Tried on some panerais for the 1st time...

[rolex170]

I went and tried on some PAMs for the first time last night. I don't have large wrists so I was hoping the watch was going to be big (so I could cross that brand off my possible addiction list!) unfortunately, it looked just fine....actually, it looked great on my wrist! my wife even liked it, and she typically gives me the thumbs down on frivolous purchases like this...

So now the dilemma like so many others post on TRF...which one to get?

First off, I'm really liking the luminors, so that helps with direction.

I tried on a 000 because that's the one everyone says to start off with. Classic. I also tried on a 104, and appreciate the seconds and date. I plan on using this daily and need the date and seconds for work.

So I get home from my window shopping event and obviously start doing research online. There are 000 and 104s to be found from trusted sellers here on TRF, so that's good news. But then I discover other models like the 312 and 390.

So now the dilemma...Do I go with??...

000 - the classic base model.
104 - auto with cyclops and secs
312 - auto with date (no mag) and secs
390 - base with vintage look and LE

I'm a sucker for great deals so if any of you paneristis could list what you would pay for each of these watches (new and used), it would help with my research and addiction!

Thanks for the help!

Oliver

[nauticajoe]

Of the bunch, I'd go with the 390.

[iberfoptic]

312 in a Heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!

[alexlt730512]

390 for sure

[DiverAsia]

Here is the 390 and the 372


The 312


and the 104


I loved the 104 at first, then I wanted a 312.
In the end I got the 372, but if I had not, I think I would have gotten the 390, or the 312 as I like them best.
Have fun deciding.

[rolex170]

Originally Posted by DiverAsia

Here is the 390 and the 372


The 312


and the 104


I loved the 104 at first, then I wanted a 312.
In the end I got the 372, but if I had not, I think I would have gotten the 390, or the 312 as I like them best.
Have fun deciding.

Lovely watches! Thanks for the pics!

[Psmith]

If it is to be a daily wearer, then the 312 no doubt

The '1950' Luminor case does sit a little high on the wrist for some people, so make sure you are OK with it. Otherwise, the 104 or 164 (regular Luminor case) sit flatter on the wrist. Bear in mind that the 312 has an in-house movment, whereas the other models you list use ETA movements

[rolex170]

Originally Posted by Psmith

If it is to be a daily wearer, then the 312 no doubt

The '1950' Luminor case does sit a little high on the wrist for some people, so make sure you are OK with it. Otherwise, the 104 or 164 (regular Luminor case) sit flatter on the wrist. Bear in mind that the 312 has an in-house movment, whereas the other models you list use ETA movements

I was thinking the same thing about the 312. It also has a brushed case, right? At least I thought that's what I read. That should hold up better against the daily bumps and grinds I would think. What's a fair price to pay for a 312? I'm not familiar with panerai prices and expected discounts?

Regarding the 390....that's a sweet watch! But, I would feel terrible putting it thru the abuses of desk dives and airport terminals! I'd use that watch for vacations and dinner outing with the wife. Or am I being a wuss about it! also, I see that the 390 is list priced at $5100. What's a fair mark up price for the 390, or are they actually still available at boutiques?

[Yk101]

359!

[rolex170]

Originally Posted by Yk101

359!

The 359 has a slightly different dial, correct? Btw, nice watch!

[Watchcraze007]

Originally Posted by rolex170

The 359 has a slightly different dial, correct? Btw, nice watch!

Strange, I bought the 372, coz I love a base, but I also actually very much like the 1-12 dial! And don't really like much in between, except OFCOURSE California, 425 and 449!

[Glenn422]

For daily use and if you need the date, can't go wrong with the 312!

[p_mcgee]

390s going for around $6200
312s around $6000
not sure about the others, check dra144 listings on the for sale forum.

If you need the date & seconds try a 312. If it's too blocky for you I'd go for the 104 and swap out the strap for one that uses a Pre-V tang buckle.

I flipped my 390, nice watch but didn't sing to me. Frankly I'd rather have a 111, sandwich dial & less expensive (though higher MSRP) + works with more straps.

[rolex170]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

390s going for around $6200
312s around $6000
not sure about the others, check dra144 listings on the for sale forum.

