Watches and Wonders 2015 in Hong Kong has officially gotten underway. The first releases hot off the press from Panerai. Paneristi get excited for two new Luminor 1950 limited editions. The PAM 617 and PAM 629.
The case with the iconic lever device protecting the crown was designed in 1950. Hence the number “1950” in the name. The PAM127 known to collectors as the “Fiddy” was released in 2002 and was a special edition which was faithful in every detail to the original model.
For Watches and Wonders 2015, Panerai have released 2 new special editions of the historic 1950 case. The references PAM 617 and PAM 629 Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Titanio DLC. Both references have 47mm cases made from Titanium and they have been coated in Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC). The date “1950” is engraved on the lever locking the winding crown for both models. Water Resistance for both models is 10 Bar (~100 metres).

The year 1950 engraved into the lever of the crown protecting device of the new Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Titanio DLC References PAM 617 and PAM 629.
The reference PAM 617 features a black dial with classic Panerai design, numerals at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock and baton markers. The running seconds is also located at the 9 o’clock position and the OP logo is placed at the 6 o’clock position. The traditional sandwich dial construction with vintage coloured Luminova completes the look.
The reference PAM 629 comes with a black dial and combination of Roman and Arabic numerals and graphic markers; this variant is known as the California dial and is much sought-after by collectors because it reproduces the design of the Panerai watch in history, the Radiomir of 1936. The PAM 629 also uses vintage coloured Luminova for the dial and hands.
Both references feature the in-house P.3000 calibre, hand-wound with a power reserve of three days. Both References come on a brown leather strap embossed with the OP logo and stitching which is of a similar shade to the vintage coloured luminova on the dials.
Here is a live shot from Watches and Wonders of the PAM 617 on the wrist! Looks pretty cool!

Live shot of the Panerai Luminor 1950 Titano PAM 617 on the wrist of our editor at Watches & Wonders!
The Reference PAM 617 and PAM 629 are both limited editions of 300 pieces for each model. They will both retail for $11,700 US Dollars.
For more information please visit Panerai
PAM00617
MOVEMENT: Hand-wound mechanical, P.3000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes,
small seconds. CASE: 47 mm, titanium with black DLC coating. DIAL: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour
markers. Seconds at 9 o’clock. POWER RESERVE: 72H. WATER-RESISTANCE: 10 bar (~100 metres).
PAM00629
MOVEMENT: Hand-wound mechanical, P.3000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes,
small seconds. CASE: 47 mm, titanium with black DLC coating. DIAL: Black with luminous Arabic and Roman numerals
and hour markers. POWER RESERVE: 72H. WATER-RESISTANCE: 10 bar (~100 metres).