Panerai PAM 56 vs. PAM 117

[MYK]

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?

[MYK]

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?

[Psmith]

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

[MYK]

Originally Posted by Psmith

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. :(

[Ristretto]

^ 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.

[MYK]

Originally Posted by alroumi

^ 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.

[Psmith]

Good call guys

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

[RUpanerai]

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!!!!!!!

[MYK]

Originally Posted by RUpanerai

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.

[Psmith]

$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

[Ristretto]

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

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by alroumi

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