The quintessential Luminor?

[Jack reacher]

Hey guis. I'm still relatively new to Panerai, but I’m fascinated by the history of the brand. Already picked up a 210, but am now looking to acquire a Luminor.

So I’d love to hear suggestions on which models best represent the “Panerai DNA.”

At this point, I’m open to current, discontinued, or special edition models, and am focused on 44mm cases given my relatively small wrist size (6.5”).

Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks!

[mfer]

For some reason to me, 44mm luminors look better with a second hand and painted. Many will disagree.

47mm luminors look better sandwich. For me it has to do with the size of the numbers. That is why the radiomirs (like you 210) look better sandwich, b/c the numbers are bigger.

So, 111e,f,g, 1, etc for me. I have a 111g. Sold my 210 for a 232. I also have a 6.5" wrist.

Great combo...
210/111g



Here is a pic for compare of sandwich v painted.

[Cru Jones]

Not surprisingly, mik nailed it 100%.

Of ones that are not too hard to find and considering your 210 has 2 hands, I would say 111G (steel/black dial) or 118 (titanium/tobacco dial).

If you want a new one, 005.

If I had your 210, I would go for the 118 in this case. Good luck with your choice!


Some pix (none are mine, sadly):

111G

118

005

[kaiserphoenix]

I would either go for Zero or 112. I love base dials, jsut looks so balanced without the seconds dial. Having said that I wear my 392 alot, but that isnt a quinntessential pam.

I love my 176 because it gives off that "toolish" look with the matt brushed ti finish.

[B. Doggy]

Methinks 111!

[red1108nyc]

I am in Mik's camp!

[Psmith]

I'm not concerned with 'DNA'. For me, the quintessential Luminor is the 111 with sandwich dial - or the 510 if you want an in-house movement (and are OK with the extra dial text). But any Marina is a cool watch

.
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[Mr Singh]

312 is the daddy!

[rain_maker]

000
Clean dial + logo FTW

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

I am in Mik's camp!

So am I and Mik's as well as this fantastic photo tells the whole story behind the why...

111G with strap Quick-Change function =

[SDDS17]

Let's not forget the white dials...

[Travelller]

^nice shot!

Jack, I've been studying up on all possible post-V base and marinas that have otherwise no additional complications. Here's the list:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=338110

Many have suggested the ...

PAM390 - Luminor base, brown dial, gold hands, Ecru, pig on case-back (BE)

... is missing from the list.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Travelller

So am I and Mik's as well as this fantastic photo tells the whole story behind the why...

111G with strap Quick-Change function =

Thanks for the quote, but I never said 111G has a quick change system. I like screws!!!! The strap change system scares me. If the system goes bad, they have to replace the case!?!?!?!?! Seems like a horrible design to me. Not the quick system, but the fact they have to replace the entire case! They need a system that is replaceable, after all we are doing with moving metal pieces which can wear out or mis perform if not perfectly machined to start with.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mfer

Thanks for the quote, but I never said 111G has a quick change system. I like screws!!!! The strap change system scares me. If the system goes bad, they have to replace the case!?!?!?!?! Seems like a horrible design to me. Not the quick system, but the fact they have to replace the entire case! They need a system that is replaceable, after all we are doing with moving metal pieces which can wear out or mis perform if not perfectly machined to start with.

Well, if the lug on a 111 gets bent then the case has to be replaced also. Not to mention stripping the threads. Either way, there are risks.

OP: I would either the 111 or 372 for a Luminor. I love them on my 6.5" wrist.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by mfer

Thanks for the quote, but I never said 111G has a quick change system...

I wasn't quoting you at all, just complimenting your photos

The safest solution (for the case) is still the spring-bar. No threads to strip, no quick-change system that just might go south on you, etc. Having said that, I prefer the quick-change over the screw bar (now finally having both).

I understand that there was a period where Panerai had bars with independent screws (on both sides) - very tedious since you need two screwdrivers etc. but the case will never be in danger.

Just as long as the screws are tight... otherwise the case will be in danger, once it hits the pavement or other hard surface as the watch frees itself form your wrist...

[Jack reacher]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Ended up getting a 510. Just liked the combination of the clean dial with the in-house 8-day movement.

[Cru Jones]

Congrats on the new 510!

[PanosI]

Great choice ! Congrats and enjoy

[lig]

I'm partial to the sausage dial/second hand of the 111.

510 is a great choice for an in house movement.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by lig

I'm partial to the sausage dial/second hand of the 111...

What about the second-hand... ? The 510 is also a Marina...

[lig]

Originally Posted by Travelller

What about the second-hand... ? The 510 is also a Marina...

Sorry - I should have been more clear. The 510 pretty much suits the OPs stated goals. I love the distressed strap of the 510 as well.

[mfer]

Congrats!

[htc8p]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Well, if the lug on a 111 gets bent then the case has to be replaced also. Not to mention stripping the threads. Either way, there are risks.

OP: I would either the 111 or 372 for a Luminor. I love them on my 6.5" wrist.

i think the screw bar system is the most reliable system. it is also the simplest and most traditional. the most common problem(yet highly improbable) would probably be rethreading on the lugs.

[Psmith]

Congrats on the 510