36 Comments
author

FYI: We are aware of some missing audio in the first 2 minutes of the episode. I have fixed it and it is in the process of being re-uploaded. Should be on the feed shortly. Thanks! (JS)

Expand full comment

In regards to the Panerai wishes, they released a 40mm Luminor Quaranta model last year at 2021 digital Watches and Wonders which became available in Fall 2021. I always loved some of the Panerai aesthetic and distinctive design but also found them way too big over the years. I picked up the black dial PAM01272 and put it on the rubber strap and it is absolutely fantastic. The reworked proportions of the 40mm translate great on a smaller wrist and maintain the distinctive Luminor design language. 12.8mm thick, 22mm lugs. 100 meters water resistance and screw-down case back and lugs. Plenty for a fun summer watch which isn't a true diver despite the history.

I would love to see a review and impression on these. So far they have released black, white, blue, and now a green military dial, PAM01304 which is really sharp. These also work incredibly well on aged leather and suede straps from Hodinkee, A Collected Man, etc. Definitely an under the radar option if you are at all interested in trying out a Panerai with a smaller wrist or a preference for smaller watches.

https://www.panerai.com/us/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01304-luminor-quaranta-verde-militare.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw4ayUBhA4EiwATWyBrhQCNA5vnZcHCAU8Af3J0i5ENwrnh-CPDvH24nmg_ZbjGmtaAW2QExoCyrkQAvD_BwE

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/panerai-debuts-luminor-marina-quaranta-watch-collection/

Expand full comment

Fun episode. I have to say I was scratching my head when one of you (James?) said something about Panerais being somewhere "above" Omega Planet Oceans on some luxury scale (unspecified). Maybe I misheard, but...WHOA. I don't think Panerais come close to Planet Oceans in features, build, bracelet--anything. Maybe they are more expensive, but that raises issues about their pricing more than their quality and desirability. Am I totally off base here? Maybe I drank too much Omega Kool-aid.

Expand full comment
Mar 16, 2022·edited Mar 16, 2022

Great show, love these prediction episodes prior to upcoming releases. The show was pretty comprehensive with one glaring omission that I was screaming out in the car as you wrapped up the episode... what about SINN?! A blue (or green) dial U50 seems obvious. Honestly, I would love any colorful Sinn, the 556i seems like a great platform. Or I would love to see something completely new, like how they launched their 105 last year seemingly out of left field.

Expand full comment

Loved the Monster discussion. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for reputable sources; I'm in the market for an Orange first or second gen.

Expand full comment

I love the new Vertex! It‘s in the mail already, and I can‘t wait to get my hands on it…

Expand full comment

Not sure if anyone was mentioned it yet, but currently reading the book “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter. Really enjoyed the perspective and feels like something some of us would relate to - especially when it comes to getting outdoors, exploring and out of our “comfortable lives”.

Expand full comment

'Challenge: Zenith' please

Expand full comment

FXD in black?

Expand full comment

Ok Tudor. Make a Ranger in a heritage size (say 36mm) and I would be here for it all day long. They *have* the pieces - Black Bay 36 case would be fine. Just add Ranger styled dial and hands. DO IT TUDOR (wow I sound like James and his quest for Tudor to make his GMT…)

Expand full comment

I love new watch season and am fully on board with a BB58 GMT, or better yet, a smaller Pelagos/Pelagos GMT. I never understood the desire for a smaller Pelagos until I owned the BB58 Navy Blue.

The BB58 is great for what it is, but I can’t stop thinking about how awesome a truly modern focused 39mm dive watch would be from Tudor…

Besides that, I’d also love to see the Ranger revived.

Expand full comment

Agreed. I will say however that I would love something in the BB58 size but with the squared off Pelagos-style markers to match the snowflake hands, whether that be a smaller Pelagos or a BB58 with a snowflake dial. Something about the round markers paired with snowflake hands doesn’t jive with me.

Expand full comment

I can understand that. It took me a while but I think I got used to seeing it after all these years. But squared off markers would be awesome!

Expand full comment

I so agree with James about the First Generation Monster. Mine has been with me for decades. I loved its quirky style and it gets worn frequently.

My first dive watch/ automatic watch from 1979 was a Seiko 6309-7040 that I bought for myself as a reward for passing my open water certification. I believe it was the least expensive analog dive watch available at the time and I was working my way through college. A few years ago I passed on to an adult son who still wears it.

Like James, I've missed having that gateway watch, so I just just repurchased a 6309 online.

It is now at the Seiko Service Center in New Jersey. Happily, after their inspection, they determined that I lucked out and did not buy a counerfeit/Frankenwatch with a trashed movement. The watch movement is currently being cleaned and serviced with the case being resealed, and depth tested.

Although I did get a phone call from the Service Center asking me to please not use it as a dive watch due to its age (and perhaps the age of the replacement seals.) I'm anxiously looking forward to its return.

I remember Jason once servicing an upscale vintage diver and later making a point of diving with it to the discomfort of others who thought it should be in a safe. In my case, I will be happy to have this gateway watch back on my wrist frequently being worn to the coffee shop.

Expand full comment

Great episode again guys, talking of Doxa I watched 3 days of the condor for the first time, on Netflix, and it’s even worn on a bund!!!

Expand full comment

Oh man such a great movie. Redford's watch and wardrobe were on point!

Expand full comment
Mar 10, 2022Liked by The Grey NATO

It was quiet haunting listening to Jason talking into space..!

Expand full comment
author

I'm really sorry for the mistake, and I agree, it sounded super weird.

Expand full comment

I wouldn’t really worry about it… only a few seconds and certainly doesn’t cast any shadow on a great show 👍🏼

Expand full comment
Mar 10, 2022Liked by The Grey NATO

James - Did the green dial Moonshine Seamaster not have the AU750 mark? Haven't had time to listen to the episode yet, but I did look at the pics over on the 'Dink. I looked at all the pics you posted and didn't see it, but maybe it was just the angle/lighting? It was pretty faint even on the gold dial.

Expand full comment
author

The green dial Moonshine Speedy has a PVD green dial, so no gold mark.

Expand full comment

You weren't lying about not paying attention to Panerai...they released three 40mm Luminor's just within the last couple of months... https://www.panerai.com/us/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01270-luminor-marina-quaranta.html

Expand full comment
author

So close, but 100M on a Luminor feels like a miss. A lovely look, though. Thanks for the heads up!

Expand full comment

Then again, somebody concerned about it not being 300m is probably going to be more of a purist in terms of size as well.

Expand full comment