Panerai PAM 04 Pre A series PVD Luminor SUPER RARE! Start Price USD 34,750.00 Current Price USD 34,750.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 34,980.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, September 03, 2008 End Time Saturday, September 13, 2008 Location Maryland Heights, Missouri See more about 'Panerai PAM 04 Pre A series PVD Luminor SUPER RARE!' Description *** PANERAI *** PAM 04 Pre A Series 100% Authentic!  Panerai PAM 04 Pre A PVD Luminor This is certainly one of the most rare and desirable of all modern Panerai watches. Panerai was considered an Italian military secret and watches were not sold to the public until 1992. In 1997 the Richemont watch company purchased the Panerai family owned business and started to distribute the watches world wide. Watches made in the period between 1992 are condsidered Pre Vendom timepieces. The first watches made and offered by Richemonte in 1997 were given the series A. Of course, the first pieces made and offered by Panerai were watches and cases left from the Pre Vendom period of watch making. These series numbers began with 00. Pre A watches were available in only a few models and as you might guess are extremely desirable and hard to find! The piece I have up for offer is one of the most special. It is a PVD model (black coated) and is in near mint condition. Although fairly durable, this "tool" watch was made to be used for diving, sport and any other rugged activities. Therefore, the majority of the few of these pieces that are still in collectors hands, are usually scratched, scuff and dented. But not this piece! I have never seen a Pre A PVD model in this nice condition! Here are some features about the watch. It has a 44 mm size case with the Panerai patented locking crown. The dial is black with creamy off white patina numbers. Notice that on the Pre A model watches, the numbers are fatter and slightly recessed into the dial. The creamy color of the tritium and older style font give this piece a character not found in modern Panerai watches. As I just mentioned, the dial is a t-swiss-t dial indicating it has tritium coated numbers and hands. Only the Pre A watches have the dash between the t, swiss, & t logo on the bottom of the dial. The A series watches did not have the dash.  The simple but durable Unitas mechanical movement with a 42 hour power reserve has a second hand feature and has become very desirable for its simplicity. The crystal is scratch free and unlike later models does not have a reflective coating making the visual aspect of the dial and numbers crisp and easy to read. Also giving this piece more character! Because this piece was most likely distributed after Richemont took over distribution, it came with newer A series accessories. Of course now even A series accessories have been collectible in their own right. This watch comes with an A series pearwood presentation box, black outer carton, A series manual, A series carbon fiber strap (in fair condition), A series 2 screw PVD buckle, Libretto, Warranty Card, & Screwdriver. The original package at one time had a COSC certificate which is no longer with the set. I have added a newer OEM Panerai Calf strap that looks very nice on the watch.  Don't miss this opportunity ! I am a member of the IWJG and have over 900 positive feedbacks on ebay with over 100 second time buyers. Winner of auction or buyer pays by WIRE TRANSFER or CASHIERS CHECK ONLY!  If you choose to pay via cashiers check, it must be Federal Expressed to me within 3 business days of the auction or "buy it now" end. Email me with questions before bidding. I reserve the right to end this auction early. Buyer pays $150 for insured shipping in US. International shipments add additional $100. Thanks, Bruce feel free to contact me at  bruce@watches24seven.com  or call 314 249 8262     Place a Bid!