Panerai Luminor PAM438 VS Factory Review

Panerai Luminor PAM438 model is produced by VS Factory with carbon fiber and Carbotech case, standard case diameter and high-precision automatic Super Clone movement architecture. It is among the most successful 1:1 super clone watch reviews on the market, with its sapphire crystal AR coating glass, original case tolerances and detailed workmanship.

Introducing the original Panerai LUMINOR 1950 series PAM00438 watch

“I want to own a Panerai watch, do you have any suggestions?” If you ask, I recommend VS's Panerai; But I won't tell you which model it is! The reason I recommend VS's Panerai is because VS Factory is a large factory that mainly works on Panerai replicas (previously known as KW). Moreover, it is now the leader of high-end Panerai replicas! When it was launched at the end of 2016, VS Factory became the prominent name of the industry in the replica market with its mechanism working more stable and precise compared to other factories. We can also describe VS as the dark horse of the replica world; When it came out, it solved the problem of "when you look at the back of the case, it is immediately obvious that it is a replica", which has been going on for years, in the fastest way possible! The emergence of VS Factory was almost an industrial revolution, a giant turning point in the Panerai replica world. VS Factory is still constantly developing and improving the details of PAM438 until it reaches perfection.

Weight Details and Features

[Weight] The weight of a VS Factory PAM00438 is about 208-210 grams, the ceramic strap is about 80 grams, the case part is about 128-130 grams; A true heavyweight! (Let me remind you once again: since the disassembly process is quite complicated, I request that inexperienced friends do the disassembly under the supervision of an expert and with special tools. Do not open the case back cover haphazardly without the help of an expert; otherwise, dust may enter the mechanism and affect the normal operation of the watch.)

Bezel Details and Features

[Bezel] Exactly the same as the original, the bezel can be removed; This is the only factory in the market with a removable bezel. When you open it, you see a black waterproof seal inside, which is the key part that ensures water resistance.

Dial Details and Features

[Dial] Speaking of the “sandwich” dial; This is one of Panerai's patented, most well-known features. Sandwich, as the name suggests, means a layered structure. So why was this sandwich layer structure preferred? In fact, the starting point of this design is functional: it was developed to enable the user (initially naval soldiers) to read the time clearly even in low light.

Case Details and Features

[Case] The case part is the same as Panerai 441; All black parts are made of ceramic material. Its resistance to scratching and abrasion is extremely high; It feels thin and smooth to the touch, resists light scratches, and its color does not fade; Even if you grind it until it becomes powder, it still remains black.

Crown guard Details and Features

[Crown protection] One of Panerai's iconic pieces is the crown bridge. In 1955, Panerai came up with a new idea to provide better water resistance to the Italian Navy and invented the crown bridge; This is one of Panerai's patents. At the same time, it gives the watch a tougher, braver and flashier appearance. When you disassemble the bridge, you see that even the screws have a waterproof seal; Moreover, the screws are sandblasted and give a high-end atmosphere. Not only the bezel, but even the screws can be replaced exactly with the original; It's really impressive!

Back cover Details and Features

[Back cover] A removable back cover is used; Panerai's English logo, limited edition number and material logo are engraved on the edge. Be sure to close it tightly after disassembling, otherwise it will affect the waterproofness. The glass is made of sapphire material and its transparency is extremely high.

Mechanism Details and Features

[Mechanism] Each mechanism part is processed by ADLC diamond carbon coating vacuum electroplating technique, with the same workmanship as V6 Balloon Bleu; A slight sandblasted texture is noticeable on the rotor. We can say that this coating technique is the most stable among electroplatings; It does not fade easily, does not oxidize and gives a very high-end feeling. After removing the rotor and bridges, the black mechanism of the 438 still looks this perfect; It is obvious how finely and qualitatively every part of it has been processed, from inside to outside. The parts in each layer of the mechanism are the same as the original; Even the location of the screw holes is 95% identical.

Buckle Details and Features

[Buckle] Buckle, PVD coated sandblasted butterfly buckle; Since it is sandblasted, it is also very pleasant to the touch.

Lume Details and Features

[Lume] Thanks to the raised super lume surface, you can read the time clearly even in insufficient light!

Result Details and Features

[Conclusion] Since VS released PAM441, it has attracted great attention, and many customers have been eagerly waiting for the upgraded version of PAM00438 to be released. VS Factory did not disappoint the expectations and finally brought this long awaited PAM00438. Panerai PAM00438 is considered one of the pioneers of carbon black, which is fashionable today; All wear-resistant materials are used, 100% equivalent to the original. We can call it the dark knight of Panerai. If you are a perfectionist, this VS Panerai PAM438 will definitely be your ultimate choice.

If you read until the end, I hope my article was useful to you. We will share more detailed reviews in the coming days.