Help me decide pls, and reasons why....(PAM content)

[garethxh]

Hi guys, i've been dormant since i registered a while back (usually on the other forums) and never expected quite a active local forum we've got here so for my first post, i'd like some help with this dilemma i've gotten myself into. I'm looking to add my first PAM into my collection and i'm stuck between these 3 options. Pls chime in on what you think i should get and why.

Thanks upfront for your help

Cheers,
Gareth







(disclaimer - pictures borrowed off the 'net)

[TheHobbit]

Most important question, have you tried them on?

Which case do you like better? The Luminor case or the Radiomir? Do you like the crown guard? All watches are 47mm but the Radiomir wear smaller. Automatic vs hand wind, which do you prefer? Date important? Do you want to play with straps?

Remember, you only have to satisfy yourself, not others.

[garethxh]

well, i've tried both the 305 & 425 and i must say i used to think that PAMs in general were too big for my wrist (usual small asian wrists = 6.5") but now having tried those 2, i'm both in LOVE and dilemma. Loving both the styles though in pictures i didn't think the Radiomir case would suit me but i think Panerai has a winner in these 2 designs.

Perfect case size, excellent weight to size ratio and crazy good looks.

Well, what i'm truly looking for is a daily wearer; both work and casual. I was that close to pulling the trigger on the 305 but alas, trying on the 425 has caused me to have 2nd thoughts. Is that normal? i must ask those who've got a collection of PAMs.

I'd also like something which off the bat people can recognise, well those with wrist shots, pls do post some wrist shots to tip it over. Cheerios.

[takashi78]

I vote for the diver.
Need a sec hand for me.
The "design" element is stronger on that.

[davidtth]

i love 3 of this model, but my wrist are small as well, the only model i tried so far and doesn't looks too big which is 422, altho its 47mm same size as this 3, you may consider on that

[garethxh]

yea david, i did have a go at the 423 (same sized case as the 422) and the 422 is also calling out to me, love the dial proportions and it's sapphire so  over the 372 there....even more headaches. One should never try too many watches coz it causes 'severe' problems,  haha

keep the votes coming pls, but currently am tilting towards the 305....it's calling..no...it's singing out to me like a soprano

[TheHobbit]

Have you considered the 44mm models? Or for that matter the 42 or even the 40mm models? You may to have a look at the pam24 or 25 as a diver watch. Or perhaps a more basic model in the pam111 or pam0 or even the pam5. If you like the 1950 luminor case, perhaps models like the pam320 may tickle your fancy.

[dav-3873]

Cali dial without question

[kenixck]

Most important question, have you tried them on?

Which case do you like better? The Luminor case or the Radiomir? Do you like the crown guard? All watches are 47mm but the Radiomir wear smaller. Automatic vs hand wind, which do you prefer? Date important? Do you want to play with straps?

Remember, you only have to satisfy yourself, not others.

betul-betul ... another factor for me is also the pricing.

[takashi78]

Cali dial without question

But the date kills it for me.

[jason_recliner]

My wrist is 7-7.25 inches, and I wouldn't wear any of those.  They are just too big and look clownish on me, especially the subs.  When I tried a sub on my wife actually laughed at me and told me it looked stupid.  She was right.

If you really like the oversized watch look, fair enough.  I would stick with a Radiomir of some sort, at least it doesn't have the huge crown guard and chunky lugs.  They wear smaller, and look classier.

[garethxh]

Well, it's a PAM afterall so BIG is the way to go i suppose but i do like them all that's why the dilemma i'm in, sigh
 
Just that i never thought a Radiomir would speak to me much considering that i just tried the 292 and no love there. Well, guess i'll have to sleep on it a bit more and see how it goes.

[Godzillaz]

As I'm not really a fan of the new sub so the natural choice would be the 425. The cali with the logo and date is just too much for me to take.

Regard
Tyler

[dav-3873]

Cali dial without question

But the date kills it for me.

I agree. Go 249 then  but no logo 

[Erap]

Nice dilemma you got there!

I vote for the Pam 305, but with your budget may I suggest a Pam 382 bronze?

Also have you considered Pam 000,005, 111 or 112? Sorry to add confusion

Cheers

[garethxh]

Yea, am leaning towards the 305 (382 is unfortunately WAYYYY over my budget). Size wise, am also thinking a larger size ie the 47mm; as for me, PAMs have to be LARGE so, that pretty much cancels out the other options.

[rolexland]

i have check into these 3 model as well for a time being, personally like the 425, very simple and outstanding, the real watch and picture showing is a big difference, i have try it at the real!

[garethxh]

Yes i must agree......the 425 in person is much more beautiful as compared to those seen on pictures. My heart was initially set on the 305 but then after trying the 425 Now, gotta really sit down and see which one i think will hold up better for me as a daily piece as this will most likely be my only purchase for the next 3 years (self exile from more watch buying, haha)....gotta wear the watch to the max for it's full value

[STT1987]

I have a 7.5 inch wrist and Panerais fit me perfectly, YMMV - big watches have a certain feel and look that may not be suitable for certain people.

Things to consider:
Of the three watches, two of them are hand-wind watches (424 & 425), and the submersible is an automatic self-winder (305). A lot of people avoid wearing hand-wind watches because they consider winding them daily (or every 48 hours) a chore.

Radiomirs (424 & 425) here are relatively thin for their 47mm size. On the other hand, the Submersible 305 is pretty thick. If this is your first big size thick watch, you will need to get used to banging it against walls, desks and door frames etc. Its a good thing that the Submersible is made of Titanium and pretty tough.

I like the Submersible, I considered getting it myself (and still under consideration in the future). The date complication is important to me and I ended up with the PAM 424 California dial. Here are some pics to help you maybe....
    

With original strap:


Chinese New Year photo with a golden croc belly strap:

[garethxh]

LOVELY! Absolutely delightful....thanks for the picture post and input. I must admit, the radiomir line grows on me by the day.

Well i'm very close to a decision now and shall update here once i reach the finale, thanks for all the input guys!

[Spider boy]

Panerai is a brand that can be very addictive, i was never a pam person since i always don't believe pam is a real watch maker. Until i bought my first 372. Since they my passion has grow for PAMs, we are not talking about horological aspect or history and stuffs of the watch maker, is the pure enjoyment i have when looking at it and wearing it .. somehow it sings to me ! so to you , who is going to purchase a new pam.. congratulations ! and hope you will wear it in good health and joy !    and  some drugs for you     

[CKL1213]

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