I bought this chronograph about twenty years ago when it was not too difficult to get these watches in the store. I had opted for the chronograph, quince models were 39mm and were more successful than the classic models. The chrono pushers really give the impression that the diameter of the watch is larger than it actually is. The other watches in my collection are all 40 or 41mm and yet I see no difference with this AP, despite my fairly wide wrist (19cm)

La "Kasparov"

I wanted to tell you about my latest purchase because I originally made it last July. I love Rolex watches but wasn't particularly into the brand's Classic models, but when I had the opportunity to see this magnificent mint green dial, I was literally enchanted. I went to the store and managed to convince my AD of my good faith. It took me just over a month to get it. A real stroke of luck. I opted for an Oyster bracelet because with its fluted bezel I was afraid of getting too much of a "bling bling" effect. This watch is a "killer"

Bewitching

Today I just bought this watch. I went to my AD to see if the Explorer 2 Polar for which I am on the waiting list would, by chance, have arrived. The watch still not being there, I asked the question to know which Rolex would be available immediately. I specified that I only wanted 41mm and especially not two-tone. The saleswoman tricked me by presenting me this model in 36mm and two-tone (the two conditions that I absolutely did not want) knowing that the effect of this model would not leave me indifferent. Bet won, I went home with this watch, which is the smallest in my collection, without thinking more than 5 minutes. I do not regret anything, on the contrary I am completely hypnotized by this palm dial

Love at first sight

I bought this watch on a whim and almost never wear it. However, I love taking it out of my safe from time to time to handle it, look at it, touch it, simply to admire it. For me, this watch exudes a charisma that fascinates me, despite the fact that I am rather sporty and it does not really suit me. This watch is typically the example of compulsive buying motivated by no other reason than the beauty of the object.

Simply beautiful

I must admit that I did not particularly like this watch the first time I saw it about fifteen years ago. To me, it looked like an old people's watch with its very large indexes, allowing better reading for the visually impaired. Finally, this watch has allowed itself to be appreciated and has become a must for my collection.

The manly watch

Blancpain is a prestigious brand whose models have never really attracted me. The Fifty Fathoms that I found too large and the other collections a little too dressed for my taste kept me away from the brand until the discovery of this chronograph that immediately seduced me. This 40 mm diameter watch with its large date, its transparent caseback, its retro-style Arabic numeral indexes and its crocodile strap with folding clasp seduced me right away. I bought it about fifteen years ago by going back and forth to the AD to try it on and finally let myself be convinced when, on the eve of his retirement, he offered me an interesting discount. I replaced the strap that was too delicate for me with a rubber crocodile imitation from RubberB.

Blancpain Flyback Chrono Grande Date

By purchasing this watch, I did exactly what watchmaking experts advise against. I bought the brand and not a watch that I would have fallen for and this on the internet without trying it on. IWC being a legendary brand and not having any in my collection, I told myself that I absolutely had to have one. Being rather sporty, it was quite natural that my choice fell on the brand's diver's watch, which mainly offers rather dressy models. When I unpacked the package, I was a little destabilized by its rather massive size (42 mm in diameter and almost 15 mm thick) as well as its rather imposing helium valve at 9 o'clock. Once the shock had passed, the watch revealed itself and became more and more pleasant to look at. I particularly appreciate the IWC quick system for changing the strap as well as the originality of the operation of the diving bezel, which consists of a bidirectional external bezel that drives the internal indexed bezel, which is unidirectional. So, you just have to make a small back and forth movement on the external bezel to set the dive time on the internal bezel. The yellow arrowhead on the second hand also brings a very nice little touch. The more you wear it, the more you like this watch.

Destabilizing…or not….

About twenty years ago I sold a two-tone Rolex Submariner with blue bezel and dial as well as a GMT 2 (Coca) to finance an AP Royal Oak Chronograph. No longer having any Rolex in my collection, three or four years ago, I began to regret my gesture, not for the purchase of my AP, but for the sale of my Rolex and so I decided to replace these two watches. I also forbade myself from selling other watches from my collection in the future. I decided to opt, to start, to acquire a steel Sub which is less flashy than the two-tone and above all timeless. It is a model that dates from 2003 in 40 mm, bought on a second-hand site and unfortunately paid more than a new watch. It is therefore not equipped with a ceramic bezel, which does not displease me because I find ceramic a little too "flashy".

