Top Panerai Models to Own

[Claven2]

111, 112, 510 sandwich...

[jynx1972]

673 721 and 004


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[Pamfan]

Originally Posted by 1William

The 127 or the 217. The 233 Dot and a diver. If you have the wrist the 194 or the LE 285. I also like the 190.

Agree. 217, 317 and 799


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[WatchmeTimepiece]

I think a Submersible should be in the collection.

[Bug04]

233
127
372
000

[samsmart]

111 (on black rubber), 177 (on black rubber), 328 (Keep it on metal), 233 (oem black croc), 243 (best on aftermarket canvas), 389 (on black or navy non-accordion rubber), 1218 (gotta have a chrono)

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[jagwap]

On 1950 cases: I disagree on the 233 (oem black croc). A 233 should be on the original tunnel strap. A JV looks good, but the tunnel strap is the way to go, and preferably on a dot.

127 is the only higher classic 1950 case, but you need to carry of the 47mm.

Of the modern 1950 PAMs, the 1314 is majorly under rated, and is my favourite white dial, along with the 1218 2nd. I'm itching to try it on a bracelet (I know, heresey, but it could work.)

[Mr. Drunmond]

111, 507

[BMess]

Originally Posted by ColtFletcher

This is such a great read. I am looking to add my first Panerai to my small collection. I am constantly finding more and more PAM's # that I like.

I have narrowed down the key "features" I want, but still perplexed on narrowing down the Ref. PAM and other features offered.
The 47 will be too big for me, so only 40-44mm will do. I am having a difficult time deciphering the "round" vs "flat" bezel. The all look similar to me.

I only want a 1950 style, rounded glass, sandwich black dial with the crown guard. So, the Luminor series is the one. I don't mind the second sub and date on the sandwich dial. So, the Marina is also the one. The solid or the exhibition case-back is fine, but like the ex better. I do not know what the difference will be (good or bad) the automatic vs manual wind.
See what's happening ?

I guess I have narrowed it down to only 30-40 models now. I've lost count.

Why do you think 47mm is too big for you? Have you ever tried one on with a custom strap that fits you? I used to think 47mm was too big for my 6.25” wrist but I only wear 47mm PAMs now. Once you get the strap fit down, you’ll notice that 47mm probably fits your wrist. Remember, Panerai is supposed to be a big watch. It is not supposed to fit like a small dress watch or a Rolex or Omega. That’s what makes Panerai special.

Here are some pictures of 47mm PAMs on my small 6.25” wrist for your information:

The 526 is one of the largest 47mm watches Panerai ever made (its a very thick watch so it wears large) but I LOVE it even on my small wrist:


Here are two 47mm wirelug Radiomirs that wear much smaller. Although they are both 47mm, they are also both very slim (probably in the top 5 thinnest 47mm watches Panerai ever produced, with the exception of the Due line if any of them are 47mm):



For reference, here is a 44mm Bettarini on my wrist. As you’ll see, although its 3mm smaller, it doesnt wear materially smaller and for that reason, I don’t feel limited to 44mm or smaller PAMs for myself:


If you have your heart set on a 44mm 1950 case Luminor, the 233 dot dial is probably the right choice as many other’s have suggested. Always happy to chat if you want to PM me and good luck and enjoy the journey!

[couzs]

INsane !

[donut]

127 203 190 390 372 233

[Gargamel]

I would add :

Luminor :
00000
00111
00112
00367
00372
00673

Radiomir :
00249
00448
00720
00587
00687

Submersible :
01024
00025

[Yobber76]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

Any with a sandwich dial… that’s a key to me with Panerai.


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I agree! And I'm drawn to the crown guard on the Luminor too.

[fpdok2]

[scarlet knight]

Bianco


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[dmash]

I followed this thread since inception and thought there was some great feedback in here. I’ve finished my 4 piece PAM collection now, so thought I’d add my thoughts of what I considered the best offerings:

Modern- 233 gmt, domed sapphire, 8 days pr, Panerai’s best model ever imo
Vintage- 673 most historically accurate remake, pencil hands, symmetrical dial
Sub- 1389 titanium Case, Blue accents, amagnetic
Wildcard/Radiomir- 670 best blue dial they’ve made, lugs and not wires, domed sapphire

I’m most surprised at 10+ mentioning 127 & 372 but only two mentioning 673. Most every PAM guy I knows says they’d take the 673 over the 372, cost aside. I would also say 243 is pretty high up there for best Sub, but I wanted the blue accents for a more fun watch.

Just my 2c as to the best Panerai offers!

[Cassidyanne]

My current 2 favorites…

[sjap68]

Opinion will vary as to the “best Panerai”


My favorites currently are the Pam974 Pam992 and Pam915


My wife’s favorite is the moonphase Pam 1180
So as a family we have one from each Panerai line and for now satisfied with our choices


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[Joearch]

So many good options. Funny how classic these watches look. As I think of how a few of the other brands have been so over hyped, I am so happy to have my 233, 372 and 390.

[Chary]

For me it would be 233 and 127

[rmwill]

111

[TuRo]

A Pam 21, a pocket watch engined Pam 203, all the pre-V's, and the rest proper Rolex engined vintage Panerai from 30/40/50's.

[duc888]

That would be a nice and "cheap" collection

[Gerry62]

I’ve had many Panerai but finally condensed my collection (my signature).

I recommend a Luminor Base with a 3 6 9 12 dial without a seconds hand

ref: 000 - 002 - 112 - 009 - 176

[tedo]

…

[samsmart]

Pam 438. I truly feel the 438 could make me a one watch man.

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[Onequik135i]

I kept it simple, both 111 & 24.

[Agamemnon]

111 - 574 -1314 - 960
Recommended!

[Agamemnon]

I add the Radiomir 47 mm PAM00790 which is too big for me, but which I like very much.

[rockmastermike]

One more for the 233 Dot - Panerai Perfection, but I may biased :)