Catching the Panerai bug

[dpkong]

so... as the story always goes, i'm catching the Panerai bug though I swore off them before.

what i'm interested in are

1. 40mm models,
2. with a date and,
3. on a metal bracelet. i don't mind an extra leather and rubber but i mostly prefer my watches on a metal bracelet.
4. automatic in-house movement preferred.
5. left-hander option can be considered too


so what can our Panerai experts here recommend so i can narrow down on the search. i have no idea how Panerai "classify" their watches other than a lot of numbers, instead of names like Rolex.

thanks in advance.

[hanz079]

Also almost same as you.
I categorize myself as the "don't get it group" and currently trying my best to "get it"
I posted a similar thread and most of the bros here pointed towards bigger 44mm models and say that sooner or later, you will get used to it...
Good Luck bro 

[TheHobbit]

dpkong,

I could be wrong but I don't think there are any 40 mm Panerai with in-house movement. Smallest I believe is the 42 mm Radiomir.

[dpkong]

or 40mm with Zenith movement? i love the Zenith movements. any cons?

[dpkong]

i definitely cannot consider the 44/45mm watches but i think i can try a 42mm. does this increase the choices?

[hanz079]

i definitely cannot consider the 44/45mm watches but i think i can try a 42mm. does this increase the choices?

You can chk out the thread I created earlier...

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,4074.0.html

I was looking for the same thing.

[TheHobbit]

or 40mm with Zenith movement? i love the Zenith movements. any cons?

Nope, none whatsoever.

Well some say that resale value not as good as the 44 mm. More so with Panerai going to 47 mm (some say the new 44mm). However I have not seen the prices of the PAM00072 or PAM00074 going down.

[bryankwc]

I categorize myself as the "don't get it group" and currently trying my best to "get it"

Ditto, Bro Hanz.
Take care, Ciao! 

[gloomis]

so... as the story always goes, i'm catching the Panerai bug though I swore off them before.

what i'm interested in are

1. 40mm models,
2. with a date and,
3. on a metal bracelet. i don't mind an extra leather and rubber but i mostly prefer my watches on a metal bracelet.
4. automatic in-house movement preferred.
5. left-hander option can be considered too


so what can our Panerai experts here recommend so i can narrow down on the search. i have no idea how Panerai "classify" their watches other than a lot of numbers, instead of names like Rolex.

thanks in advance.

reading your post, i can only say u r the most odd one in the forum as u r buying something is almost against the nature of panerai.

1st i don think there is any inhouse auto calibre from panerai.
2nd i don think a panerai lover will suggest u to buy a bracelet pam. pam is famous on strap and changing the strap is the unique part of pam. mayb you should try the bracelet then you know wat i mean. the bracelet is damn heavy. if you wan to buy a bracelet watch then i suggest u choose another brand.

if combine all the request, i think 3 days automatic perfect for you but is only at 44mm. bt trust me, u should go to try it on ur wrist then u will accept the size coz pam is famoud becoz of the SIZE as well.

lastly don buy something against the market if you plan to resell the unit in future.

[hanz079]

Hmmm... I keep wondering is there a certain criteria for a PAM?
Does it HAVE to be 44mm and above?
Just because their history started with huge watches?
Alot of watches started life as 34-36mm and slowly grow in size...
If PAMs would like to stay to their core history, why even release 40mm or 42mm watches?
I am guessing because some people can't accept watches that are too big due to the pencil wrists?
Personally, I have yet to try on any PAMs yet but I am planning to soon...
I really want to slap a couple of model on my wrist and see where the allure is...
But honestly speaking, I have seen small wrists sporting 44mm PAMs and my personal opinion is that it does not look good. It might look good to the one wearing because that is what really matters right?
There is a certain maximum of what a person's wrist can take. Any more than that, it looks comical IMHO.... and to a certain degree, it makes a person look like he's trying too hard to get noticed.
Some people just want to stay low key... and I guess PAM realized this hence the smaller 40mm and 42mm watches.

