The Panerai Luminor 1950 PCYC 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Acciaio 44mm (note to Panerai: please make easier names for your watches), or even the PAM00653 for greater simplicity, is a portion of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge (PCYC) collection, the top International Circuit for Classic Sailing Yachts, by the Antilles to the Mediterranean — in short, a set of regattas for vintage sailing ships sponsored by Panerai submersible 44mm replica watches which has existed for 13 years. It is not surprising that Panerai has a dedicated collection of watches observing this partnership with PCYC — a set today comprising three versions, the white dial PAM00654, both the titanium and 47mm PAM00652 with regatta counter and the present steel/black dial along with 44m diameter flyback chronograph ref. PAM00653.
As a race to get vintage sailboats, you can’t anticipate Panerai to provide modern and technical watches within this context — like the Panerai Luminor Regatta Transat Classique ref. PAM00956, released a couple of weeks ago. For this PCYC set, the Italian brand had to shoot with all its classic weapons, yet with the necessary technical modernity that a chronograph requires. For this reason, the PAM00653 is an intriguing mixture of cool retro details within a general modern package — in actuality, it feels more balanced than the conventional 1950 models that can sometimes play a bit too hard on”legacy”.
A TYPICALLY PANERAI HABILLAGE
In terms of the case, no surprises here. The Panerai Luminor 1950 PCYC 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Acciaio 44mm PAM00653 depends on all the conventional codes of the brands. The case, typical of this Luminor 1950 collection, combines the vintage cushion form of early Panerai luminor 1950 3 days gmt replica watches with the trademark crown protection device/locker that will later come to be the standard — a type of transitional watch. The 316L steel case is mostly polished, with the exclusion of the crown defense device that’s satin-finished.
As for the dimensions, then again it’s typically Panerai, which means a hefty, robust and heavy watch. At 44mm in diameter, then this surely makes an impression when worn and won’t fly under the radar. This has been part of Panerai’s concept for years and it isn’t very likely to change. The lugs are short and curved and the strap is large enough to balance the watch on the wrist. This nearly came as a surprise as well as 17cm wrists can handle this hefty bit of stainless steel.
photographed on Frank’s 19cm wrist.
Because most chronographs of the brand with in-house movements, the pushers are located on the left side of this case — start/stop at 10 o’clock and reset/flyback at 8 o’clock. This remains a somewhat surprising choice however on a daily basis, the reset pusher seems to be quite practical to actuate with your right thumb. The start button needs to get used to its odd position, however.
The crown is, as usual with Panerai luminor 1950 ceramica clone watch, securely fastened by the signature lateral device but is big enough and easy to grip. The case of the PAM00653, though a chronograph, is water-resistant to 100 meters — more than sufficient for most states. And all in all, it’s a nautical opinion, not a diving tool. Complementing the vintage look is Panerai’s cool-looking distressed natural leather strap, which will obtain patina over the time, and a classic pin buckle to secure the watch into the wrist.
THAT DIAL
As mentioned in the introduction, Panerai watches, because of their large size and their time-only or tiny seconds display, may sometimes be a little too easy, a bit too clean. This is not true for this particular Flyback Chronograph PCYC ref. PAM00653. There is a great deal going on this watch but in a really favorable way. Details, colors, screen… It is honestly a very, very attractive watch.
So, if the case is unmistakably Panerai, the dial is somewhat unusual for the new: it’s busy. Dials in Panerai luminor 1950 carbotech replica watches may be clean to the point of not even featuring a logo — think California-dialed watches — and in most cases, it is merely a pair of hands, indexes/numerals and (not necessarily ) a tiny moments sub-dial. But on a 44mm or 47mm watch, some will discover that it’s overly slippery. The PAM00653 will please them, as it adds to the classic Panerai DNA that the coolness of a 1940s chronograph using a balanced dial and interesting display.
The foundation is obviously that of a Panerai, with a black plate, stylized Arabic numerals (glowing, naturally ), average hands for both the hours/minutes and for the sub-counters plus a combination of color that is warm and old-school — a fantastic point is this gilt dial doesn’t try too hard to mimic an obsolete watch. The logo sits classically under the 12 o’clock hour marker and also the sub-dials are balanced, well-positioned and well-proportioned. One of the chief benefits of in-house moves is this adaptation to the watch and its size.
Concerning inscriptions, Panerai has published a good deal on this dial, yet in an orderly way to avoid confusion. Rather than being graduated from kilometres, this tachymeter scale is here providing levels in knots — according to nautical miles (1.852 km). This does not suggest a technical modification, just a different graduation.) This Panerai Luminor 1950 PCYC 3 Days Chrono Flyback stays a very simple chronograph — to get a true regatta chronograph, assess that the 47mm PAM00652 with its countdown complication.
MODERN MECHANICS
As for the mechanics inside this view, Panerai luminor 1950 regatta fake relies on its own all-purpose in-house chronograph movement, the P9100. Based on the P9xxx architecture with 3-day power reserve, it’s modern and pictured with reliability in mind. However, it also features most of the modern delicacies. The P9100 is an incorporated, automatic chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch — an arrangement which permits a precise start of the chronograph in addition to a smooth action of the pushers.
Along with this, the P9100 is also outfitted with a flyback work on all 3 chronograph indications. The flyback allows a quick restart of this chronograph by only pressing once on the pusher at 8 o’clock — instead of the 3-step sequence stop-reset-start onto a classical chronograph. The flyback function is useful when recording several laps in a row.
The motion, hidden behind a closed steel caseback (with nice nautical scenery on it), is decorated in the normal Panerai way — directly brushed bridges and diamond-polished bevels. This movement has a comfy 72-hour or 3-day power book and a 4hz frequency.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Panerai Luminor 1950 PCYC 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Acciaio 44mm PAM00653 is a special edition watch, however not restricted in production. It has been on the market since 2017 and is currently available at retailers in addition to around the e-commerce site of Panerai (depending on the countries).
