the PAM1085 is an excellent piece - who cares if it's 'entry level'. the best Panerai models are the simplest ones.
I almost got the 1085 - but my heart went for the simple pure dial of the 1086.

I'm not American but i'm just north of you up in Vancouver I go down to Seattle several times a year. Happy 4th my fellow Americans!

 

Thanks, my man. That’s a great piece. Love that it has the “base logo,” too. Appreciate the love, my fellow Cascadian. You know we stand in solidarity with you. Love the Omega Boutique in the Fairmont in Downtown Vancouver.

 

 

You’re a man of culture, I see. Amazing pieces!!

 

The Blu Mare 1085 is an awesome piece! Funny thing is.. I used to have one! I sold it a while ago, but it's one of the few sales I regretted. I don't know what I was thinking. I got it for a great price, and never found one again for the same deal I got. The sunray dial is really something else.

Honestly, what really is "entry level" for a Panerai? It's a luxury watch first of all! Panerai isn't really known for it's technically advanced or superbly finished movements.. but they're not bad either. Blu Mare has a P6000 movement, hand wound with really nice winding action, 3 days power reserve. It hacks (unlike some of the "nicer" Panerai movements, interestingly. Though hacking isn't everything), it's accurate, and it's modern. I know the P3000 is a more "upmarket" movement, but it's also hand-wound, hacking, 72 hours power reserve, same beat rate. Other than using 2 mainspring barrels instead of 1, and having 2 more jewels, I'm having trouble finding any practical differences. The most important thing is that it's housed in that beautiful Panerai case with that stunning dial.

And tbh, unless you're looking at some of the super-complicated Panerai like the Equation of Time models, you're basically paying a lot more for slightly different aesthetics as Panerai honestly reuses their handful of movements across a variety of price points. The premium for certain lines with unique aesthetics (like the Luna Rossa's which are beautiful) is fine for some people, but if you like what you like, and it's not as expensive, then why waste the cash? The most iconic Panerai are the straightforward ones.

Anyway, after selling my Blu Mare, I jumped back on the Pam train with a couple of pieces. The PAM1305 titanium submersible and the PAM1385 (coincidentally very similar reference number) Radiomir Officine, which is a tribute to the original Radiomir prototype from the 30's. I think the Subs are beasts, while the vintage style Radiomirs are just exquisite. Both very different in style, though both very quintessentially Panerai.

As for the holiday... I'm not really a boat guy (though I used to SCUBA dive), and my SO gets motion sick really easily lol. Looked up your boat, and you're not kidding that it's an aquatic minivan lmao.

But I am enjoying some beach time down in Florida with the Pam sub. Secretly looking forward to getting home and spending some extra days off riding my motorcycles though.

Happy 4th!

 

The Blu Mare is so sweet. My first love is my 797 but this 4th I’m hitting the pool in a base Radiomir.

 

You guys are killing me with all these gorgeous Pam's. I've started a savings fund to get one. Hopefully by this time next year.

Resisting other watches and the temptation to whip out the plastic is tough.

I quit smoking over a month ago and those $$ now go in the watch fund. You don't realize how expensive smokes are until you see all that money in one place.

 

You guys are killing me with all these gorgeous Pam's. I've started a savings fund to get one. Hopefully by this time next year.

Resisting other watches and the temptation to whip out the plastic is tough.

I quit smoking over a month ago and those $$ now go in the watch fund. You don't realize how expensive smokes are until you see all that money in one place.

Congrats on quitting!!

 

That is a handsome dial, entry level or not. Sounds like your appreciation of it is going to override that label.

I'm getting closer and closer to wanting to take the leap to Panerai. I actually offered a trade + cash for a 141 listed on WUS.

I also like the Luna Rossa blue dial.

I can't quite put my finger on what is pushing me to want one but I really like the idea of having one in my collection.

