New to me - California dial

[Flying Clog]

After starting a post about the beautiful PAM00931 and trying one on I was really taken with the sunburst dial.

I’d also seen a PAM00424 so managed to find one to try.
Loved the matching dial markings and hands in an almost honey color - Gave a great contrast against the matt black dial.

Comparing the two watches I love the sunburst dial of the 931, but I was worried about the plexiglass - I’ve replaced the plexiglass on my Speedmaster several times over the years, and just preferred the gold hands on the 424. I also think the 424 is probably more versatile for me and can change the straps out to change the look - lighter brown straps to match the markers and darker brown or black to match the dial and highlight the markers more against the face.

So bought this and have to say I’m loving it !




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dualcarb]

Glad to see some Pam love…beautiful watch. And I agree with the light and dark straps matching different facets of the watch. Congratulations

[mjm700]

I went the 931 route and I think this one is just as great. The clean dial and simplicity of it really works. I don't think I will change the strap on the 931 so can see how this might be more versatile on that front. Congrats and enjoy!

[Trog]

My favorite Cali!

[Joearch]

Love the 424. Makes me want to go strap mine on the wrist. Enjoy.

[Cru Jones]

Very nice, congratulations!

[rootbeer7]

Congratulations. Lovely piece. Wear in good health.

[Flying Clog]

Thanks all !
As long as you buy what makes YOU happy there is no wrong choice

[brandrea]

Congratulations, it’s a great watch.

I’ve tried this one on at my AD and agree with you on the dial and hands. I also really like how the wire lugs wears a bit smaller than the 1940s.

Enjoy it

[KBM]

Looks awesome, congrats!

[Flying Clog]

Thanks again everyone.

[winst]

Nice - congratulations!

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Flying Clog

but I was worried about the plexiglass - I’ve replaced the plexiglass on my Speedmaster several times over the years

Has anyone ever had a Plexi Crystal swapped out for a Sapphire one through Panerai Service?
Was worried about Plexi myself but was hoping there would be a way to get the model i want with a sapphire crystal without voiding a warranty

[cobradriver]

I've got a few Panerais with Plexi, and they've worn just fine over the years. I only had a few incidents where I put a scratch on, but a little dab or PolyWatch polish easily cleaned it up perfectly.

After a few years, the crystal did appear a little dull on one watch, and again PolyWatch restored it perfectly.

If you wear the watch doing heavy sports or construction type activity, you might run into more problems - everyone's experience is different.

In general though, it doesn't seem worth trying to change the crystal to sapphire (and many of the crystals are a different shape so you might not even be able to find one that fits). You get an extra plexi crystal in the box too.

I am pretty sure Panerai changed the 372 from plexi to sapphire, but they still make watches with plexi. I was actually pretty surprised the 127 Fiddy is sapphire, as is the 375 composite 1950 watch.

Regardless, if anyone has changed the crystal, it would be interesting to hear about their experience doing so, but it doesn't seem necessary unless the watch is going to live a very hard life (and some people prefer seeing the time worn plexi's patina, like brassing on a Leica camera or a vintage guitar)

[Martin]

Nice dail, congrats