As for me, one of the most iconic Panerai of all time is goes to the Panerai replica watches. The 112 uses a basic movement based on the workhorse ETA Unitas movement. Its hand wound with about 56 hours of power reserve, whose movement suits the 112 because it is simple, durable, and solid, well made and has no frills. The 112 is one of the least expensive Panerai models. So it’s no surprise that it is sought after and hard to come by.
Besides, the 112 is a 44mm Panerai Luminor with a base, sandwich dial. This base, merely with two hands and no seconds, and this sandwich watch dial, meaning (numerals cut out of top layer exposing luminous layer beneath, gives the 112 a distinguishing Panerai look, which you can easily find it from across the room.
Now, Panerai are replacing the ETA movements with their in-house movements such as the P.5000. The 560 is, I guess, the ultimate replacement of the 112. Similar case, similar base dial, but with a sensational in house movement with 8 days of power reserve, thus eventually, you won’t be able to find a 112 at all.
Roughly about 2 years ago, I stood in an authorized dealer’s showroom with a brand new 112 strapped to my wrist. It is quite a massive beast on the wrist and feels like a Rolex Submariner on steroids. Rolex replica always stand out for their supreme quality and finishing, but this Panerai displays much of the same quality. I have since spent way more money on various pieces. I often think that, had I just bought the 112 originally, it would have saved me money in the long run. This piece is FUN. It’s fun to wear an oversized machine on your wrist. It’s fun to wear something that’s loud and stands out. It’s also fun to wear something made with supreme quality.
In the last year, I saw a pristine 112 on CWC and was tempted to trade for it. However, I already had two PAM in my stable and just couldn’t figure out which one to keep. It’s gone. I know. The 112 is my Eleanor. My white ghost. The one that got away. My current collection boasts more complex and more high-end pieces than the 112. However, no matter what, the 112 still remains on my mind.
The case is quite big. The hands are fat and wide. The font on the bezel is racy. There are diverse colors and strap options. Mine has a brushed stainless steel bracelet where the links are on an angle, a slant. In comparison to my other replica watches, it is light and sits flatly around the wrist which makes me extremely comfortable to put on. It’s big and manly and durable, and it’s beautifully made. The case is enormously high, at 16.7mm.