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First of all a big thanks to Toro Bravo for a lightning fast delivery and smooth transaction. You can't go wrong with him and he is definitely on his way to being one of the best dealers throughout the boards. So here it is guys. My review and opinion on the new p3000 clone. I will not go into the watch itself because member Ale has done some very extensive research and has aded all the info to his 'panerai bible' so look it up. I will start with a short 'management summary' before I continue to the pictures. This movement is not based on an existing movement. It has 2 barrels and the movement design mimics the genuine p3000 design. It is however completely different. Genuine parts are absolutely not interchangeable. I have never taken apart a genuine p3000 so I can only go by internet pictures. If I would have to set my money on a manufacturer of the p3000 clone it would be the factory that produces the IWC Jones movement. In terms of finishing and design I get the same vibe. Besides both barrels the movement was oiled properly and clean. Parts were finished well according to rep standards. Some plating issues here and there and discolouration of metal. But when dealing with Chinese movements this is normal and it does not affect long term reliability. The p3000 clone was easy to take apart and is absolutely serviceable. Getting it back together is a different story. The gear train is extremely wobbly and the gear train plate very difficult to assemble. You need a special tweezer in order to reach all the gears and align them properly with the jewels. It was perhaps the hardest bridge I have ever had to install. Especially because spare parts are non existent. So if you break one little pivot say bye bye to the movement. Also because most jewel holes lay very deep it is almost impossible to see what you are doing when oiling them. Even with a 10x loupe you are almost working in the dark... But when finished this movement runs like a champ and I see no reason why it would be any less reliable than an 6497. I think this p3000 clone is on par. I can not yet comment of the power reserve as I immediately torn the movement apart to review but I suspect it will reach those 72h without a problem. The details: When I first saw the p3000 when it came out a couple of weeks ago I was very excited. The p9000 clones could not get my motor started as they did not clone any of it's functions. Only the aesthetics was looked after with some decorative plates. A pig in a dress or whatever you want to call it. But this new p3000 clone however was a whole different story. I could clearly see this was not based an existing movement (e.g. 7750/ 6497/2824 etc). So I did not hesitate and ordered one right away to review... Upon arrival I could not take my eyes from the back. The movement just looks gorgeous. Nice detail inside case back They even hid the ugly movement tabs underneath the pretty ones lol. Before taking the movement apart I put it on the timegrapher. It runs at 21.600 bph and the amplitude was ok but rate and beat were off. As this new movement has a free sprung balance (so I thought) I was a bit terrified as regulating it can be a b!tch. However upon closer inspection I noticed the rate stud hidden order the bridge. Thank god! That means the stellar screws on the balance are for show and this movement can be regulated like any other. Here you can see it more clearly with the decorative plate removed. An incabloc shock absorber which is also very reliable. Solid bridge and underside balance view. Clean "POL" engraving underneath the balance. No clue what it stands for. The oiled barrel jewels Look at the 3 layered dial!!!!!.... That will need a special canon pinion right? Huh?.. That is a deep hole. No special canon pinion but special hands. So forget replacing them.. Here you can see the base plate with the dial removed. Nicely finished and clean. No date option and a normal keyless which has some grease... Some part close ups.. Here is the barrel bridge removed. Nice and solid. The 2 barrels exposed The underside of the barrel bridge (I used foil with this movement as the brushed plates are prone to scratches) Barrel 1 (clean but not oiled) Barrel 2 (clean but not oiled) Here you can see both main springs. The barrel 2 mainspring is longer. Here is the gear train. Completely different than the gen p3000 with a aded pinion to transfer the power to the top of the movement: the canon pinion (= minute wheel) The pinion I'm talking about Other parts are also well finished Final shot on the timegrapher taken a hour ago after full service and regulation. Performing like a gen ... Here is a genuine p3000 (pictures from Google search) and you can see the similarities and differences in bridges and gears. Well that was all folks. Hope you liked the review. Based on my findings I would say the watch is definitely worth the extra $100. Although not a 100% the same in appearance and function as the p3000 it comes very close. Maybe the closest we will ever see? It is a reliable movement and it will give you that extra dimension of a genuine feeling. I'm still testing it so unfortunately I can not yet comment on the power reserve whether it actually is 72h. But I think it will come close. Tanks for reading Mark

Does anyone have experience removing the bezel and crystal off these? I'm planning to mod the green crystal by coloring the exterior edge of the crystal and want to make sure I don't break anything in the process! Thanks

