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Cru Jones · 27 April 2011, 08:15 PM

Thanks to everyone who helped me get through the stress/anticipation of picking up my new watch, which arrived at my hotel before I checked in.

Just to say, DavidSW is FANTASTIC. Very helpful, kind, professional and patient, and, when I finally went through with the transaction on Friday, he sent it to my hotel overnight for Saturday arrival. I was very pleased with the whole experience.

Panerai has been on my radar for well over a year, and I spent a LOT of time learning about the brand and searching for the perfect one for me. Sometimes, though, a surprise can just hit you. After first dreaming of a 312, only to find out the 1950 case just doesn't sit right on my wrist, I made up my mind that the 111 was the right one for me. And then, one day at the Panerai boutique in Paris, they happened to have the 164 in stock and it was game over.

I fell for the watch for many reasons:

brushed case + polished bezel & crown guard
a dial that is more symmetrical than the 111 (IMHO)
the numbers on the dial
date function
quick change strap system
OEM strap
solid case back

I know that many among the PAM faithful prefer the "clean" look of the historics, but, they just don't "sing" to me like the 164 does. Much like my stealth Explorer II white dial, I guess I just have a soft sport in my heart for the underdogs in the model ranges.

I've now had the watch on my wrist for four days, and I have completely gotten used to the larger size. So much so, it feels completely natural and perfect on my wrist. I am pretty surprised by how quickly it's become a part of me, since I hesitated quite a bit about the larger size and thicker case.

Okay, enough's enough.

On to the pix!

DavidSW's superb packaging job:

Easter-inspired packaging:

Yes, the "box shot" been done too many times, but, it's a pretty rare moment for me:

Getting a little more interesting:

I stared at it for a bit of time before slapping it on the wrist:

Outside the hotel:

Close up:

Was at Union Square (I think - couldn't look anywhere but down

):

Profile shot:

Yankees-White Sox:

Lume:

Couldn't be more pleased with my decision to join the dark side, and with my choice.

I went to the Panerai boutique on Madison Avenue to check out straps, including the JV, but, my heart just wasn't in it. I am fully enjoying the watch for the time being and I really like the brown OEM croc, so, I'll just take my time.

Thanks for looking!

mike · 27 April 2011, 08:17 PM

What a beauty.

The 164 has always been a Pam that's had my attention. Congrats on a real stunner.

esm · 27 April 2011, 08:26 PM

noice mate. really love the 164 and brown croc strap combo.
Huge congrats

dddrees · 27 April 2011, 08:32 PM

Excellent, that 164 looks fantastic on the Croc.

Another Darkside member, Congrats.

dalip · 27 April 2011, 08:52 PM

Congrats....the dial is beautifully laid out....love the strap. Looks great

Welcome to the world of panerai

jvo300 · 27 April 2011, 08:53 PM

Congrats! Wear it in good health. DavidSW is the man.

VetteBandit · 27 April 2011, 10:07 PM

Congrats on the 164. Very nice looking piece

mfer · 27 April 2011, 10:29 PM

Great! Looks good on you!

marcinthemiddle · 27 April 2011, 11:40 PM

Fantastic, Cru!!!
Glad you found one that you love!

p.s. I

that OEM strap!

marcinthemiddle · 27 April 2011, 11:41 PM

Um...more pics, please.

johnbeth · 27 April 2011, 11:47 PM

Beauty! Congrats and enjoy!

John

Cru Jones · 27 April 2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

What a beauty.

The 164 has always been a Pam that's had my attention. Congrats on a real stunner.

Thanks! Like I said, I didn't instantly bond with it in the catalogue, but, once on the wrist in real life, I knew it was for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

noice mate. really love the 164 and brown croc strap combo.
Huge congrats

Thanks very much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

Excellent, that 164 looks fantastic on the Croc.

Another Darkside member, Congrats.

Good to join the club! The relative scarcity of the brand and its loyal followers definitely attracted me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalip

Congrats....the dial is beautifully laid out....love the strap. Looks great

Welcome to the world of panerai

Thanks very much, much appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jvo300

Congrats! Wear it in good health. DavidSW is the man.

Thanks. Yes, DavidSW really is great. Glad I got over my reluctance to go grey.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteBandit

Congrats on the 164. Very nice looking piece

Thanks! It would definitely look better in a Vette as compared to my old beat up Smart, but, hey, I can't have it all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfer

Great! Looks good on you!

