A Closer Look of Replica Panerai Luminor “Zero”
We often hear that “sometimes less is more” and the fake Panerai “Zero” is a great example of that. Shedding all useless bells and whistles and sticking to just the fundamentals, the PAM000 is the Panerai Luminor in its truest form. But what makes a Luminor a Luminor? Well, first there’s the familiar cushion-shape case with its signature half-moon-shaped, lever-operated crown guard protruding from one side. Then there are the short lugs and the wide, smooth bezel. However, there must be a clear readable dial with a straight pointer in the middle pointing to oversized Arabic numerals and a simple stick index — all coated with luminous material for optimum readability in the dark. 
The replica Panerai Luminor “Zero” PAM000 includes all these details and little else in terms of extraneous design elements to get in the way. Its 44mm stainless steel case is water resistant to 300 meters, and its ultra-clean black dial offers exceptional legibility. As a Base Logo model, the replica watches features just the hour and minute hands, as well as the retro Up/Down Panerai logo just above 6 o’clock.
Different from other Panerai models that feature a “sandwich” dial, the PAM000 includes a “sausage” dial. To refresh, a Panerai sandwich dial is one consisting of two parts where the bottom plate holds the luminescent material, while the top plate has the indices cut out so that the lume shines through. This technique gives a sunken effect to the hour markers. Conversely, on a Panerai dial – such as the one fitted to the PAM000 – the dial is a single piece, and luminescent material is applied directly to it, which makes the indexes protrude slightly above its surface.
Sitting beneath the steel caseback of the Luminor Base Logo PAM000 is the Caliber Panerai OP I. The Panerai Caliber OP I is based on the reliable ETA 6497-1 hand-wound movement, which was originally made to be a pocket fake watch movement.
The hand-wound Panerai Caliber OP I movement operates at 21,600 beats per hour and gives a 56-hour power reserve. Because of the lack of seconds hand, the movement cannot be certified as a chronometer. Yet, it is a perfectly proper and dependable mechanical movement out in the real world.
Panerai stopped producing PAM000 in 2016 after about a dozen years of manufacturing when the brand quietly replaced it with the PAM01000. While, owing to the PAM01000’s reduced water-resistance rating, snap-on caseback, and spring bars instead of screws, the replacement never let down its predecessor. It’s obvious that among the minimalist replica Panerai base models, the “Zero” is the hero.