[TheHobbit]

Hmmm... I keep wondering is there a certain criteria for a PAM?
Does it HAVE to be 44mm and above?
Just because their history started with huge watches?
Alot of watches started life as 34-36mm and slowly grow in size...
If PAMs would like to stay to their core history, why even release 40mm or 42mm watches?
I am guessing because some people can't accept watches that are too big due to the pencil wrists?
Personally, I have yet to try on any PAMs yet but I am planning to soon...
I really want to slap a couple of model on my wrist and see where the allure is...
But honestly speaking, I have seen small wrists sporting 44mm PAMs and my personal opinion is that it does not look good. It might look good to the one wearing because that is what really matters right?
There is a certain maximum of what a person's wrist can take. Any more than that, it looks comical IMHO.... and to a certain degree, it makes a person look like he's trying too hard to get noticed.
Some people just want to stay low key... and I guess PAM realized this hence the smaller 40mm and 42mm watches.

hanz079,

Actually there is no criteria in buying Panerai watches. Just that if you want to get rid of it in the future, the 44 mm and above seems to hold better value (model dependent) as compared to the 40 mm models. In saying that the PAM00072 and PAM00074 seems to be holding their value (as are the SE 40 mm watches).

I think it is all hype, with collectors (?) claiming that the 47 mm models as the new 44 mm. Historically Panerai has always been large watches.

The largest I have is the 45 mm Radiomir and I would be hard pressed to get any of the 47 mm models as I have tried a number of them and they do not do it for me. I have also tried the 40 mm PAM00072 and PAM00074 and like it (just the price, sigh).

Personally, if you have a small wrist, try the 42 mm Radiomir (if you can find them) and compare to the 45 mm Radiomir. The Radiomir wears slimmer (due case design) than the 1950 case (reason why I got the PAM00243, 1950 case in 44 mm and of course the bonus I series with tritium dial and standard screw lugs). I know there will those who will say that it does not have the locking crown, but the original Panerai did not have the locking crown (release later) and the most sought after Panerai, the PAM00021 is a Radiomir. As for the water resistant arguments, 100M vs 300M, well the PAM00372 and the new PAM00422 are all 100m rated.

Try out the PAM00210, PAM00183 and PAM00380 and see what sings to you. Also if it is available, try out the PAM00000 and PAM00005. They are nice as well.

[dsiewmy]

as i was just replying, i realised bro hobbit replied too.

i agree with hobbit as in there's no need to go for a 47mm yet as those really are for the big guys.
as for asian wrist, as long as u have a bigger wrist than 6.1", most likely u can wear a 44mm luminor or a 45mm radiomir.

also another advise, earlier on a bro asked us about the same thing and i advised him against a 40mm.
he went ahead for a 40mm gmt and regretted just a few weeks after and traded for a 44mm base marina in the end.

reason being simple, u r after a panerai becos of .... ?
u should find that out first.

for me the allure is simple:
(1) big watch 44mm wears nicely on my 6.3" wrist
(2) good name, good history
(3) clean dial (i'm a base nut) - rarely i see clean dials with NOTHING, look so nice
(4) good resale value

as for (4) i do understand many people disagree with this as they say "i'm buying to keep forever".
well, it's different for me, to a certain extent i know i will not be keeping it forever and i will want to change or swap once every couple of months/years/whenever, so i'd like the option of selling it easily (and of cos, holding good value ~80%+?)

so far, my experience tells me, the luminor 44mm answer all those above. some radiomir 45mm fits in also.

my advise is to go find a dealer (AD or grey), and try on the base models.
only then will u know if it'll fit u.

btw, i see girls with small wrist wearing 44mm lately. it's crazy but i like it 

[wfei233]

btw, i see girls with small wrist wearing 44mm lately. it's crazy but i like it 
[/quote]

It's a trend for ladies to wear big watches now, and I am hoping to be one of those ladies wearing 44mm/45mm pam soon 

[G.MAC]

To be honest, the PAM 210 which is 45mm wears similiar to a 43mm DSSD. Maybe something to do with the thickness. So before you commit, just go try one out first if you are going for the Radiomir. Luminor are thicker so they wear larger on the wrist. My 44mm PAM0090 always looks bigger as opposed to the PAM 210. On top of the PAM 210 being much cheaper than any 40/42mm radiomir and with a higher resale value, it is a mistake which is not too expensive to be made. I think the 40/42mm is made to bridge the 'acceptance gap' of what is considered too big by women so that Panerai can be a unisex watch. Just my take.