The timeless

Panerai is an Italian watch brand that combines technical ingenuity and daring design. Founded in 1860 in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, it was originally a small watchmaker, but it quickly gained international fame thanks to its collaboration with the Italian Royal Navy. During the Second World War, Panerai supplied diving watches and precision instruments to the Italian Navy. Panerai watches of this era, such as the Radiomir and Luminor, were known for their large size, exceptional readability and robustness.
In 1993, Panerai launched its first collections aimed at the public, including the Radiomir and Luminor models. These watches, inspired by the original military models, quickly gained popularity, particularly among collectors and diving watch enthusiasts.
In 1997, Panerai was acquired by the Richemont group, which allowed the brand to develop and become known in the international market. Today, Panerai is known for its bold and innovative watches, which remain true to the brand's naval heritage.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main models of the Panerai brand?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/radiomir">Panerai Radiomir</a></h3>
The Panerai Radiomir, with its stainless steel case, leather strap, hand-wound mechanical movement and easy-to-read dial, is a true icon. Its water resistance up to 10 ATM makes it a reliable diving watch. There<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/radiomir"> Radiomir</a> is also known for its distinctive design, with Arabic index and stick-shaped indexes coated in luminous material.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor">Panerai Luminor</a></h3>
The Panerai Luminor, another flagship model, perhaps the best known, is distinguished by its robust case, its leather strap, its mechanical movement and its patented crown protector, iconic of the brand, which ensures exceptional water resistance up to 30 ATM away. The dial, easy to read with its Arabic numerals and luminous stick indexes, is one of the most recognizable design elements of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor"> Luminor</a>. The model is available in numerous versions, with power reserve, GMT or chronograph function. Many personalities have worn Panerai Lumirnor, such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Dwayne &ldquo;The Rock&rdquo; Johnson, thus contributing to the reputation of the brand and its powerful character.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor_marina">Panerai Luminor Marina</a></h3>
The Luminor Marina is another flagship model from Panerai that has won the hearts of watch enthusiasts around the world. This watch features a sturdy stainless steel or titanium case, water resistant up to 30 ATM, making it a great choice for diving and other water activities. The automatic mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability, while the strap, available in leather or rubber, adds a touch of comfort and style.
The dial of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/luminor_marina"> Luminor Marina</a> is one of its strong points. It features the brand's signature luminous indexes and Arabic numerals, ensuring excellent readability even in low light conditions. One of the unique features of the Luminor Marina, compared to the Luminor, is the small seconds at 9 o'clock, adding a touch of sophistication to this model.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/submersible">Panerai Submersible</a></h3>
Panerai also launched the Submersible, a dive watch with a stainless steel case, rubber strap, automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring diving time. The dial of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai/submersible"> Submersible</a> is also coated with luminous material for optimal readability underwater. It features the iconic crown protector of the Panerai Luminor model. This model has almost become inseparable from the South African-Swiss adventurer Mike Horn who is one of the brand's most important ambassadors.
<h3 dir="ltr">Panerai Mare Nostrum</h3>
The Mare Nostrum is an emblematic Panerai watch which offers a chronograph with a more sober design than the Lunimor in particular. It was originally designed in 1943 as a deck watch for Italian naval officers, although only a few prototypes were produced at that time. The contemporary Mare Nostrum is a faithful reinterpretation of this classic design.
The case of the Mare Nostrum is made of stainless steel and is waterproof up to 5 ATM. It has a leather strap for optimal comfort and a vintage look. The hand-wound mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability. The dial, with stick indexes and luminous hands, is easy to read. A chronograph function adds practical utility to this classic design.
<h3 dir="ltr">Panerai Luminor Due</h3>
The Luminor Due is a thinner and more refined version of the famous Luminor. With its stainless steel or rose gold case, water resistance of up to 30 meters and leather strap, the Luminor Due offers casual elegance. Its automatic movement offers remarkable precision, while the minimalist dial with luminous indexes and hands is easy to read. Panerai thus gives itself the means to attract a clientele different from these historical models intended for adventurers.
<h2 dir="ltr">Panerai: The Brand of Paneristi!</h2>
Whether it's the Mare Nostrum, with its vintage look and chronograph operation, or the Luminor Due, with its sleek and elegant design, Panerai offers a diversity of models to satisfy the tastes of every watch lover. To learn more about these watches and other Panerai collections, I recommend checking out their website. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to check Dialicious customer reviews for additional information when making your choice. Panerai is owned by the Richemont group, in the same way as<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier"> Cartier</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-Lecoultre"> Jaeger-LeCoultre</a> in particular, and produces around 70,000 watches per year, all models combined.
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Panerai.
(Updated August 2023)

