When looking for the perfect blend of modern materials and wearable sizing, the VS Factory PAM00960 stands alone. While many collectors love the look of the Panerai Submersible, the traditional 47mm size is simply unwearable for most. Enter the PAM00960: a 42mm beast made of Carbotech that offers the exact same tactical look in a package that fits the average wrist.
In this in-depth review, we break down the VSF version to see if it really deserves its title as the “Super Clone” of the year.
When lVS Factory PAM00960 stands alone. While many collectors love the look of the Panerai Submersible, the traditional 47mm size (like the PAM1616) is simply unwearable for most people with average wrists. It hangs over the edges, gets caught on door frames, and generally looks like a wall clock on a strap.
Enter the PAM00960: a 42mm beast made of Carbotech that offers the exact same tactical, special-forces look in a package that fits the average wrist perfectly. It is sleek, stealthy, and surprisingly light.
In this comprehensive review, we go beyond the surface. We break down the VS Factory (VSF) version to see if it really deserves its title as the “Super Clone” of the year, analyzing everything from the carbon layering technique to the clone P.9000 movement architecture.
🏁 Quick Verdict: VSF PAM00960
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10)
- The Hook: It’s a 42mm Panerai that actually feels comfortable.
- Best Feature: The custom P.9000 clone movement with independent hour-hand adjustment (True-to-Gen).
- Who Is It For? Those with 16cm–18cm wrists who want a stealthy luxury sport watch but hate heavy steel watches.
- Buy or Pass? BUY. If you like the blacked-out carbon look, this is currently the most accurate replica available, period.
📊 Watch Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Model Reference | PAM00960 Submersible Carbotech |
| Factory | VS Factory (VSF) – Latest Batch |
| Case Size | 42mm Diameter x 14.5mm Thickness |
| Lug-to-Lug | Approx. 51mm (Wearable due to curved lugs) |
| Case Material | Real Carbotech Composite (Carbon Fibre Layers) |
| Movement | VSF Custom P.9000 Automatic Clone (28,800vph) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Colorless AR Coating |
| Lume | Super-LumiNova (Blue & Green) |
| Strap | 22mm Black Rubber with DLC Titanium Buckle |
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
The Good (Pros)
- ✅ Movement Accuracy: The independent hour-hand function is a rare feature that separates VSF from cheaper factories like TTF or King.
- ✅ Material Feel: Real carbon composite is warm to the touch and doesn’t get cold like steel.
- ✅ Weight: At ~100g, it disappears on the wrist.
- ✅ Stealth Factor: Solid caseback hides the movement, making it an “NWBIG” (Not Worth Buying In Genuine) candidate.
The Bad (Cons)
- ❌ Rotor Noise: The automatic rotor can be slightly noisier than the genuine if you shake your wrist violently.
- ❌ Lume Duration: While bright initially, it fades slightly faster than the genuine Panerai lume after 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
1. Why the VS Factory PAM00960 is a Market Leader
In the world of Panerai replicas, VS Factory (VSF) is the undisputed king. They are famous for two things: their proprietary movement technology and their case construction.
The PAM00960 is a strategic release. It targets a massive pain point for watch lovers: “I love Panerai, but I have small wrists.” By replicating the 42mm Carbotech model, VSF has created a watch that appeals to almost everyone, not just the bodybuilders. Unlike cheap market versions that use PVD-coated steel, VSF uses actual composite materials, making this not just a visual copy, but a tactile one as well.
Unlike cheap market versions, VSF uses actual composite materials, making this not just a visual copy, but a tactile one as well.
Interested in other high-end clones? Explore our full collection of [VS Factory Panerai Replicas] to see the entire lineup.
2. Size & Comfort: The “Wearable” Submersible
Let’s talk about the most important factor: The 42mm Case.
If you have ever tried on a standard 47mm PAM1616, you know it can feel like wearing a hockey puck. The VS Factory PAM00960 solves this completely.
- Wrist Presence: It still looks bold and tactical, but the lugs don’t overhang on a 17cm (6.7-inch) wrist.
- Weight: This is the game-changer. Thanks to the carbon material, the watch weighs only around 100 grams. You can wear this all day at the office or while traveling without feeling wrist fatigue.
For many buyers, this is the main reason to choose the PAM00960 over its bigger brother, the PAM1616.
3. Case Material: Real Carbotech Texture?
The term “Carbotech” refers to Panerai’s carbon-fibre composite. Does the VSF replica nail it?
