PAM 351 or 359?

[moddy]

Hi just want to do an opinion poll which would be a better watch for a PAM first timer. Both appeal to me. Price around the same although the 351 is about 10% higher. And is it always better to buy a PAM from the AD? I went to this retailer to check out the watches, his prices are similar to the 'street' prices on the US sites.

[jacky8888]

351

[dsiewmy]

you have to ask yourself whether numeral (arabic fonts) appeal to you or not OR traditional stick dial.

if stick dial appeals to you (closer to the original design), then does the gold hands + tobacco colored dial appeal to you?

[moddy]

I'm easy on either sticks or numerals. It's more on the titanium vs ss material used for the case. Are there like a general consensus that one is more preferred to the other on a PAM? And the rationale?

[dsiewmy]

stainless steel has always been more popular, due to the cost and of cos generally more range to choose from (most models are stainless steel, either polished or brushed)

titanium on the other hand cost a bit more, and have only a few models to choose from.

in my opinion, titanium has its perks due to the shade of the watch (is like brushed grey) which stainless steel cannot equal or look like.
on top of that, becos of the brushed titanium, hairlines are not easy to see, and there are a few quick remedies which u can repair them too.

in my opinion, it should be down to dirty dial with numerals or tobacco dial with gold hands. that's key for me.

as for me, i love the tobacco dial+gold hands combo. hence, 351, 390, 232, all must have or at least had.

[G.MAC]

Got to be this

I was fortunate enough to catch this from the AD in Pavilion end of last year. I dont know about other regions but i've never seen the 351 in stock as of yet. Gotta love the gold hands, tobacco dial plus titanium is more hypoallergenic to the skin as compared to stainless steel.

[jacky8888]

nice catch g-mac...
i have not seen the real thing yet in KL...
the gold hands and tabacco dial is fantastic...

[dsiewmy]

it is breathtaking the tobacco+gold combo.
but again, not everybody likes it cos it makes the pam more modern.

those who prefer the vintages or closer to vintages, would prefer the black dial.

then again, dirty dial numerals on 359 ain't that vintage either.

[bryankwc]

Got to be this

I was fortunate enough to catch this from the AD in Pavilion end of last year. I dont know about other regions but i've never seen the 351 in stock as of yet. Gotta love the gold hands, tobacco dial plus titanium is more hypoallergenic to the skin as compared to stainless steel.

G.MAC, that's a real beauty!
Diam poisoned and envious.... 
Take care, ciao! 

[moddy]

Thanks for the responses guys. So not much live for the 359 huh? Seems the 351 is slightly more rare than the 359.

[wslee]

If you looking for PAM351,maybe u can drop by to visit a watch shop in Sunway Giza.I saw one months ago

[TheHobbit]

Got to be this

I was fortunate enough to catch this from the AD in Pavilion end of last year. I dont know about other regions but i've never seen the 351 in stock as of yet. Gotta love the gold hands, tobacco dial plus titanium is more hypoallergenic to the skin as compared to stainless steel.

G.MAC,

Nice watch indeed.

[timenut]

351

+1 

[Gigi]

panerai too big for me.... still waiting for the 42 mm radiomir.. hahaha

[wristsolution]

i'd vote for the 351 for a more classy look!

[nick168fng]

it is breathtaking the tobacco+gold combo.
but again, not everybody likes it cos it makes the pam more modern.

those who prefer the vintages or closer to vintages, would prefer the black dial.

then again, dirty dial numerals on 359 ain't that vintage either.

I concur with dsiewmy. I have seen and handled the 351 upclose. For a titanium watch, it does have pretty good heft and gold hands are really nice.

However, IMO it is not a versatile watch. If you're looking for a daily beater, a black dial would be better.

If you already have a collection of PAMs, then 351 would be a nice addition.

The 359 is not my cup of tea, the dial is way too busy for my taste.

One other thing, as your first PAM, it might be a good idea to stay close to the DNA to appreciate the history of the watches. You can always opt for more complicated models in the future.

Please don't let my opinion dissuade you on the your choice for the PAM351. It's really a beautiful piece. If you don't intend to mount Ferrari Red or Purple Hornback straps, by all means go for it! 

Good hunting~