According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the PAM 1661 is the first Panerai replica watch released in 2020. Panerai used to be my favorite brand, likely due to its unique case and dial design, as well as its rich history. I believed that every man should own at least one Panerai. However, my perspective has changed; I now consider Rolex to be the king of the watch industry, representing reliability and stability. Therefore, purchasing a Rolex, particularly the Submariner, is often a wiser choice for a first watch. As for Panerai, I’ve seen many large PAM models made from various materials, and I’ve grown tired of them. The oversized case and distinctive crown bridge no longer appeal to me; I now prefer a more simple and formal style. The reason I’m reviewing this Panerai replica is not due to my fondness for it, but because it’s a new model on the market—it’s simply a new PAM.
The replica Panerai PAM 1661 is produced by the VS factory. I only recommend VS if you’re looking for the best clones of Panerai watches, as they have the most extensive collection of Panerai replica wacthes. Since late 2019, Panerai has introduced several new watches, most of which utilize forged carbon material, including this PAM 1661. It appears that Panerai is focusing more on materials than on new designs, as the excitement in the Swiss watch industry has waned.
The 44mm case is made of forged carbon. The VS factory claims that the carbon patterns on the replica are identical to those on the genuine article. However, I believe this is just a marketing tactic. If this replica truly used the same forged carbon, it wouldn’t be sold at such a low price. There is a clear difference in the carbon textures when compared to a genuine model in a Panerai boutique. Therefore, I do not recommend purchasing a forged carbon Panerai replica, as you may lack the confidence to wear it in a Panerai store, even if it looks cool. There are many high-quality stainless steel Panerai replica watches available from VS factory, so I suggest looking for one of those instead. Additionally, the case is quite thick.
The black dial is satisfactory, and the blue accents on it catch my eye immediately. The dial features a sandwich construction, with blue luminescence visible beneath the skeletonized hour markers. The matte finish on the black dial is well done. Panerai’s dials are always simple and offer good readability, which is perhaps the only reason I would consider choosing a Panerai right now. The case back is solid and features accurate engravings, showcasing the super clone P.9010 movement inside. Although this movement was developed by the VS factory, there is still room for improvement in terms of enhancing power reserve and reducing thickness, so the overall case isn’t so bulky. It seems that VS factory has slowed down their efforts to improve their Panerai offerings, which is disappointing news.
