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Old 21 August 2018, 11:21 AM   #1
Raemondo
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California dials?

Hi Panerai experts,

I’m considering a Panerai as my next acquistion, and at the moment, am drawn to California Dials or black ceramics.

Specifically, on the California Dials, what are the reference numbers for both Regular (don’t know technical term) and Radiomir? Have seen a few Radiomirs at 47mm and that’s too large for me, ideally looking at 42-44mm, if available. Also saw some with blue hands, which look unique. Interested in references with in-house movements.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 21 August 2018, 12:05 PM   #2
The OG Beef
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Sounds like the new 779 will tick many of your boxes.

http://watchesbysjx.com/2018/07/intr...c-pam-779.html


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Old 21 August 2018, 01:07 PM   #3
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643. Wears small, ceramic black. It’s 45mm but wears like 42mm



For Cali, 249
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Old 21 August 2018, 01:36 PM   #4
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If memory serves me correctly, all Cali dials before this year (see below) were 47mm, with the 249 being the classic choice.

2018 brought us the 779, which might (?) be more like what you seem to be looking for.
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Old 21 August 2018, 07:38 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
If memory serves me correctly, all Cali dials before this year (see below) were 47mm, with the 249 being the classic choice.

2018 brought us the 779, which might (?) be more like what you seem to be looking for.
If that was stainless, brushed or not, I’d be all over that. I just can’t do DLC.
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Old 21 August 2018, 09:12 PM   #6
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Before you pick up a California dial Panerai do your research and see what they are trading/selling for. I have traded one within the last few months and had a hard time with dealers who said they did not sell well. Finally made a deal. If I was to go to the California Dial it would be the 249. A classic and a watch that is always in demand. It is 47mm but wears much smaller. Find one and try it on.
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Old 21 August 2018, 11:06 PM   #7
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There is also the PAM 718 42mm transitional case, if you dare...
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Old 22 August 2018, 02:34 AM   #8
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249 - SS 47mm radiomir with blue hands + unitas movt
448 - SS 47mm radiomir with blue hands + P3000 movt
376 - WG 47mm radiomir with gold hands + P3000 movt
424 - SS 47mm radiomir with gold hands + P3000 movt
629 - DLC Ti 47mm luminor 1950 with gold hands + P3000 movt
718 - WG 42mm radiomir 1940 with blue hands + P1000 movt
740 - RG 42mm radiomir 1940 with blue hands + P1000 movt
779 - DLC SS 44mm luminor with blue hands + P5000 movt

I'm sure I miss some of the precious metals radiomirs here and there too
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Old 22 August 2018, 02:38 AM   #9
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249
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Old 22 August 2018, 11:51 AM   #10
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Great dial

Quote:
Originally Posted by mfer View Post
643. Wears small, ceramic black. It’s 45mm but wears like 42mm



For Cali, 249
That's one of the best pics of that watch I've ever seen. Great hobnail dial
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Old 23 August 2018, 12:08 PM   #11
Raemondo
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Originally Posted by The OG Beef View Post
Sounds like the new 779 will tick many of your boxes.

http://watchesbysjx.com/2018/07/intr...c-pam-779.html


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Thanks! Looks nice but I can’t find many online reviews. Curious on how well received it really is. When I’m by a boutique again I’ll have to check it out.
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Old 23 August 2018, 12:08 PM   #12
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643. Wears small, ceramic black. It’s 45mm but wears like 42mm



For Cali, 249
Really digging the Hobnail dial
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Old 23 August 2018, 12:13 PM   #13
Raemondo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
Before you pick up a California dial Panerai do your research and see what they are trading/selling for. I have traded one within the last few months and had a hard time with dealers who said they did not sell well. Finally made a deal. If I was to go to the California Dial it would be the 249. A classic and a watch that is always in demand. It is 47mm but wears much smaller. Find one and try it on.
Why do u think it doesn’t sell well? Is it because it’s not the classic font? Looks very unique to me.

The 249 has been consistency recommended in this threa. I will have to check it out in person for sure (if I can find one). I like that it has an anonymous dial.
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Old 23 August 2018, 12:14 PM   #14
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There is also the PAM 718 42mm transitional case, if you dare...
Would have been perfect if it weren’t WG or G in general
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Old 23 August 2018, 12:16 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by synequano View Post
249 - SS 47mm radiomir with blue hands + unitas movt
448 - SS 47mm radiomir with blue hands + P3000 movt
376 - WG 47mm radiomir with gold hands + P3000 movt
424 - SS 47mm radiomir with gold hands + P3000 movt
629 - DLC Ti 47mm luminor 1950 with gold hands + P3000 movt
718 - WG 42mm radiomir 1940 with blue hands + P1000 movt
740 - RG 42mm radiomir 1940 with blue hands + P1000 movt
779 - DLC SS 44mm luminor with blue hands + P5000 movt

I'm sure I miss some of the precious metals radiomirs here and there too

This is SUPER HELPFUL THANK YOU. I’m basically looking at Chrono24 on each one to check them out.
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Old 26 August 2018, 08:05 AM   #16
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After some research, it looks like the 249, 448, or 424 could work. I believe the California dial is most classic with a Radiomir so will wait to see how the 779 does, and I’m not sure if it’s even released yet.

