THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: PANERAI
MODEL: PAM00087
YEAR: 2003
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 44mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Here at Fathom, we’ve always had a soft spot for vintage watches - elegant proportions, slimmer cases, the sort of thing that makes you wonder why everything these days needs to wear like a soup bowl. So, naturally, we’re proud (and mildly surprised) to be offering this absolute unit: the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1000m, ref. PAM00087.

Released in 2001, it was the first Panerai rated to a full kilometre underwater. Nicknamed La Bomba by Italian collectors for obvious reasons (it’s a bit of a weapon), it features a brilliant blue dial and - somewhat improbably for the early 2000s - tritium lume on the hands and markers. That tritium has now mellowed into a rich, custardy tone that softens the design’s otherwise unapologetically macho energy. Yes, it’s 44mm, but it wears better than you'd think, thanks to those clever lugs. And yes, the case has some light wear - just enough to give it a bit of soul.

We couldn’t pass this one up when it came through the door. It is, incidentally, the only modern-ish watch Stef genuinely regrets selling. (A rare thing.)

It comes on its original Velcro strap, with the original guarantee card. The movement’s in fine form - running at +5 s/d, 282 amps, 0.2 ms beat error.

Whether you’re gardening, desk diving, or fending off hostile extraterrestrials, La Bomba will take it all in stride.