First Panerai questions

[Alford78]

I've gotten a quote for right at 20% off Elementsin Time NYC on a PAM312. That was their first offer so thought I'd ask if it's the norm to get a little more than that off Panerai's site?

Does this model have any downsides for a first purchase in any of your opinions? I really like just the plain PAM 112 but also like case back crystal and automatics in general; although, I could see myself being perfectly happy with the manual wind 112 if that makes any sense. Would be more of a connection with the watch to some extent.

Any opinions or thoughts greatly welcomed.

Thanks for your time!
Alex

[Alford78]

Mods please move to Panerai section. Accidently clicked Patek section obviously lol.

[wisguy]

I like the 112 better.

I have bought from Element in Time in NYC, at their facility, stand up guys.

When it comes to price, you can haggle with them. Not sure if the watch you're interested in is already in their inventory, if not 20% may be all you can get as they would need to source it new most likely.

[Cru Jones]

It's not a "deal" if you like another watch more.... You prefer the 112, so go for that one. 20 or even 25% off of a 312 isn't enough for you to flip to make money.

[Psmith]

The 112 is a Base model (no seconds hand) so there's a difference there as well.
Personally I like to have a seconds hand so favour the Marina models e.g. 111.
Between the 312 and the 112 I prefer the former, but as Cru says the best thing to do is pick the one you like most regardless of the deal.

[nick c]

Buy only the one you love good luck

[subtona]

112
000
111

Not 312
IMHO

[nick c]

Originally Posted by subtona

112
000
111

Not 312
IMHO

Gus is right

[Alford78]

Originally Posted by Psmith

The 112 is a Base model (no seconds hand) so there's a difference there as well.
Personally I like to have a seconds hand so favour the Marina models e.g. 111.
Between the 312 and the 112 I prefer the former, but as Cru says the best thing to do is pick the one you like most regardless of the deal.

See that's what is making this so hard. I honestly prefer seconds hands as center sweeping and don't have a watch without a center sweeper. I also don't have a manual wind "yet". I'm not against manual just think elegant dress when it comes to manuals.

So the 312 has auto in house, balanced dial at 3 and 9 but no center sweeper.

The 112 has an even more balanced dial but is manual which I don't even know if I'll like or not. Both have crystal case backs so that is equal.

I guess this would be an easier decision if I was a more experienced watch collector. This will only be my third nice watch (Rolex Sub Date 16610 and Omega Grey Side of the Moon).

Thanks everyone. I can't figure out the multi quote in one response so kind of responded to all the comments that are relevant to making my decision.

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by nick c

Gus is right

Nice LV Strap

Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Alford78

See that's what is making this so hard. I honestly prefer seconds hands as center sweeping and don't have a watch without a center sweeper. I also don't have a manual wind "yet". I'm not against manual just think elegant dress when it comes to manuals.

So the 312 has auto in house, balanced dial at 3 and 9 but no center sweeper.

The 112 has an even more balanced dial but is manual which I don't even know if I'll like or not. Both have crystal case backs so that is equal.

I guess this would be an easier decision if I was a more experienced watch collector. This will only be my third nice watch (Rolex Sub Date 16610 and Omega Grey Side of the Moon).

Thanks everyone. I can't figure out the multi quote in one response so kind of responded to all the comments that are relevant to making my decision.

PAMs with center sweepers are pretty rare and an acquired taste. You can try hunting down a 23, 27, 28, 29, 57, 63, 65 or 80, for example, but, if you want movement on the dial, and it seems from your post that you do, I would suggest making things simple and go for a 111 (sandwich dial, clear back) or 005 (painted dial, solid back, logo on dial).

[nick c]

Originally Posted by WristEnvy

Nice LV Strap

Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk

Thank you Ray

[Alford78]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

PAMs with center sweepers are pretty rare and an acquired taste. You can try hunting down a 23, 27, 28, 29, 57, 63, 65 or 80, for example, but, if you want movement on the dial, and it seems from your post that you do, I would suggest making things simple and go for a 111 (sandwich dial, clear back) or 005 (painted dial, solid back, logo on dial).

I've contacted another AD for quotes on the 312, 111, and 112. I'm definitely torn between these three for my first.

Crystal case back is a must! That throws out quite a few models really quick.

Oh and sandwich dial is a must too! That's what has drawn me to the watches.

Like automatics just for the no hassle ease of time keeping; although, I might really enjoy the manual winding every other day or so, but don't know because of my limited experience Mickey Mouse watch from when I was about 5 yrs old lol.

Having a somewhat equal dial layout favors both the 112 and 312 but find myself using second hands while cooking if don't use my iphone timer. I'm a Big Green Egg head to the fullest. Always smoking, roasting, or grilling something. Like 4-5 days out of normal week. So...... the 111 is still right there as an option with only having a complication on one side of the watch. I don't care too much for the date window (from pictures only never seen in person) on the Luminor models but looks great on the Luminor 1950 models.

I think it's going to be one of those situations where I buy what feels right when weigh price differences, sellers reputation, and phase of the moon type deals since I don't like one particular model much more than the other. Nobody has given any reasons why I shouldn't go with the 312 as a first Panerai so that's good too. It's size is a tad bit intimidating but have 7-1/2" wrist for it to perch upon.

Thanks for all the input again!

[Explorertwo]

^
there are differences in wearing a luminor case and a 1950 case. In wearing an automatic and handwind.
You should try it.
I love the luminor case. So comfy.
I thought i wanted the 177, but tried both an 111 and 177 and walked out with the 111. Best advise: try them on.

[guelerct]

Nice collection so far
The Pans are very close in my opinion
I have a 351 and like it a lot. The second hand subdial looks great to me. It's all about preference. Buy whatever looks best to you.

[tomcorkery]

I like the 112 better

[Urosfan]

111 or 112, I chose the 111 love it

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by Explorertwo

^
there are differences in wearing a luminor case and a 1950 case. In wearing an automatic and handwind.
You should try it.
I love the luminor case. So comfy.
I thought i wanted the 177, but tried both an 111 and 177 and walked out with the 111. Best advise: try them on.

Can't go wrong here with this advice... I had a 312 for a while several years ago. The 1950s case is noticeably bulkier and more "muscular". Something to consider

[jw0n]

Almost everyone's problem when they get their first pam!