I went into the local AD to have a look at the Rolex Milgauss. Actually, I was planning to buy one. While trying it on and talking watches, the salesman (who really knew what he was talking about (he is a watchmaker) and was a good salesperson, too) said “in this price range, we also have alternatives with manufacture movements, e. g. Panerai.” I was like “What?! Panerai is only made for posers, not for me”, but he insisted on showing me some.

The 359 caught my attention immediately. Yes, it’s a very big watch, but the elaborate way the case is designed still makes the watch look kind of elegant and not like a f****** ridiculous brick on your wrist. And that sandwich dial is just a beauty. Put your reading glasses on and enjoy … Having said this: if you put your loupe (or your macro camera) on instead of the reading glasses, you will find minor impurities on the dial, which are not to the same level of finish as the rest of the watch. Some dyed-in-the-wool Paneristi hate the fact that the 359 has all indexes implemented as numbers, but I think it’s a) a unique positioning within the PAM range, and b) – much more important – the sandwich dial is even more interesting and fascinating that way! The movement is visible and I really like the «technical» look of it. It just fits the brand better than a very fine, decorated calibre.

But I like its features even more: the hour hand can be adjusted independently of the minute hand e. g. in case you are travelling (or to set the date) and it has three days power reserve. The latter is often underestimated, but since we all have different watches, I love not having to adjust my PAM after wearing something else for a few days. Some may argue, faux patina is … well, faux, fake. This does not matter if you look at it as brown superluminova – and I generally like the combination black & brown quite a lot!

At the time I got this watch (more than five years ago) the quick change systems for straps weren’t as omnipresent as they are today; and still, I really enjoy changing straps in seconds. All you need is the supplied plastic tool – or just two toothpicks. Talking about straps: I own and like quite a few, but both the original leather and especially the original silicon straps are to me among the best on the market (although they fail in kissing your skin). But as you can see, I also have Paul Smith straps, made of old handbags. My PAM loves these silly ideas. I am still no «poser», wearing watches to impress others, but I usually decide for my PAM, when I want to feel cool for the day 😉

PS: the sales guy really knew his job … later I bought a Rolex anyway (not the Milgauss, but the Red Grape though)