My PAM 422 retirement present

[mahalkita201]

After working for 40 years (for the same company) I decided for myself that I finally should retire - the best decision I ever made.
As my special retirement present I bought my first Panerai - a brand new 422 at a boutique in Singapore. Not the most economical way to buy this watch but I am very happy how it all turned out. I got the latest version (I believe) and only 900 of this edition were made, no idea how many other editions or series are out there. The watch came with 3 different straps - all extra long to fit me perfectly, one was special order so I dont have it yet. Very nice buying experience with 15 year old Macallan offered from the boutique while looking at all their different watches for sale. Received 8 years of warranty which is a nice touch. I decided between that 422 and the bronze Radiomir and bronze Submersible. Both also very very nice watches (maybe nicer than mine?) but both same price and 50% more expensive than my 422 watch. The submersible had the newer 9010 movement with no hacking second which I did not like while the Radiomir had the exact same movement minus the second hand. Since the watch is manual winding I think its safer to open that iconic lever on my 422 than unscrewing the crown on the Radiomir for the next decades or so.
I also checked out the IWC Big Pilot which looked really nice too, had about the same wrist presence and heft but was 20% more expensive so I decided against it. Very happy with my 422 so far, running a few seconds fast the first days while loosing that similar amount as the spring wings down. When I look at the actual time its almost always perfect with nothing to adjust - if I had the Radiomir I would never adjust anything I guess. The movement has the 3 bridges which I like very much the webside shows only 2 bridges, sapphire crystal also very nice to have although the Radiomir with Plexi was also nice. That strap I got the dark brown is very thin - its smells very good though and I already ordered a bunch of more straps and also a deployant clasp. I am taking the watch off every 3 days to wind it looking at that power reserve indicator so that deployant will be handy with my nicer strap I ordered. My other grail watches (or statement? pieces) are Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in 45mm and JLC Navy Seals Alarm, the 422 wears a little bigger than the JLC but not really much, the Blancpain wears generally smaller. All 3 are easy to wear and I don't understand the hesitation or complains other people sometimes have towards bigger watches - to each his own i guess

[1William]

Congratulations. Great watch and one of my favorites in the 47mm lineup. I have always wanted a 127, a similar but Limited Edition watch from the early 2000's. The prices and availability have always keep me from making a purchase though. I have recently been on the hunt for the 127 though and have not found an example that is complete from a good source for less than 14-15k, just a little too much for me. A 422 popped up on DavidSW's site on Thursday and after a few emails it was mine. It arrived yesterday and I really like it. I will get a picture up soon. I know you are enjoying the watch as it is very nice.

[Moose500]

Congratulations! 40 years with the same company is amazing!

[Cru Jones]

Big congrats on your retirement and excellent way to celebrate! Regardless of the cost, among the three PAMs you were considering, I think the 422 is by far the best option. Classic and clean modern Panerai goodness!

Enjoy!

[Belinus]

Congratulations on both the watch and your retirement. The watch is stunning

[Joearch]

Big congratulations for your 40 years. Nice reward for yourself. 422 is a great piece. I had one when they first came out. Went for a 372 5-6 years ago. Those 2 are super sharp watches. 127 are special, but are pricey. Ended up training mine towards a Daytona years ago. OP, try your 422 on a black calf with ecru stitching, or on an OEM JV. You will be pleased.

[mahalkita201]

Originally Posted by Joearch

Big congratulations for your 40 years. Nice reward for yourself. 422 is a great piece. I had one when they first came out. Went for a 372 5-6 years ago. Those 2 are super sharp watches. 127 are special, but are pricey. Ended up training mine towards a Daytona years ago. OP, try your 422 on a black calf with ecru stitching, or on an OEM JV. You will be pleased.

Thanks so much for all the congrats! That 372 is very nice looking as well

Thanks and will look at that strap you recommended, what is a JV?

[mahalkita201]

Thanks everyone for the congrats! Really appreciate you guys

[Rolextellstime]

Congratulations, Panerai are amazing watches and the 422 is an icon

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

[Little machines]

Congratulations! Beauty! Enjoy many decades of healthy ,peaceful living!

[brandrea]

Congratulations on you retirement, what a way to celebrate

[Andad]

Very nice.

[Flint]

Enjoy your watch and retirement

[1st amg]

Love the 422. Congrats on your retirement. Great watch to commemorate this. Have fun strap shopping!

[Tri-Tip]

Congratulations on your retirement and the great gift for yourself!

[opawlows]

What a great story and an awesome way to close off your working career!

422 is a fantastic reference and looks to fit you well!

Enjoy your new watch and your new hobbies with all of the newfound free time!

[Horologest]

Sweet! It doesn't get more historic Panerai than a 422!

[RW16610]

Congratulations on the retirement! This watch is a great way to celebrate after 40 years of hard work.

[travisb]

Congratulations on your retirement! That's a great watch to commemorate the occasion. I owned the 422 for several years and really enjoyed it. Make the most of your free time in this next chapter for yourself!

[Bazil]

Take my had off to you, lovely watch enjoy it …

[Mastergreenhand]

Congrats! I love the 422, I had a 372 back when they first came out, my wrist is only 6.5 so I had to let it go. I can at least admire it on my thicker wristed Paneristis

[brkanand]

Awesome watch. Congrats.

[1William]

My new to me 422.

[Gerry62]

422/372 .... Both gorgeous !

[1sjz]

Congratulations on both retirement and the watch

[duc888]

Congratulations on both retirement and the watch also from my side.

[subtona]

Congratulations x2

[chrissimons]

Congratulations to both of you :) And enjoy your retirement and watch in good health :)

[juve]

Congratulations