Surprisingly, yes. The factory layers thin sheets of carbon fibre and compresses them under high pressure. The result is a matte black case with a unique, wood-grain-like pattern.
- Visuals: Under natural light, you can see the wave patterns on the side of the case and the bezel. No two watches are exactly the same, giving each piece a unique character.
- Durability: The material is incredibly hard and scratch-resistant. Unlike black DLC steel which shows silver scratches if you bang it against a door, the Carbotech material is black all the way through.
4. The Engine: VSF P.9000 Movement Review
This is where VSF separates itself from lower-tier factories. The watch is powered by the VSF P.9000 Super Clone.
Most replicas use a modified Asian 7750 movement, which is thick and often unreliable. VSF built a clone movement from the ground up to match the genuine Panerai Caliber P.9000.
The “Tell” That Isn’t There:
On a genuine Panerai P.9000 movement, you do not set the date by pulling the crown to position 1. Instead, you move the hour hand in one-hour jumps. The date changes as the hour hand passes midnight.
VSF is the only factory that has replicated this function.
- Independent Hour Hand: Works exactly like the genuine.
- Stability: This movement is known for being a “workhorse.” It is stable, keeps good time (+/- 8s per day), and has a healthy power reserve of roughly 48 hours.
5. Dial, Lume & Crystal
The face of the VSF PAM00960 is stealthy but legible. The matte black dial features the correct “Submersible” text thickness and font.
Two-Tone Lume:
Just like the genuine, the lume is not a single color.
- Minute Hand & Bezel Dot: Glows Blue.
- Hour Markers: Glow Green.
This functionality is critical for divers (in theory), and VSF has applied the Super-LumiNova generously. It charges quickly and glows brightly.
The sapphire crystal has a subtle dome shape, creating a slight distortion at extreme angles—a hallmark of high-end diver watches. The colorless Anti-Reflective (AR) coating ensures the black dial looks deep and clear, not milky.
6. Comparison: VSF vs. Genuine
Is it 1:1? Not exactly, but it is dangerously close (approx. 95%).
- The Case: The genuine Carbotech pattern is slightly more random and “organic.” The VSF pattern is excellent but can look slightly more uniform if you hold them side-by-side.
- The Bezel Action: The genuine bezel has a sharper, more metallic click sound. The VSF bezel is solid and tight, but the click sound is slightly more muted.
- The Caseback: Since this model has a solid titanium caseback, the movement is hidden. This makes it an “NWBIG” (Not Worth Buying In Genuine) candidate for many, as the biggest potential flaw (the movement appearance) is covered.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
(A balanced look at what you get for your money)
The Good (Pros)
- ✅ Movement Accuracy: The independent hour-hand function is a rare feature in replicas.
- ✅ Material: Real carbon composite makes it lightweight and scratch-proof.
- ✅ Size: 42mm is the perfect “Sweet Spot” for modern watch enthusiasts.
- ✅ Stealth Factor: Solid caseback hides the movement, making it hard to call out.
The Bad (Cons)
- ❌ Lume Duration: While bright initially, it doesn’t last quite as long as the genuine Panerai lume.
- ❌ Price: It commands a premium price compared to standard steel replicas.
7. Final Verdict
The VS Factory PAM00960 is arguably the most practical Panerai replica available today. It takes the aggressive, military aesthetic of the Submersible line and packages it into a size that doesn’t look ridiculous on a normal wrist.
With the combination of the P.9000 clone movement, the real Carbotech case, and the waterproof construction, this watch offers 95% of the ownership experience for 5% of the price.
Highly Recommended for: Anyone who loves the Panerai look but hates the Panerai weight.
8. FAQ – Common Questions
Q1: Is the VSF PAM00960 waterproof?
Yes, but with a caveat. Out of the box, it is splash-proof and rain-proof. However, VSF constructs these with high-quality gaskets. If you have it greased and pressure tested by a watchsmith, it is perfectly safe for swimming.
Q2: Does the date change correctly?
Yes. Just like the genuine watch, there is no “quick set” date position. You change the date by jumping the hour hand forward or backward.
Q3: Will the carbon case fade?
No. The black color is not a coating (like PVD). It is the natural color of the carbon composite material, so it will stay black forever, even if scratched.
Q4: Is this better than the 47mm PAM1616?
Quality-wise, they are identical (same factory). The choice depends entirely on your wrist size. If your wrist is under 18cm, the PAM00960 (42mm) is the much better choice.