New arrival in my Panerai collection this Luminor Marina PAM564 Bettarini case of 44mm. Very pleasant and soft to wear, thanks to the titanium, and especially to a very contained thickness 13 mm. Magnificent, sausage dial, dark chocolate. Sapphire case back which leaves the P5000 movement partially visible. Water resistance 300m. I like the brushed titanium finishes which give it an elegant and sober look while emphasizing the tool watch aspect.

Luminor Marina 8 Days Titane

I bought myself this PAM00111 second-hand in 2018 and since then it's been love at first sight. I love its sandwich dial, its cushion case and the crown protector. A watch on which I change the strap like I change my t-shirt as it gives it a completely different look depending on whether it's on a canvas or a nato for a more sporty look or on leather for a more elegant look.

A classic but also elegant diver

I chose this watch more than a decade ago. Being a woman I didn't like the watches that were branded for women and I was looking for a bigger model and most importantly, a watch that wasn't on every woman's wrist. I love the timeless design, the size, the character of this piece, that suits me as a wearer. The alligator wristband will soon be changed for a new one,  alligator it will be once again, to add the classic touch for an everyday wear. I regularly look at other options to add a new piece  to my collection,  but till now I haven't found anything that makes my heart beat like my Panerai

The watch I will never be tired to wear

The latest arrival in my collection, this Panerai seduced me with its contained diameter of 40mm and its water resistance to 300m. This model is no longer produced and has been replaced by the Quaranta with the same diameter with a thinner case but with a lower water resistance of 100m. It also has the particularity of having a cyclops for the date. Its massive style and its very luminescent indexes make this watch immediately recognizable with its famous crown protector and its rubber very pleasant to wear. It should be noted however that this watch is relatively heavy even if you get used to it quickly.

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00048

This Luminor Marina is the watch of my 40th birthday. I chose it in this version, PAM 177, in Titanium version, with transparent case back. I particularly like the Titanium finish, matte, more discreet than the versions in shiny steel. It is imposing (44mm in diameter and 15mm in height) and will be less suitable for watch lovers with small wrists. The design of the Luminor Marina is recognizable among thousands, with its protective crown for the winder, its Arabic numerals (3 - 6 - 12 visible), its small seconds and its hands and indicators painted in Luminor. I have been wearing it very regularly for almost 10 years, more on weekends or on vacation (with its magnificent rubber strap stamped Officine Panerai), because with a suit or a shirt, it is a little thick. This model is mechanically wound, with a power reserve of 56 hours, in reality closer to 48 hours. Its Swiss ETA 6497/2 movement (OP XI caliber) is a little fragile: in almost 10 years, it has gone to after-sales service 3 times, each time because the winding spring had broken. I should point out that I am very meticulous, that I do not wind it until it is blocked (it is very possible that I will not reach the 56 hours of reserve for this reason) and that I do not do any violent sports with it (golf or tennis). The first two times, in direct after-sales service, I was not very satisfied. The third time, with the help of Maison Bucherer in Paris, the intervention seems to have definitively solved the problem and for more than 4 years, it has been running like clockwork. I wear this watch with different bracelets, a black leather one from the house, the rubber bracelet, but also Natos. I will keep this watch without hesitation, it is rare in this Titanium version and I love its iconic design. If you want to discover it, it is presented in an episode of Petites Montres entre amis.

A timeless watch with an iconic design

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

Panerai Luminor Marina Owner Review : Bold, virile and athletic

The manly watch

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