[dsiewmy]

btw, i see girls with small wrist wearing 44mm lately. it's crazy but i like it 

It's a trend for ladies to wear big watches now, and I am hoping to be one of those ladies wearing 44mm/45mm pam soon 
[/quote]

NICE i've seen girls rocking 000 and 005 with blue/red/pink gators. pretty cool.
good luck with the hunt!

[dsiewmy]

To be honest, the PAM 210 which is 45mm wears similiar to a 43mm DSSD. Maybe something to do with the thickness. So before you commit, just go try one out first if you are going for the Radiomir. Luminor are thicker so they wear larger on the wrist. My 44mm PAM0090 always looks bigger as opposed to the PAM 210. On top of the PAM 210 being much cheaper than any 40/42mm radiomir and with a higher resale value, it is a mistake which is not too expensive to be made. I think the 40/42mm is made to bridge the 'acceptance gap' of what is considered too big by women so that Panerai can be a unisex watch. Just my take.

the radiomir cushion case is very thin as compared to the luminor range. and it sits very well on the wrist (combination of cushion + wire lug combo), go try it on you will understand.
the luminor on the other hand has huge lugs sticking out and a thick case, so of cos it wears bigger.

as for 42mm radiomir, i think not only women would benefit, but men who wear cufflinks would too. it becomes a much more dressier option rather than the alternative. i have a 47mm PAM232, and i can never wear longsleeve with it.

[Friday]

Dsiewmy, can i have your take on the PAM 1D (2001 series of /3500 production). Why is there not many available infos on this example.

[TheHobbit]

Dsiewmy, can i have your take on the PAM 1D (2001 series of /3500 production). Why is there not many available infos on this example.

Friday,

The PAM00001 was discontinued in 2001 and replaced by the PAM00111. The PAM00001 has a painted dial and polished dial and crown guard (but matte crown lever) unlike current Luminor Marina the PAM00111 which has the polished case but brushed crown guard. IT is powered by the OP II movement and has a solid case back.

Hope that helps.

[dsiewmy]

Dsiewmy, can i have your take on the PAM 1D (2001 series of /3500 production). Why is there not many available infos on this example.

bro hobbit has it spot on.

the 1D is not particularly special except the fact that it's still considered a vintage (if by vintage we mean discontinued and not in production).

but as far as collectible or not, it's really up to u. but for me :

(1) the 1D is just a normal painted L dial (no tritium, not fat fonts or scallop dial)
(2) if u like vintages, then u would appreciate the crown guard being exactly like the vintage 90s pams (polished rather than brushed, the shape is also slightly different from the new ones)
(3) if u like the painted L dial, u can consider the 111G (or prior) or 112G (or prior), i think they are about the same price and u get a newer watch


any particular reason u r looking at a 1D?

if u really want to go for a vintage (regardless of T dial or watsoever), look at the PAM 2. (my fav so far)

[Friday]

Thanks guys @ TheHobbit & dsiewmy,

Thanks. Im getting more info on the 1D from you guys compared to google 

bro dsiewmy @1D i m just wondering because its also a discontinued 2001 of 3500 no.'s, but not considered by paneristi as collectable. Now I know. Lots more to learn.. 

[dsiewmy]

Thanks guys @ TheHobbit & dsiewmy,

Thanks. Im getting more info on the 1D from you guys compared to google 

bro dsiewmy @1D i m just wondering because its also a discontinued 2001 of 3500 no.'s, but not considered by paneristi as collectable. Now I know. Lots more to learn.. 

well, i'm not exactly saying it's not collectible, but there's nothing too special about it to pay a premium for it.
there're current models which look like it, or even slightly younger vintages.

that's what i meant.

[bryankwc]

Thanks guys @ TheHobbit & dsiewmy,

Thanks. Im getting more info on the 1D from you guys compared to google 

.....Lots more to learn.. 

Double cheers to The Hobbit & dsiewmy!
Your patience & knowledge are very much appreciated by newbies like myself.
Please continue to share & thanks again.
Take care, Ciao!