If you need the date & seconds try a 312. If it's too blocky for you I'd go for the 104 and swap out the strap for one that uses a Pre-V tang buckle.

I flipped my 390, nice watch but didn't sing to me. Frankly I'd rather have a 111, sandwich dial & less expensive (though higher MSRP) + works with more straps.

Thanks for the pricing info and advice. Regarding straps...are there less available for certain models? Your last comment had me wondering whats the difference?

Thx

[HDHNTER]

If you need a date & sub-seconds you can't go wrong with the 312 as long as the thickness works for you. If you can do without the date the 111 would be a great choice to consider as well.

The 312 was my first PAM & I still own & love it despite coming to the realization that base truly is ace.

[Watchcraze007]

Originally Posted by HDHNTER

If you need a date & sub-seconds you can't go wrong with the 312 as long as the thickness works for you. If you can do without the date the 111 would be a great choice to consider as well.

The 312 was my first PAM & I still own & love it despite coming to the realization that base truly is ace.

My FIRST is a base

[p_mcgee]

Originally Posted by rolex170

Thanks for the pricing info and advice. Regarding straps...are there less available for certain models? Your last comment had me wondering whats the difference?

Thx

They are all the same size (24mm width), but in my experience more straps looks good with the black & white dial on the 111 than the tobacco brown/ecru/gold dial on the 390.

[gigantor]

312 is a good start. If you like to have a GMT hand, you can choose 320 or 321. All are 44mm. If you find them too big, there is also 392 which is similar to 312 but at 42mm.

[TSW]

000 for me.

[Cru Jones]

If you really want a date and seconds hand, your choices are limited (consider that a good thing, since there are so many great PAMs). Try a 312 and see how it fits. If it sits well and you are happy, it's a great watch! If it sits too high, then you need to look to the 104 or 164 (same movement as 104, but with brushed case, Arabic dial and quick strap change system).

If you don't need the date, well, then, thee are a LOT of options.

Enjoy the hunt!

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If you really want a date and seconds hand, your choices are limited (consider that a good thing, since there are so many great PAMs). Try a 312 and see how it fits. If it sits well and you are happy, it's a great watch! If it sits too high, then you need to look to the 104 or 164 (same movement as 104, but with brushed case, Arabic dial and quick strap change system).

If you don't need the date, well, then, thee are a LOT of options.

Enjoy the hunt!

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

390s going for around $6200
312s around $6000
not sure about the others, check dra144 listings on the for sale forum.

If you need the date & seconds try a 312. If it's too blocky for you I'd go for the 104 and swap out the strap for one that uses a Pre-V tang buckle.

I flipped my 390, nice watch but didn't sing to me. Frankly I'd rather have a 111, sandwich dial & less expensive (though higher MSRP) + works with more straps.

Good advices

@OP - also make sure you are OK with manual wind if you decide to go with a 111, etc. Bear in mind that some of the manual wind models do not hack

[rolex170]

Thanks all for the advice, pics, and opinions!

Also, how are the deployant clasps regarded in the Paneristi world? Honestly, I like them...mainly because they seem to keep the leather bands looking nicer. Plus it's easy to put on!

[rolex170]

Oh...does anyone know what kind of clasp is used on the 312? is it a tang buckle or deployant?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by rolex170

Oh...does anyone know what kind of clasp is used on the 312? is it a tang buckle or deployant?

Tang buckle is standard

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by rolex170

Oh...does anyone know what kind of clasp is used on the 312? is it a tang buckle or deployant?

Tang is standard, but getting a deployment is easy enough. They are not cheap though.

[Wristmaster]

If you care about the brand, history, values, dna.. Get 000 or 390. If not, 312 will suffice your every need in PAMs

[nick c]

Go for the 000

[cedric]

390 for sure, but if you are in the stage of unsure, then perhaps 000 or 104

[scarlet knight]

I have a 005, base logo with a second hand at 9 o'clock. I like the 312 with date, but that came out after I bought my watch.

If frugality enters into your equation, the 000 and 005s are the least expensive Panerais. You could buy your wife something great with the difference.

[mfer]

My suggestion is to take your time and look around before you buy. Not sure on your budget, but a used 233 would be sweet as a daily!