Thinking of downsizing to a 42mm Panerai...

[glimmer]

I’ve owned several PAMs over the years, a 111, 000, 312, 287, 024 and currently a 233. Though I deeply appreciate the brand, I’ve somehow come to the conclusion that the 44-45mm size is just too large on my wrists (6.5 inches).

I’ve been looking at the 42mm Panerai models and have been attracted to some of the Radiomir models (337, 514) but I am looking at something with a date. Also saw and admire the 184 which is somehow hard to come by. The Luminor 392 seems a bit too thick for me.

I wanted to ask members experiences with handling a 42mm Panerai (Luminor or Radiomir) and if anyone can recommend something that is slim and with the date function. I guess I am looking for something with the overall Panerai aesthetic but somehow not too bulky on my wrist. Sausage or sandwich dial is fine. Any thoughts would be appreciated.




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[Thewallin]

I have similar issues, thin wrists but Panerai love.

I had a 44mm 320 GMT a few years back and loved it but in the end I sold it to try something else.
Recently I was in the process of buying something and felt that it would be fun to revisit Panerai.

Instantly felt that 44 was to large for me now so I ended up with a 722 and I can highly recommend it. I have a small thread here:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=571701

For me this is still a big watch with some heft to it but I think I feel this way because my other watch is the very slim Patek Aquanaut.

The 722 has a really nice bracelet which makes it slightly heavier than with a leather strap. It does come with the easy strapchange system so it really not an issue.

Sandwich dial and blue seconds hand with a date, I have only had mine about a month and a half but I really like it.

[fullcourt]

have you tried any on? handled any yourself? the new sub is very nice

[Cru Jones]

I'd look at the 574 or 682 first (I'm not a huge fan of the ecru lume + blue hand of the 722). If you'd consider a Rad, try to find a 337 or 338, which will wear even smaller. As for the Due line, there are a few to consider, if you want to go that route.

[Watcheroo]

I’ve had a 233 and currently have a 587. I recently saw the 682 and think I’m going to pull the trigger on one. I know it’s not slim but I’ve always admired the Panerai Submersibles and they always wore too large for me (also a 6.5” wrist). Try one on before you make a decision. I guess you can also look at the Due range if you want something slim.

Here’s a pic of the 682






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[sechsgang]

I love the 682

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Watcheroo

I’ve had a 233 and currently have a 587. I recently saw the 682 and think I’m going to pull the trigger on one. I know it’s not slim but I’ve always admired the Panerai Submersibles and they always wore too large for me (also a 6.5” wrist). Try one on before you make a decision. I guess you can also look at the Due range if you want something slim.

Here’s a pic of the 682






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Beautiful

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by Thewallin

I have similar issues, thin wrists but Panerai love.



I had a 44mm 320 GMT a few years back and loved it but in the end I sold it to try something else.

Recently I was in the process of buying something and felt that it would be fun to revisit Panerai.



Instantly felt that 44 was to large for me now so I ended up with a 722 and I can highly recommend it. I have a small thread here:



https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=571701



For me this is still a big watch with some heft to it but I think I feel this way because my other watch is the very slim Patek Aquanaut.



The 722 has a really nice bracelet which makes it slightly heavier than with a leather strap. It does come with the easy strapchange system so it really not an issue.



Sandwich dial and blue seconds hand with a date, I have only had mine about a month and a half but I really like it.

Thanks for your input! Indeed a very good choice and perhaps something I will seriously consider....


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[glimmer]

Originally Posted by fullcourt

have you tried any on? handled any yourself? the new sub is very nice

Honestly I haven’t. I really should try some on soon. Though I’ve heard that there are bezel play issues with the Sub? Can anyone confirm?


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[Wrist Watcher]

FWIW, I've been close to pulling the trigger on a PAM for years but haven't due to the size and not having an AD close by. I like the "looks" of the 512 and 574 in the Rad 1940 case, the 337 and 338 in the Rad wire lug case, and the Sub 682. Really can't decide between these, especially without trying them on, but have been leaning 512 or 337/338 for something different from my Rolex Subs.

Oh, I did try on a Luminor Due 676 a year or so ago and loved the watch, particularly the thinness of the case. However, I didn't pull the trigger because of the idea that it's only 30 meters water resistance yet has the crown guard like the regular Luminor dive watches. Makes no sense, although the sunburst dial makes it a dressier option (yet the 1940 Rads above are 100 meters WR).

[fullcourt]

Originally Posted by glimmer

Honestly I haven’t. I really should try some on soon. Though I’ve heard that there are bezel play issues with the Sub? Can anyone confirm?

haven’t seen any bezel play on the 2 I’ve handled....go try them on and then you can make a decision.

[Betta01]

Yes a 42mm PAM will lovely
Hope Panerai can release a 1950 chronograph in 42 size..dreaming..

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[DonnieD]

If by bezel play you mean it’s not as tight as a Rolex sub then yes. I traded my Rolex sub for the 682 and I believe the 682 has 60 clicks while the Rolex sub has a 120. I could be wrong though. My 682 bezel has never moved off of where I set it though. The Rolex would move sometimes if I slept with it. Hope this helps and I’m definitely not an expert . Additionally I’ve had at least 7 different 44mm luminor models and 2 45mm rads. This has enough heft and wrist presence to satisfy me. A couple pics for ya. Good luck with the search.




