On the wrist, there is no getting around the large 45mm case size, but I expect any Panerai lover will be completely OK with the girth. I also expect PAM fiends to love the fact that these are truly limited edition watches, with a combined run of only 250 watches between the three references.
So, these watches have a lot to like – again, you’ve got killer looks, a historical, beautiful chronograph movement, and true rarity. But, why I said these watches were among the most controversial of the show is because the prices of these watches are, well, kind of high. Consider the fact that Montblanc’s excellent Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph from this year uses the same base caliber, as a mono-pusher, is limited to just 90 pieces in red gold, and will sell in the US for $34,500. Granted, Montblanc’s collector following can’t compete with that of Panerai, but it’s still a huge price difference for comparable pieces.