Panerai for my Dad

[benlee]

Hello,

First time posting in this part of the forum. Need some advice about Panerai. I am looking to buy a new watch for my Dad. Recently, due to his eyesight problem, he stopped wearing his Rolex Datejust that he has worn for 30 years and opt for a cheap looking quartz watch with a big dial, reason being the numbers are big and can be read clearly without his reading glasses.

I have look thru quite a number of watch brands design and think the Panerai might be a good fit for him because of the large size and uncluttered display, making it easy to read. However, I have very limited knowledge about Panerais and only know it's Italian and quite fashionable. Is it mean for the younger crowd only and will it look strange and out of place on an elderly person? My Dad is in his 80s.

Please recommend one suitable model. It should be large, very legible ( ie easy to read ) and only need to show date and time, that's all. Long reserve power is also good to have. And what will the pricing be like?

Thanks in advance!

[quik022]

i think it depends on how big of a watch your dad prefers...all the panerai watches will feel a lot bigger if he's coming from a datejust which is a 36mm. if he doesnt mind the size, then any of the base watches will be a great start, particularly 176/177 since they are lighter on the wrist.

also take a look at 337 or 338 if you like the radiomir case. 42mm might be a great fit for your dad if he's uncomfortable going with 44/47mm cases. i personally love the 338 with the Titanium case and the gold hands, extremely elegant.

[bcacncnc]

Does he need a date and is he ok with manual winding watches?

[Evan614]

setting PAM aside
Most important part is size and visibilities of the hands of the watch. second is the markers or numbers for the time.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by bcacncnc

Does he need a date and is he ok with manual winding watches?

Yes, he needs a date. Definitely need automatic / self-winding.

[kilyung]

Look at the PAM287

[RUpanerai]

Panerai 104 in SS or Panerai 240 in Ti...

Both are Automatic models with Date and are rather affordable

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by kilyung

...PAM287

Originally Posted by RUpanerai

Panerai 104...

Those two know their sh... PAMs. If he prefers a low-key case, the Radiomir is the way to go; if he digs the iconic crown guard, 104...

Both have a date-cyclops (which I'm no fan of) but in his case, mandatory.

[travisb]

Would the 388 be too big?

[benlee]

Thanks all. I will be checking out the 287 and 104. What will be the pricing be like?

Also, is there an option to add a buckle clasp so that it is easy to put on?

Originally Posted by travisb

Would the 388 be too big?

I think it's fine. The existing quartz he is wearing I guess is at least 45mm as well.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by benlee

Thanks all. I will be checking out the 287 and 104. What will be the pricing be like? Also, is there an option to add a buckle clasp so that it is easy to put on?

These suggested models all list for around $7K, but you can hopefully talk an AD down or even consider a Grey dealer. Alternatively, check out a site like Chrono24 for "unworn" units.

The 388 is a beauty - albeit w/o cyclops; I really suggest you go with a cyclops version if you want a date.

[MCHI09]

BTW, This is a very thoughtful gift for an 80 yr+ dad!

[Ranfni]

104 should be perfect. Date and automatic.

[htc8p]

actually i have never seen elderly wearing pams (80s). would they find it too heavy? my grand dad wears a huge victorinox swiss army.

maybe try titanium.

[Ranfni]

Originally Posted by htc8p

actually i have never seen elderly wearing pams (80s). would they find it too heavy? my grand dad wears a huge victorinox swiss army.

maybe try titanium.

Good point

[kilyung]

The 104 is a great watch however an older guy may have issues working the crown.