 

Here in Seattle, the 4th means hopping on our boats, cruising Lake Union, and prepping for the fireworks show. It was time to fire up the power pontoon and dust off the Mercury.
Being Italian, I feel like it’s my duty to rock a Panerai on the water. After all, Panerai started out supplying the Italian Navy, which is just plain cool. While the PAM1085 is considered an entry-level piece, it was my first luxury watch—and a meaningful one at that. I picked it up at the Panerai boutique in Caesar’s Palace.
I sometimes think about “upgrading” it to another PAM, but then I snap out of it. Upgrade to what? The sunray blue dial is absolutely stunning, it runs crazy accurate, I’ve got four straps I swap out easily, and most importantly—it was my first love. 🥲
Panerai can be hit or miss for many, but for me, it’s a grand slam. I love the bold design and how they do their own thing.
The boat? A 22-foot Crest pontoon—a true minivan on the water. But hey, nothing beats piling 15 friends onboard, firing up the BBQ, and tossing out the floaties in the shadow of the Space Needle.
What’s everyone rocking on their wrist for Independence Day?
Happy 4th to all my American watch buds.“Look at me. I’m the captain now.” 😎🫡
View attachment 19162233

The Blu Mare 1085 is an awesome piece! Funny thing is.. I used to have one! I sold it a while ago, but it's one of the few sales I regretted. I don't know what I was thinking. I got it for a great price, and never found one again for the same deal I got. The sunray dial is really something else.

Honestly, what really is "entry level" for a Panerai? It's a luxury watch first of all! Panerai isn't really known for it's technically advanced or superbly finished movements.. but they're not bad either. Blu Mare has a P6000 movement, hand wound with really nice winding action, 3 days power reserve. It hacks (unlike some of the "nicer" Panerai movements, interestingly. Though hacking isn't everything), it's accurate, and it's modern. I know the P3000 is a more "upmarket" movement, but it's also hand-wound, hacking, 72 hours power reserve, same beat rate. Other than using 2 mainspring barrels instead of 1, and having 2 more jewels, I'm having trouble finding any practical differences. The most important thing is that it's housed in that beautiful Panerai case with that stunning dial.

And tbh, unless you're looking at some of the super-complicated Panerai like the Equation of Time models, you're basically paying a lot more for slightly different aesthetics as Panerai honestly reuses their handful of movements across a variety of price points. The premium for certain lines with unique aesthetics (like the Luna Rossa's which are beautiful) is fine for some people, but if you like what you like, and it's not as expensive, then why waste the cash? The most iconic Panerai are the straightforward ones.

Anyway, after selling my Blu Mare, I jumped back on the Pam train with a couple of pieces. The PAM1305 titanium submersible and the PAM1385 (coincidentally very similar reference number) Radiomir Officine, which is a tribute to the original Radiomir prototype from the 30's. I think the Subs are beasts, while the vintage style Radiomirs are just exquisite. Both very different in style, though both very quintessentially Panerai.

As for the holiday... I'm not really a boat guy (though I used to SCUBA dive), and my SO gets motion sick really easily lol. Looked up your boat, and you're not kidding that it's an aquatic minivan lmao.

But I am enjoying some beach time down in Florida with the Pam sub. Secretly looking forward to getting home and spending some extra days off riding my motorcycles though.

Happy 4th!

View attachment 19162358
View attachment 19162359

You guys are killing me with all these gorgeous Pam's. I've started a savings fund to get one. Hopefully by this time next year.

Resisting other watches and the temptation to whip out the plastic is tough.

I quit smoking over a month ago and those $$ now go in the watch fund. You don't realize how expensive smokes are until you see all that money in one place.

Congrats!

 

Casio in a pontoon.

 

Here in Seattle, the 4th means hopping on our boats, cruising Lake Union, and prepping for the fireworks show. It was time to fire up the power pontoon and dust off the Mercury.
Being Italian, I feel like it’s my duty to rock a Panerai on the water.
View attachment 19162233

Now that is a summer watch. Very nice.

 

No pontoon today, but I did rock my 797