Do you guys think that of the 249, 448, 424 — the 249 is the most collectible? It appears so, but a little hard to justify given the eta based movement.

The 448 has the P3000, but doesn’t appear as in-demand.

The 424 is slightly different with a logo on the dial, is standard production, and takes a little away from the limited edition collectability, but it’s at least half the price!




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Old 26 August 2018, 08:57 AM   #17
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FYI on 424,there are several versions:
The one with date and plexi
The one without date and plexi
And I believe the newer ones without date and with sapphire crystal

Of all the calis,I think the one that retains its value best is 249 as the original,like the 127 for 1950 model

Personally if I'm in the market for cali dial,I'd go for 448 for its higher wr and longer PR

If I'm not being sensible,I'll go and find a 349
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Old 26 August 2018, 02:22 PM   #18
erik asher
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Raemondo View Post
After some research, it looks like the 249, 448, or 424 could work. I believe the California dial is most classic with a Radiomir so will wait to see how the 779 does, and I’m not sure if it’s even released yet.

Do you guys think that of the 249, 448, 424 — the 249 is the most collectible? It appears so, but a little hard to justify given the eta based movement.

The 448 has the P3000, but doesn’t appear as in-demand.

The 424 is slightly different with a logo on the dial, is standard production, and takes a little away from the limited edition collectability, but it’s at least half the price!




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Unfortunately, you can’t get everything you want, sonits a matter of finding what’s closest...the 448/424 are 47mm with a thicker case and bulbous plexi crystal...they wear much larger than the 249, which is significantly slimmer case and the plexi is less bulbous or raised. Thus, even though they are both a 47mm, the 248 wears significantly smaller. But, it has a beautiful Unitas movement as opposed to an in-house movement. Small sacrifice for such an amazing PAM. Go for 249
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Old 27 August 2018, 05:03 AM   #19
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424 . . . a superb timepiece, and tribute to a remarkable past:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2359.JPG (198.1 KB, 293 views)
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Old 27 August 2018, 04:37 PM   #20
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I can't wait to see the 779 in the metal.
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Old 27 August 2018, 07:41 PM   #21
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I can't wait to see the 779 in the metal.
Announcing and releasing the 779 was not one of OP’s finer moments, IMHO
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Old 27 August 2018, 09:18 PM   #22
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424 . . . a superb timepiece, and tribute to a remarkable past:
Lovely
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Old 29 August 2018, 03:34 AM   #23
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424 . . . a superb timepiece, and tribute to a remarkable past:
I couldn't agree more! And that is a superb looking strap on your's as well. I love this watch. It might well be the favorite Panerai I own. There is that amazing dial that really sets it apart from other models, although there are a few with that dial. I recently put it on a black calf leather strap, and am amazed how much "dressier" it looks:



I really love that this model has the gold hands, and also the subtle Panerai logo. It might not be the most historically correct California but, to me, it is the most beautiful.

Enjoy yours!
Carl

There is also a gorgeous 42mm model available. Likely the most beautiful I have seen, but only available in rose gold. I keep eyeing it every time I go into the Boutique, hoping it will still be there when I win the lottery!

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Old 29 August 2018, 06:33 AM   #24
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I couldn't agree more! And that is a superb looking strap on your's as well. I love this watch. It might well be the favorite Panerai I own. There is that amazing dial that really sets it apart from other models, although there are a few with that dial. I recently put it on a black calf leather strap, and am amazed how much "dressier" it looks:



I really love that this model has the gold hands, and also the subtle Panerai logo. It might not be the most historically correct California but, to me, it is the most beautiful.

Enjoy yours!
Carl

There is also a gorgeous 42mm model available. Likely the most beautiful I have seen, but only available in rose gold. I keep eyeing it every time I go into the Boutique, hoping it will still be there when I win the lottery!

OMG as my kids would say. That gold one is just superb.
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Old 29 August 2018, 08:42 AM   #25
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Thanks Brian and Carl!

Carl, the strap is a DiStefano "Davide". I have several of Simona's straps - all superbly crafted and a pleasure to wear.
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Old 11 September 2018, 08:07 AM   #26
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California dial is MY FAVORITE!

Ive always been a fan of the "vintage" look
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Old 11 September 2018, 09:44 PM   #27
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The PAM 448 is my personal favorite among the California dials. It has the plexi crystal, blue hands, P3000 movement, and comes stock on a Ranger strap which is my favorite OEM strap that Panerai makes. It is getting harder to find the 448 and 449 (SLC dial) in new condition.

As far as size on the Radiomir; once you buy one PAM,. you want something bigger. The 45mm Radiomir is not that big. It sounds large on paper, but on the wrist it wears smaller than a 44mm Luminor.
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