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[Ruud Van Driver]

I'd try and live with your 233. My 737 has the same domed crystal and it wears much smaller than my 359 and 689, yet they're all 44mm 1950 Luminors.

Other than that, go try a few on. Have someone take photographs of the watch from about six feet away and then you'll see how the watch looks in the real world. Taking wristies from half an inch away always makes the watch look ten times its actual size.

Good luck

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by DonnieD

If by bezel play you mean it’s not as tight as a Rolex sub then yes. I traded my Rolex sub for the 682 and I believe the 682 has 60 clicks while the Rolex sub has a 120. I could be wrong though. My 682 bezel has never moved off of where I set it though. The Rolex would move sometimes if I slept with it. Hope this helps and I’m definitely not an expert . Additionally I’ve had at least 7 different 44mm luminor models and 2 45mm rads. This has enough heft and wrist presence to satisfy me. A couple pics for ya. Good luck with the search.




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Your photos are making me drool...:)


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[lindstd]

I would def consider the Rad, 512. Very clean looking. No date, but it doesn’t both me. I used to get worked up about having a date, however now I care more about the overall watch. It might be worth waiting a month or two to see if Panerai launches any new 42mm.

[wareaglesig]

I owned a 312 then traded for a 320. Eventually I traded that for a 1312 because I just couldn’t deal with such a thick watch. The 1312 is much better on the wrist. Lays flatter even though it’s only slightly thinner. I would definitely suggest trying on a few models before buying anything


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[aperna]

42 mm

[aperna]

42 vs 44 mm

[nigelUK]

Without doubt the 512 !

Lovely workhorse Piaget handwound movement, slim 42mm, a really nice watch. Dress it up or down. Loads of PAM DNA (IMHO). 100m water resistance

I've been looking for one at a decent price in UK for a long time. There are plenty available in the US at decent prices.

Had the same dilemma as you. I've owned many many Pams . . mainly 44mm and also a 372 (which I still say is one of the best watches ever .)

Get one. I don't think you will regret it.

[red1108nyc]

Use to think 47mm was too big for my taste but now, even 44mm is near the bubble. 42mm is the new sweet spot.

[KBM]

That 682 looks awesome.

[mjolnir2thor]

Originally Posted by nigelUK

Without doubt the 512 !

Lovely workhorse Piaget handwound movement, slim 42mm, a really nice watch. Dress it up or down. Loads of PAM DNA (IMHO). 100m water resistance

I've been looking for one at a decent price in UK for a long time. There are plenty available in the US at decent prices.

Had the same dilemma as you. I've owned many many Pams . . mainly 44mm and also a 372 (which I still say is one of the best watches ever .)

Get one. I don't think you will regret it.

First post on the forum after buying my first Panerai. Strangely enough it looks like you and I were of the same mind. After missing the first one I found, I ended up looking for another 6 months before purchasing the 512.

Love the PAM 111 and was looking for a clean example when I ran across the 512. Both of my son's have a 111 so I figure I could trade off should I want to wear the icon for a bit.

The 512 wears incredibly comfortable on my 6 3/4" (17.145 cm) wrist and the aesthetics are just outstanding. Slips easily under my sleeve due to the slim case design and the movement is gorgeous through the exhibition case back. Wounds it almost 3 days ago and it's still running along keeping excellent time. I bought the 512 used and it came with warrantee, box, and manuals. The warrantee card has the name of the original buyer from January 2016. The case back shows it is one of the first 100 made and came with the rubber strap and deployment buckle.

HIGHLY recommended by me as well. Especially if you are looking for something a bit smaller. I'd post some pics but the forum restriction will not let me link to pictures until after 10 posts.

[melrob1]

All I’ve ever owned from Pam are 42mm. Started with the 392, then 1392, and on the way the 682.

392 is thicker than 1392 BUT for me the 392 fet much better and looked smaller, which for my 6.5” wrist is a good thing. The 1392 being flatter felt much bigger than 392.

Tried 682 on in Italy and man what an amazing fit for me. I picked one up from Takuya and will be here tomorrow!

[davecz]

Love my 392, just picked up a sub no date so I’m sure I’ll wear that quite a bit but seems like the 392 has been the most comfortable. It’s bigger but feels great on the wrist.

[Hank]

Same size wrist and 42mm PAMs feel and look a lot better. 233 and 682 side by side.
233 vs 682 on the wrist

I would also recommend that you try the Due models. Super comfy for smaller wrists. Good luck!


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[mjolnir2thor]

Here is a picture of my Son’s PAM 111 and my 512 for comparison. The 512 is not longer available except on the used market but I believe it was replaced by the PAM 574. Size is perfect for my 6 3/4” wrist.

[ap1]

Pam 728

[erik asher]

The PAM 722 is an an extremely versatile 42mm example. With. Racelet and quick strap change system, you can easily create multiple looks and you really have at least two different watches in one!

[sechsgang]

Originally Posted by erik asher

The PAM 722 is an an extremely versatile 42mm example. With. Racelet and quick strap change system, you can easily create multiple looks and you really have at least two different watches in one!

I tried this a couple days ago...and promptly bought one haha. The new bracelet is AWESOME, and the profile is the perfect mix of sporty/professional. It's almost like panerai's submariner with a little more character.