If you could only have one - Which PAM?

[mikeyg]

Hi everyone...

I am relatively new to this site and have been very attracted to especially the Panerai watches.
Frankly, I am not one of those of you out there that can afford a $20k watch, but always wanted one!
After some months of saving a few dollars, I would like to buy a new PAM watch. I especially like the subtle, elegant look of the 000, but since this might be my one and only buy, what might you all recommend?
First, let me explain that I would be trying to stay in that 44mm range for size.

Thanks!

[Watchcraze007]

Mike, sticking to 44 is limiting. A) coz IMHO the more DNA watches (since u like 000) are larger.. B) if u try bigger, u may surprised, like others have been, that the larger ones do work with smaller wrists (if that is your concern). It really depends more on the shape of the case than on the size alone. It's more perspective than just mere size.
My choice for one Pam is the 372.

[subtona]

45mm pam 210 ... very nice ... at least check it out side by side before you commit.

[z32turbo]

I'm partial to the 270. Good luck with your decision.

[mfer]

What is your budget? You mention 20k is high.

If I had to only keep one of mine, it would be the 190. (around 9-10k)

[subtona]

Originally Posted by mfer

What is your budget? You mention 20k is high.

If I had to only keep one of mine, it would be the 190. (around 9-10k)

that is a fine choice

[mikeyg]

Originally Posted by mfer

What is your budget? You mention 20k is high.

If I had to only keep one of mine, it would be the 190. (around 9-10k)

As far as my wrists go... I have smaller wrists and I do like the shape of the
000.

[B. Doggy]

Originally Posted by mfer

What is your budget? You mention 20k is high.

If I had to only keep one of mine, it would be the 190. (around 9-10k)

+1. This was my choice when I read your post. The best modern PAM IMHO. I've owned a few, too. They're getting harder to find though....

[nauticajoe]

372 or 390 for me.

Good luck!

[Watchcraze007]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

372 or 390 for me.

Good luck!

In my eyes, there's a LOT of difference between them ;) It's like one of them trying so dam hard to be as perfect as the other... but failing drastically! The "other" ofcourse being the REAL thing! We all know which that "other" is!

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by Watchcraze007

In my eyes, there's a LOT of difference between them ;) It's like one of them trying so dam hard to be as perfect as the other... but failing drastically! The "other" ofcourse being the REAL thing! We all know which that "other" is!

I'm not even sure what that means??? The only that I agree with is that they are both different pieces. Both watches have a huge following here & in p.com, which I'm sure you know. I don't think the 390 has to "try" at all. IMO, it can hold its own.

[Andrés G]

It depends on your budget. The 210 Radiomir or 112 Luminor are in the same price range of the 000 and I prefer the sandwich dial on them.

My only PAM is a 112 but I also wear other watches.

[yakmeister]

I have a 359 and love it, but the quinticential PAM seems to be the 379.

[kilyung]

Nothing wrong with a simple 000.

[mikeyg]

my budget is in the $6k range, tax and all, max.

[Psmith]

111


All the PAM you will ever need... perhaps

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by mikeyg

my budget is in the $6k range, tax and all, max.

Go with a logo (000, 005 or 380) - a great start to your future PAM family...

Just keep in mind that these are stuffed / sausage dials, not sandwich... . My guess is that they have a higher apparent brightness (lume)

[toph]

If you want automatic may I suggest 104
Cheers

[mikeyg]

Originally Posted by toph

If you want automatic may I suggest 104
Cheers

Guys, I really appreciate your input and suggestions. So far, I really like the 000, 005 and the 104. I truly know nothing about Panerai watches and trying to get caught up a bit before I actually buy.
There is so much to consider on issues like in house movements, etc. I just do not know that much about the brand.
It is a great looking watch, that is all I know.
Any further suggestions you might add not only to models, but what to look out for would be appreciated.
Much thanks!
Mike Greca
Pittsburgh, PA

[red1108nyc]

233 is pretty darn cool for me.. a reliable 8 day in house movement, sleek 1950 case and the dome glass.. SOLID! 190 is pretty sweet too!!!

[p_mcgee]

190/233 here

Alot of people seems to like the more DNAish models but I don't really care that much.

[amygdala]

I would say a PAM 000. Simple and very Panerai. I have a 212 and from the time I've had my 000, I can say that I can part with my 212 but keep my 000 for life.

[rulessapt]

Mikey,
Being in the $6k range, it would be the 210 Radiomir. Sandwich dial, display back, plenty of that "original and historic" feeling with the wire lug look.

However, realising it is your choice, why not look on the selling forum for models which are new or near new, save yourself a bunch and be involved with fellow enthusiasts who support the forum. Purple user names mean members who have given to support the forum.
You'll save yourself at least $1000 on being a walk up start to a shop. Gives you plenty of room for a few straps too.

While my choice might be the 210, yours could be any of the base models, plus the autos, if you choose carefully.
Sellers like DavidSW, Mosco and Bodybump usually have something going and are site supporters. If not, contact them and let them know you're ready to buy.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Richard

[mikeyg]

Richard,

Thanks, very good advice.

[rulessapt]

Originally Posted by mikeyg

Richard,

Thanks, very good advice.

My pleasure Mikey, I'm going through a similar thing as you are.
I'm restricting myself to one PAM, after owning a few.

For me, I found it was the Radiomir 141, so much so, I bought the first one which came up after waiting two years, then another came along only four months later, so I bought it too.
Now I've decided WHICH 141 to keep and the old one is, as of today on its way to the new owner.

A 141 Radiomir (now 10 years old) would fit into your budget ( I do understand you'd like a NEW watch), but I had to buy a few PAMs to see which model REALLY sang to me and the others I've owned along the way have ALL been great watches.
The only brand, other than JLC which has never disappointed.

That said, I feel confident you'll be happy with whichever model you choose, in the case style that rings your bells, sandwich or painted dial.

On this board, within the forum, we're all here to help you enjoy your Panerai, it's a great community and one I'm chuffed to feel a part of.

To what is known here (on The Rolex Forum) as the dark side, may I bid you a warm welcome.
We seem to have forgotten that bit in our efforts to help you satisfy your desires.

Cheers,
Richard

PS Here's how a 210 can look, gee they're easy to fall in love with, then there's the gold hands you can put on.

Yo Mik (mfer), roll out that shot of the 210 with the hands and the ABP.
It cemented my love for Radiomir.

[mikeyg]

Originally Posted by rulessapt

My pleasure Mikey, I'm going through a similar thing as you are.
I'm restricting myself to one PAM, after owning a few.

For me, I found it was the Radiomir 141, so much so, I bought the first one which came up after waiting two years, then another came along only four months later, so I bought it too.
Now I've decided WHICH 141 to keep and the old one is, as of today on its way to the new owner.

A 141 Radiomir (now 10 years old) would fit into your budget, but I had to buy a few PAMs to see which model REALLY sang to me and the others I've owned along the way have ALL been great watches.
The only brand, other than JLC which has never disappointed.

That said, I feel confident you'll be happy with whichever model you choose, in the case style that rings your bells, sandwich or painted dial.

On this board, within the forum, we're all here to help you enjoy your Panerai, it's a great community and one I'm chuffed to feel a part of.

To what is known here (on The Rolex Forum) as the dark side, may I bid you a warm welcome.
We seem to have forgotten that bit in our efforts to help you satisfy your desires.

Cheers,
Richard

Richard and all,

So far, I am really liking the look of the 104. After looking thoroughly through this forum, does not appear this watch gets alot of action, but I really like the look of that watch. Cyclops date window, second hand and not so important, but it is automatic. Again, not truly important... as I would not mind having to wind the watch.
Not sure about the issue of sandwiched or painted? I do like LUME and find most watches do not do a very good job in this dept.
Thanks again to all for your input.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by mikeyg

... So far, I am really liking the look of the 104 ...
Not sure about the issue of sandwiched or painted? I do like LUME...

Well then, I think it's settled, the 104 it is

A lot of people don't like the 233 (currently my only PAM) because it's too busy it and doesn't have all the numbers and - and ... but I did my homework, looked around and the 233 was it for me, end of discussion. I'm the one that will wear it and enjoy it every time I look down at my wrist

Re. stuffed* vs. Sandwich vs. painted... is not an "issue", but choice of design / style, much like the color of the dial / hands / cyclops / additional complications / etc. Some people insist on a sandwich dial as much as they insist on a Luminor case (crown guard) while others find the traditional (pre-V) stuffed* dials interesting and aim for a logo (000 005 380) - simply because these are the only PAMs in production with such dials. Having said that, your 104 is painted (the numbers and bars are applied to the surface of the dial).

*I call it stuffed, some call it sausage, others unfortunately even call it painted - it's really messed up since OP has never openly discussed it. But whatever you want to call it, I am referring to taking a beveled dial and "filling in the bevels" with lume paint.

My guess is that painted dials are the brightest, but only someone who has all three and has done a comparison can be sure. What I am sure of is that OP's application of Super LumiNova is of the highest quality and comparable to Rolex, Omega and other fine [sports]watch makers. As most of high-end houses use the one and same "Super LumiNova", the effectiveness of the lume really boils down to the amount of layers (think of a car's paint job) and the overall surface-area used. There are a few "military" watches that will outshine even a PAM - but that is their specialty and they are applying many layers to large surface areas.

Here's a Super LumiNova comparison I recently did and my 233 has a sandwich dial, which, in my guesstimation, is the least brightest of all three types. None the less, you can see that OP has done a fine job...

30s exposures @f/8

Please note that all three are visible down to the 30min mark; If you cannot see them, your monitor may need adjustment.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by rulessapt

Yo Mik (mfer), roll out that shot of the 210 with the hands and the ABP.
It cemented my love for Radiomir.

This old thing.... ;-)

[rulessapt]

Originally Posted by mfer

This old thing.... ;-)

I love that combination Mik, the 210 with thae ABP, ahh, my heart melts.

Such a ripper of a shot, pure class and quality.
To think it is just ( ) a 210, with a set of gold hands and a ( outbloodystanding ) strap.

Thanks mfer for sharing the image again.
I'm okay now, I've decided to have only the 141 as my grail PAM, the 210 is on the block. But if I had one of thse straps, it and I could never part.
Maybe I'll just keep the 210 too.

Cheers
Richard

[psv]

000 is a good choice IMO.