Pam not for me
 

:crying: love the look of 424, so found myself with a few minutes to spare near Selfridges this morning and thought why not try it. Had a 425 in stock and sadly I think it looked huge and a bit ridiculous. Tried on the 44 and 42mm watches but they just didn't feel right. Would the California dial make the difference or is Panerai not for me?

I had similar thoughts until I tried a few on.

Can I suggest you go try on a couple more and have the AD take a few pictures, preferably from about six feet away. That's how the watch will really look. Then post them on here and go from there.

It took me a while to get used to the look but Panerai are supposed to wear big. They're not jewellery watches :cheers:

How big are your wrists? Mine are about 6.75" and have always thought that the 40mm Rolex dials were as big as I could go until I finally tried on a Panerai. It took a while for me to get adjusted to the obviously much larger dial but eventually I ended up with a 44mm. My point is, unless you're used to larger dials (think 44mm and above), there will be some kind of shock to see that much metal on your wrist and given enough time, maybe you'll get used to it.

Maybe try the base models like 000,005,111,112

There are very few watches that I "love" the look of, so it might be too early to say Panerai isn't for you. Try on a bunch of models, take your time, and see.... I bet you'll find something great for you.

FWIW, 424/425 are quite thick. Try a 249 to compare. :thumbsup:

thanks for all your advice. I'll keep looking.

47mm does wear large and not everyone can pull it off.

The 44mm manual winds wear thinner than the automatic equivalent and consequently may be more comfortable.

The "bettarini" cases area thinner and somewhat lighter than the 1950 counterparts also so keep that in mind too.

i wouldnt get a 40 or 42mm panerai if i were you, it just doesnt seem right.

I agree, the smaller 42mm case was really disappointing!

I personally like / prefer the 1940 42 mm case.

If you can, try on a non polished TI version like a 176/7 they seem a lot smaller than the polished versions, and they are light as a feather.

Either way, Panerai isn't for everyone all of the time. They are truly unique watches with a sometimes acquired taste.

I had a 425...........thought it was the nicest dial I had ever seen. Bought the watch wore it and sadly, it was way too big for my wrist along with the fact that I just didn't like the Rad styling. Had the watch been a 44 Luminor, probably would have worked for me. Oh well, live and learn. :cheers:

the problem is I love the California dial of the 424. The 249 way over my current budget (looking for a flip for my big block!)

GO with a bronze and you won't be disappointed. Probably best pam ever made.

such a premium on those watches....nice but personally i would pay that much

If 47 too large. Try on the 44 mm models. They wear smaller due to the cushion shaped case.

Some just feel they're too large regardless of wrist size. I find 44 mm fits me just right on my 7" wrist. Never tried on a 47 mm, but don't care for the lug overhang of too large watches

DON