I have seen a few comments from guys on here regarding certain phrases used with PAMs. So I thought I would quickly write down some common words used with a VERY SIMPLE and brief explanation just to help those trying to get their head round this make. I am trying to do a write up separately on a brief history and basic changes in design since the Pre Vendome Era but hopefully that will follow. So here are some very simple explanations Pre V – Pre- Vendome : This is the time Officine Panerai were still a small watch making company before they were bought by Cartier who were later called The Vendome Group and now Richemont. Watches made at this time we call PreV’s (Up to and including 1995) A quick way of telling a PreV is there is no writing under the 6 of the dial Pre A – These are watches made during the transitional period (1996) of the purchase of OP by Cartier (Vendome). The design of watches were changing most notably the case and crown guard shape. A quick way of telling a Pre A is the writing under the 6, it says ‘T-Swiss-T’ A series – This was the first year of release (1997) where Vendome (no longer Cartier) was creating the start of the modern PAMs. A quick way of telling an A series is the writing under the 6, it says ‘T Swiss T’ B – G Series – (1998-2004) These watches followed the basic design of the A series watches but the Tritium lume was replaced by the Super Luminova lume A quick way of telling these series is the writing under the 6, it says ‘L Swiss L’ H series onwards – (2005 onwards) Vendome introduced the Historic design back into the model range, basically changes in the case and the crown guard shape. Of course there have been changes since then and there are variations to the above but in general terms the above serves as a simple guide. Millesimation – Very simply this is the identification numbers of the watch on the caseback. Since 1997 OP has used letters starting with A to designate the year of production. So, B series is 1998, C 1999 etc etc. These letters precede the serial number of the watch and the number of that model made in that year. Above this is the BB number and the OP number which refer to model reference/cases and OPs internal production numbers. Luminor – This original referred to the ingredient in the Tritium used by OP in the 1950s. However now it refers to the style of case and the type of watch. A luminor is a base watch with no seconds sub dial. Luminor Marina – This is a Luminor case with a seconds sub dial. Sausage dial – This is a dial where the lume to mark out the indices and numbers is applied on top of the dial like icing on a cake. Sandwich Dial – This is a 2 piece dial, a base and top dial. The lume is applied to the base and the top dial placed on top (Sandwiched) One Liner/ Two Liner/ Three Liner/ Four Liner - This refers to the number of words (inscriptions) listed on the dial eg: a dial with; Luminor, then below that; Panerai, then below that; Marina, then below that; Militare, is a four liner. This really relates to Vintage models but has been used to talk about later watches. CP – Cannion Pin: This is the pin that holds the hands in place. It is flat and polished. H1, H2, H3 refers to the height of the CP. On PreVs and PreAs the hands are lower (H1) on the later models it is higher (H3) <acronym title='Crown Guard'><acronym title='Crown Guard'>CG</acronym></acronym> – Crown Guard: This is the half moon shaped piece attached to the side of the case. It is designed to hold the crown in place by use of the lever and maintain water resistance at depths. There are 3 main shapes to these, PreV, PreA to G Series and H series on. The latter has 2 finishes brushed and polished. Destro - Means the <acronym title='Crown Guard'><acronym title='Crown Guard'>CG</acronym></acronym> is placed on the left side of the watch. For lefties, though original it was meant for divers to be able to wear their depth gauge/compass on their left wrist with the watch on the right. Logo – This is the OP brand Logo it is seen on the 5218-201a, 000, 005, 195. This logo is a tilted OP with an arrow pointing up and down. The arrows represent above and below ie; watches for below and above the water. Tritium – This is the lume used by OP in their early watches, though as it contains radioactive particles it was replaced with Luminova a safe yet strong luming compound. AR – Anti reflective coating put on crystal to prevent glare in sunlight. It is not on the early PAMs and the type and hue colour of the AR varies from model to model. SLOB - The first PAM prototype produced by Vendome, Solid Brass case coated in PVD, Dome Plexi Glass, Titanium crown, <acronym title='Crown Guard'><acronym title='Crown Guard'>CG</acronym></acronym> lever and CB (10 pieces) Fiddy – This is the nickname of the 127. Fiddy is US slang for fifty. The 127 has 1950 printed on its dial as an homage to its predecessor the vintage 6152/1. Radiomir – These are a different style of PAMs based on the very first military watch produced by OP in 1936. (Later reproduced as the California) The name comes from the ingredient put in the lume of those watches (Originally used on artillery gunsights) which later was replaced by the ingredient Luminor. It has a standard type crown (based on an old Rolex crown) and different case shape with lug wires. Slytechs – These are PAMs that carry the name of Slyvester Stallone who reignited interest in the PAM brand by having a PAM made for him for the film ‘Daylight’, several models carry his name and he is still very much associated with OP. Mare Nostrum - Designed for deck officers in early 1940s,totally different to any other PAM case, re-released version in 1994 but smaller with markered bezel then released as per the original in 2010. OP - Officine Panerai PAM - This is a simple abbreviation used by OP. PAnerai Model. MX - This is a Prefix code used by OP on their parts especially straps. It is also used a lot to describe a buckle with the OP logo on one side and Panerai on the other; it is a similar style to the PreV buckles. These are only sewn in type. PAV - Again this is a Prefix code used by OP in 2004 to designate left over PreV & SlyTech straps so they could be sold by the OP Boutiques. Now used as a bracelet Prefix code Tang - This is a shape on buckles similar to the PreV and are screw in and only have Panerai engraved on them. (24mm and 22mm) Thumbnail - These are rounded shape buckles that look like the tip of your thumb. Also known as Ardillon (22mm) Deployant - A butterfly clasp used to fix straps There are several designs of these for the 44mm, 40mm and Radiomir models. Boutique - A fully authorised / franchised dealer selling only PAMs. The official face of OP. Risti - A term used to describe a member of Paneristi (An officially recognised forum for anything PAM) Can also be used to describe any PAM Head. NOS - New Old Stock: A fair bit of PAM stuff turns up NOS. Basically brand new but sat in a drawer or on a shelf for a good while ! PIG - Its named after a manned torpedo used in WWII , The Italian name for their craft was Siluro a Lenta Corsa - Slow-running torpedo, but the Italians nicknamed it maiale which is Italian for "pig"; because it was difficult to steer. The Brits called thiers a Chariot. Strap Tubes (Tubes) - These are small metal tubes which are inserted into the straps, these maintain the shape of the strap shoulders and prevent over stressing of the case's lug bars when the watch is worn on the wrist by reducing friction and supporting the leather sheathing across the lug bar length. Guide to the various Panerai case styles/materials Radiomir Name: The Radiomir takes its name from “Radium”, the radioactive material originally used to make the dial readable at night. History: In 1938, the Italian Navy (also referred to as ‘Marina Militare’), commissioned Panerai to create a watch that would be waterproof while maintaining excellent readability – thus making the Radiomir, a 47mm watch with large hands and Arabic numerals. It is important to note that Rolex manufactured these watches for the Italian Navy up until 1956. Style: This case style has an unprotected crown and features a cushion-style case. Pay close attention to how the straps are mounted on Radiomirs; the lugs are based on early watches which were modified by attaching wire to either ends of a pocket watch – thus converting them to wristwatches. This detail looks nice and has some serious historical implications. The case style is generally considered to have a “dressy” look due to its slimmer nature (compared to the Luminor) and is loved for its historic role as the first professional diving watch and predecessor to the Luminor. Luminor Name: The Luminor takes its name from a tritium-based luminous substance, far safer than the Radiomir (Radium-based material) used previously. Panerai was granted its patent for the Luminor material in 1949, replacing the unstable Radiomir compound. History: The original Luminor design dates back to around 1950, when Panerai designed a highly unique and functional crown guard in an effort to improve their watches’ water resistance. These crown guards were trademarked as “device protecting the crown” – when the lever is in the closed position, it forced the crown into the case, providing an excellent seal against water and the elements. Style: Arguably the most iconic Panerai case style, the Luminors is typically what are thought of when “Panerai” is heard. Currently, there are 3 variants of the Luminor case style (disregarding size): Bettarini, 1950, and the 1950 “Vintage/Base”. All the Luminor case styles feature the iconic crown guard – making it totally different from other luxury watches on the market. The lugs are modern and more conventional. Straps are changed via a screw-in bar (not the commonly used spring-loaded bars), making straps easy to change while maintaining a sturdy form of attachment. Able to appear dressy and casual via strap changes, the bold and masculine look of the Luminor case became wildly popular thanks to its on-screen popularity with famous on-screen heroes (Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Statham, etc.) A look at the three Luminor case styles available: Bettarini Designed by Alessandro Bettarini (during the rebirth of Panerai) Regarded as the “father” of the Pre-Vendome design Luminors (44mm) Pioneered use of PVD on the watches, previously unavailable Case used on style like the PAM 000 Available in submersible form (PAM 024) 1950 Case used on styles like the PAM 312 Available in submersible form (PAM 243) 1950 “Vintage/Base” Case used on style like the PAM 372 Thinner, flatter lugs than 1950 Visible ridge on sides BB# & WR engraved on bottom of lug For a introduction to some characteristic PAM models based around the history of Officine Panerai, here is a pdf file showing some models and a breif description of thier appearance and influence in OPs history and increasing popularity. WT_Spotlight_Panerai_final.pdf

