Panerai PAM 56 vs. PAM 117
 

Can anyone tell me the difference between these two pieces and how much they're worth? I've been offered one of them but I'm not sure which one, I think it's a 117 because it has an exhibition case back and is a 2003 model.

It was offered to me as a straight trade with my PAM 457 (Kuwait's Boutique Special Edition) which I love and would probably keep. I just want to make sure that I'm not missing out on something more valuable. It's a 2003 model and seems to never been serviced, runs accurately though but I would assume it needs a service?

The tobacco dial, titanium case and the fact of it being a lefty is a big selling point to me. I don't have to worry about the crown digging into my hand and the exhibition case back is gorgeous, especially since the movement is decorated with "Panerai" written all over it. It's a much more comfortable watch to wear, looks great but is 10 years old. I also love the boutique edition but I can't keep both.

What do you guys think?

Okay, I confirmed that it's a PAM 117 and apparently very rare. With a straight trade, I would value my watch at 6000$ and the 117 apparently is worth much more? I like both watches but the 117 at this point sounds much harder to get. I think I would be able to source a 457 in the future and wouldn't mind any of the "Boutique Editions" etc..

Shall I do this?

Trade a BNIB (to me) PAM 457 with 10 year old PAM 117?

Hi Mohammed

I think the 117 is quite rare in that it was only produced (I think) for about a year

That said, I would keep the 457 because I don't like titanium (too light, too grey) and I find Destros a bit awkward. Of course, this is just comparing the two watches and not getting into values/rarity/collectability/etc. Also, I would be hesitant about trading a brand new watch for one that is 10 years old

Yes, apparently it was only made for 1 year, 300 pieces "E" serial. Some say only 100 of them were lefties but I doubt it. Still, I love the fact it's a lefty, the titanium is very light and comfortable to me and I love the tobacco dial. The only thing holding me back is that it's 10 years old without service records so it might end up needing a service. And as I just heard from a fellow TRFer, a service would mean having it shipped to Dubai's Richemont's service center. :(

^ I have more patience ordering a new car and waiting 8 months compared to sending my watch to an RSC abroad and wait 3 months.

I'd stick with the 457, the 117 doesn't strike me as a special Panerai.

Yeah I think you're right. I'll keep the 457.

Good call guys :thumbsup:

Btw, the 117's movement is nothing special - basically an ETA 6497. Any competent watchmaker will be able to service/repair it

Take the 117 over the 457 all day!!!!

The 117 was produced in a limited number of around 100 - 150 MAX, with 100 probably being closer to the production number.

It is also the ONLY Panerai that is a destro luminor with a painted dial and exhibition caseback. At one point they were could be sold for upwards of 15k...

TAKE THAT TRADE!!!!!!!

Wish I read this earlier. I already traded with a Ceramic Sub which you can't pry off my hand. :p If you're interested in the watch, or anyone else, please PM me and I can guide you to the shop that has it. He's asking around $6.5K for it. Box, papers and all.

$15k would be very optimistic pricing now - I think what the shop is asking is probably closer to the mark

Imho, unless you love the 117 / are a Panerai collector / can flip it for a worthwhile profit, then keeping the new watch is a better choice. I emphasise that this is just my opinion :cheers:

Ceramic Submariner for the win, I'd like to get one in the future and no date.

Yes, I'd take a Sub C over (almost) any Panerai :thumbsup: