Newbie Size Question

[Rashid.bk]

I'm starting to like Panerai. The simple and symmetrical dials are really luring me in. The only problem is I don't like watches larger than 44mm.
There are a few styles I like but it boils down to the 1950's style cases, with hours minutes and seconds display. I like plexiglass but don't mind sapphire.
I like the 422 but it's 47mm.
I tried looking at the Pam website but it's a bit confusing so thanks in advance for any help.
My question is, are there any 42-44mm Pams that fit the looks of the 422 or is 47mm a standard Pam size in the 1950s case. Excuse my ignorance if I have described something wrong.

[travisb]

The 312 might be worth a look for you.
1950 case in brushed SS, 44mm. Sapphire crystal (not domed like 422), in house 3 day automatic movement.
Lots of options, and easy to get confused with all the models as a newcomer to Panerai.
Welcome around these parts! We're here to help!

[travisb]

One more thing, you probably don't want to go any smaller than 44mm on a Panerai. The wrist presence is part of the appeal.

[Cru Jones]

i wouldn't let the millimeters guide your decision, as a number of people find the 372/422 fit better than the 1950s case automatics (e.g., 312), which are rather top heavy and tall. a lot depends on wrist size and shape and overall body size and shape, as well as personal style.

if you insist on 44, i would first look at the 000/005/111/112/176/177.

Originally Posted by travisb

One more thing, you probably don't want to go any smaller than 44mm on a Panerai. The wrist presence is part of the appeal.

except for maybe the 1940s case radiomirs (e.g., 512)?

[travisb]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

i wouldn't let the millimeters guide your decision, as a number of people find the 372/422 fit better than the 1950s case automatics (e.g., 312), which are rather top heavy and tall. a lot depends on wrist size and shape and overall body size and shape, as well as personal style.

if you insist on 44, i would first look at the 000/005/111/112/176/177.





except for maybe the 1940s case radiomirs (e.g., 512)?

I agree with all of this. Worth finding an AD and really get a feel for what works for you.

514 for me though, Cru.

[kilyung]

I thought I was only a 44mm guy also but I'm really liking 47mm on my 6.5" wrist now. Granted my wrist is kind of broad and flat.

[advocatia]

I tried this on the other day. 42mm. Very light. Just beautiful. 514 of course.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by advocatia

I tried this on the other day. 42mm. Very light. Just beautiful. 514 of course.

514 is 47mm (http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-days-pam00514).

Maybe you tried on the 512 (http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-1940-pam00512)?

Otherwise, the 427mm 1940s Rads do wear small....

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

514 is 47mm (http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-days-pam00514).

Maybe you tried on the 512 (http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-1940-pam00512)?

Otherwise, the 427mm 1940s Rads do wear small....

You are 100% correct. It was the 512. No date.

[apeogre]

The radiomir wears smaller than the case would on another watch. The 45mm rad case wears smaller than the Sinn U1 due to its wire lugs. They really shorten up the watch. The height also helps with it. The 337 is a 42mm rad and wears smaller than a Doxa 1200 by quite a bit. I also don't like big watches, but after trying on bigger Pam, they really wear better than other big uns. The 47mm rad cases and even the 372, wears much better than a 45.4mm case on the Breitling avenger. This, at least for me, is due to the flat back on the hand wind Pam models. Best of luck!

[Rashid.bk]

Incredible guys, the information is exactly what I was looking for. I just needed a jump start in the right direction, I found it challenging trying to decipher Paneria's code.
Ok so the 312 looks great but has a date, not a complete no-go but prefer the symmetrical no date dials.
So far I've checked out the Pam 005 176/177, I'm really liking the 176/177. It was an unexpected surprise to discover these models to be Ti.
Exactly what I wanted: unpolished, no date, right size, and Ti. Does anyone know if these have a domed crystal.
Cant wait to try one on when I'm back in the states.
No thanks to Mikes gold hands thread I also like that a lot along with a model I saw with blue hands.

I mega appreciate your help everyone, Cru, Travis...you guys hit the nail on the head. Will keep you posted as this develops and I gather all my intel and prep for something in the distant future. I don't like to flip watches if I can help it so I ocd with info months even a year in advance before I commit.

[Friedl41]

Check out the 390 .... It is a special edition ... Very nice

[Vincent65]

I like this one, but it is 47mm:

http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-days-pam00514

or this gmt at 44mm:

http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...s-gmt-pam00233

[mws222]

The Ti models are great, the 176/77 don't have a domed crystal though.

[Cru Jones]

Take your time and enjoy, Rashid. Once you start digging, you realize there's actually a lot to learn and appreciate in the range. The hunt is a huge part of the fun. :-)

I spent about a year looking three years back and I chose a model that isn't a huge "paneristi" favorite, but I love it and it's perfect for me (164....44mm Bettarini case, brushed case with polished bezel, quick strap change system, date, silver (not black) hands, green (not ecru) lume, Arabic dial).

As for 44's, another option is the new for 2013 510....same like the 111, but an in house manual 8 day for not even 10% over the 111. A good deal! Just need to be okay with the "8 DAYS" text on the dial and no power reserve indicator on the back (which some find to be a big omission on an 8 day manual).

Welcome to the madness....just wait until you start looking into straps!

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Friedl41

Check out the 390 .... It is a special edition ... Very nice

Oh damn! Just looked at that one, you just complicated things..

Originally Posted by Vincent65

I like this one, but it is 47mm:

http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...-days-pam00514

or this gmt at 44mm:

http://www.panerai.com/en/watch-coll...s-gmt-pam00233

Thanks for the links. The GMTs were my first lure but decided I'd leave that to Rolex, the basic dials are what I find intriguing.
I will def take a look at the top one when I get to a dealer.

Originally Posted by mws222

The Ti models are great, the 176/77 don't have a domed crystal though.

That's a shame, one of those two are still in the lead, that 390 just came on the radar. Being a limited piece and expensive now(as I understand), don't want to hunt something down relentlessly and pay a premium for my first Pam. The look of Ti is the defining factor so far.

Something like the 176/177 in Ti with gold or even those sexy blue hands topped off with a domed plexi would have me severely anxious right about now. Ti and gold are usually a no-no though.

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Take your time and enjoy, Rashid. Once you start digging, you realize there's actually a lot to learn and appreciate in the range. The hunt is a huge part of the fun. :-)

I spent about a year looking three years back and I chose a model that isn't a huge "paneristi" favorite, but I love it and it's perfect for me (164....44mm Bettarini case, brushed case with polished bezel, quick strap change system, date, silver (not black) hands, green (not ecru) lume, Arabic dial).

As for 44's, another option is the new for 2013 510....same like the 111, but an in house manual 8 day for not even 10% over the 111. A good deal! Just need to be okay with the "8 DAYS" text on the dial and no power reserve indicator on the back (which some find to be a big omission on an 8 day manual).

Welcome to the madness....just wait until you start looking into straps!

I thought the Rolex guys were good, looks like an undiscovered world over here, filled with equal passion and enough minute changes in references to keep the watch nerd in me occupied with details for a long time. Looking at the stats on the 390 I can definitely see I need to take my time on this one as there are very special pieces out there but only if you happen to be paying attention.

[mws222]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Something like the 176/177 in Ti with gold or even those sexy blue hands topped off with a domed plexi would have me severely anxious right about now. Ti and gold are usually a no-no though

351 would get you 2 of the 3, Ti & gold hands, no domed plexi though

[cger]

44mm 1950 style case or 45mm radiomir worked really well on my wrist which slightly over 6".
44mm Historic case works a bit better.
You should try 47mm on but I would say that if your wrist is 6.5" and more you'll be all good.