut/bent/dimpled, then no - scratches and several bottom case dings are still acceptable for my daily beater standards. However - no box and papers and a banged up condition, 3k doesnt sound very interesting to me.