I just pulled the movement apart and I am so excited I want to share my first findings. Off course pictures and more details will follow soon. Nothing on this movement is fake. Everything works like it should, is extremely well finished and oiled to perfection throughout. It looks as if they designed this movement from the ground up. Twin barrel and all! Everyone who screams it is not worth the extra $100 is full of it. It's absolutely worth it!

one for three!! two for three!! Here is a Lume shot you can see I like lume!!!

Yep it's almost gen-like. Some minor screw location differences and font sizes.

I'm using a Graef CM80 coffee grinder I'm using a Hario V60 dripper and Hario server for a good drip coffee: And I have a Studio semi-automatic pump machine for espresso. Always depending on what I'm looking for that day

What "O" said!

It would be a dream if there really existed magic secret factories in Switzerland with master watchmaker gnomes producing 1:1 clones of every Rolex movement out there and encasing them in waterproof 904l cases. However, don't fall for the easiest scam in the book - these guys know what an unexperienced rep buyer WANTS to hear - but the truth is that these products and factories only exist on scam websites, not in reality.

It is evident afrodesiac has been doing his homework on this model , take heed! This is what we are about members helping each other! :clap2:

The watches in those pictures and the movement photos are of genuine watches, that is why they look so good. Do not fall for the scam. If they were any good we would all have one by now.

Again

Thanks Deckard!