The Panerai Luminor Base Destro PAM 219 (PAM00219) is an exceptional timepiece with its “Left-Handed” design and classic look and feel. Although the winding crown is on the the left side, this does not mean that righties can’t enjoy this classic timepiece. Many owners of these classic timepieces enjoy having the lug stick out towards the body rather than towards the wrist, especially since the protection mechanism is large.
There is another group of horological purists that enjoy a 2nd watch and might want to wear a fine timepiece on both wrists. This is another reason a right handed person might want to pick up the PAM 219. However, it is much more than just a lefty timepiece. It is part of the long tradition of military grade timepieces that Panerai has become known for.
Panerai Luminor Base Destro PAM 219 (PAM00219)
The Panerai Luminor Base Destro PAM 219 (PAM00219) is a gorgeous timepiece with a black sandwich dial and beige luminescent disk which turns bright green when in the dark. The layered dial approach with the 4 Arabic numerals – 12, 9, 6 and 3 and large hour markers cut out from the top layer and adding depth and interest to the underlying luminescent disk. This adds interest and keeps the timepiece from having paint bleed that might happen if lume was applied on top of the actual dial.
The watch is highly luminescent and visible both in daytime and in dark situations. At 300 meters of waterproofness depth, this timepiece can be considered a dive watch even though it doesn’t have all of the dive watch markings. This has the elegance of a modern classic timepiece that could be easily worn to a boardroom or an elegant party.
Yet, it has much more power locked into its strong stainless steel frame. The timepiece is powered by the Panerai handwound OP X, which harkens back to an age of pocketwatches. It is formed from the ETA 6497-1 base but then made entirely by Officine Panerai. It has 17 jewels and has a power reserve of 56 hours. It beats at a frequency of 21600. The sapphire crystal protects both the front and back side of this timepiece.
It is fairly rare to find hand wound watches with this caliber being made in the modern era. Most watchmakers like Rolex updated their lineup (like when it ditched the Daytona hand wound caliber for an automatic in the 1970’s. Having a hand wound option is clearly different and puts owners at ease since they don’t have to wear the timepiece daily if they don’t want to.
Panerai is a great brand for the casual collector of fine timepieces. The Panerai watch is strong. With a 44 mm case it is beefier than typical 40 mm timepieces on the market and the locking mechanism and width gives it even a more solid feel. The visibility in daytime and nighttime gives it extreme utility and it feels like something you can use just about anywhere, even in the pool or the ocean.
Both men and women are wearing Panerai timepieces proudly. One of the great features is that you can add many types of straps to the Panerai. It provides the perfect canvas with its steel case and black dial to match up with white, red, black, brown and so many other color bands and dual color bands. You can easily dress it up or down with a quick change and now it takes on an entirely different personality.
The Panerai Luminor Base Destro PAM 219 (PAM00219) comes with a brown leather band and a Panerai tang buckle. However, if you are looking to take this timepiece to do exercise or water activities it is best to swap it with a Rubber strap to protect your investment.
Rubber B has developed a tremendous amount of bands for the Panerai Luminor lineup. One of the great things about Panerai timepieces is that you can dress up the watch with a band or dress it down with another color band. The black dial and stainless steel case can match well with many color bands. Visit our Panerai watchband page for Panerai Luminor Base Destro PAM 219 (PAM00219) timepieces here.
Rubber B offers 6 color bands that have the “Blocked Engineering” features built in. It also has the 100% Rubber – band that looks like real Alligator Leather in both Black and Brown. It also has the 2-tone Vulchromatic series which features two colors. And it has the Ballistic series which is a pattern that looks like real canvas but is actually pure rubber. All bands are made in Switzerland with the highest standards possible.
