A “carillon” is a musical instrument consisting of specially tuned bells, usually made from bronze that can play melodies. This minute repeater has three gongs instead of the usual two found in most repeaters; when it chimes, a low tone marks hours, a high tone marks minutes, and a third tone provides a melody when chiming 10-minute intervals. Maximum sound quality is achieved by the use of 18Kred gold for the 49mm diameter case, which features two halves soldered together to maximize the open space required for enhanced acoustics.
Arguably the most appealing part of the PAM00600 is its minute repeater mechanism which is actually a dual repeater module that allows chiming the hours and minutes for two different time zones. Since this is also a GMT watch, a second hour hand indicating home time and a day/night indicator in the 3:00 sub dial are present for the function. The time zone chimed by the repeater is indicated by the apertures below the 9:00 sub dial. Different than the traditional slide operator, the PAM00600 employs a pushbutton located at the 8 o’clock position on the case, to activate the chimes. Switching between the two time zones is done by pressing the push-piece on the side.
If you are not satisfied by the dual time zone carillon repeater yet, this watch has a tourbillon - and not a common one at all. The mechanism, designed to eliminate the effects of gravity with a cage mounted on an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the balance, a Panerai-patented technique. Panerai states that the higher rotation rate and orientation of the tourbillon provides enhanced timekeeping regulation.
The skeletonized dial and clear case back, plus matte black bridges, show off Panerai’s typical industrial movement finishing and the functioning of the repeater. The case is oversized (even for Panerai) at 49mm but this time is water resistant to 30 meters only.
It will only be made to order personalized for those fortunate and wealthy enough, with different options for straps, engravings and possibly case materials.