Thanks, man. Like I said in the other thread, your helpful information really helped steer me to this happy result.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcinthemiddle

Fantastic, Cru!!!
Glad you found one that you love!

p.s. I

that OEM strap!

Thanks, Marc. I made it to the boutique Monday afternoon, but just couldn't bring myself to pick up the JV just yet. I need some time with the original strap and watch before letting "the urge" take control of me....

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcinthemiddle

Um...more pics, please.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbeth

Beauty! Congrats and enjoy!

John

Thank you!

TopNotchChach · 28 April 2011, 12:10 AM

very cool!

i really like the dial. enjoy!

Cru Jones · 28 April 2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopNotchChach

very cool!

i really like the dial. enjoy!

I most definitely will! Thank you.

superb · 28 April 2011, 12:58 AM

Very well said Cru. Nice watch, great choice! Are you still in the big apple?

Cru Jones · 28 April 2011, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superb

Very well said Cru. Nice watch, great choice! Are you still in the big apple?

Thanks very much.

No, unfortunately, no longer in NYC. Back at work today after catching the red eye back to Paris.

tkc324 · 28 April 2011, 01:14 AM

Very nice Cru... wear it in good health!

Cru Jones · 28 April 2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkc324

Very nice Cru... wear it in good health!

Thanks for the kind words.

usbzoso · 28 April 2011, 01:29 AM

there can never be too many pics!!! grats!

Atomant · 28 April 2011, 01:46 AM

Congrats! What a great feeling!!!

B. Doggy · 28 April 2011, 02:12 AM

Looks great on your wrist!

PanosI · 28 April 2011, 02:25 AM

Excellent choice Cru !!!!
Wear and enjoy that stunner, in the best of health my friend ;-)

If it's not the 1950 case then I love the 164 for all the reasons you mentioned !!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

johnny80s · 28 April 2011, 02:53 AM

Very nice.

Cru Jones · 28 April 2011, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usbzoso

there can never be too many pics!!! grats!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomant

Congrats! What a great feeling!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

Looks great on your wrist!

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnny80s

Very nice.

Thanks very much. It's a little silly, but, I just can't wipe the smile off of my face. It's clear to me I made the right choice for me, and the hit on the bank account is already forgotten (almost).

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanosI

Excellent choice Cru !!!!
Wear and enjoy that stunner, in the best of health my friend ;-)

If it's not the 1950 case then I love the 164 for all the reasons you mentioned !!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks very much, sir! Other details I've come to appreciate today are the wonderful hands, which play off the dial so nicely, and the very slightly domed crystal, which gives a faint hint of older plexiglass when viewed from the side. A nice touch I didn't pick up until living with it for a few days.

Needless to say, your shots of your 312 on a JV helped pull me to the dark side.

JoeI · 28 April 2011, 10:46 AM

Great choice, enjoy!

nauticajoe · 28 April 2011, 11:02 AM

Awesome shots!

Congrats on your new PAM! She's a beauty!

Ebruner · 28 April 2011, 11:03 AM

WOW cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool

-Eddie

Brunotheboxer · 28 April 2011, 12:37 PM

I love that dial a lot. Wear her wicked.

Speed · 28 April 2011, 12:54 PM

Very, very Nice!!!

MortgageGuy · 28 April 2011, 01:00 PM

Simply beautiful

27 April 2011, 08:15 PM	#1
Cru Jones 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: CET Posts: 35,584	My new 164 (warning: TOO MANY PIX) Thanks to everyone who helped me get through the stress/anticipation of picking up my new watch, which arrived at my hotel before I checked in. Just to say, DavidSW is FANTASTIC. Very helpful, kind, professional and patient, and, when I finally went through with the transaction on Friday, he sent it to my hotel overnight for Saturday arrival. I was very pleased with the whole experience. Panerai has been on my radar for well over a year, and I spent a LOT of time learning about the brand and searching for the perfect one for me. Sometimes, though, a surprise can just hit you. After first dreaming of a 312, only to find out the 1950 case just doesn't sit right on my wrist, I made up my mind that the 111 was the right one for me. And then, one day at the Panerai boutique in Paris, they happened to have the 164 in stock and it was game over. I fell for the watch for many reasons: brushed case + polished bezel & crown guard a dial that is more symmetrical than the 111 (IMHO) the numbers on the dial date function quick change strap system OEM strap solid case back I know that many among the PAM faithful prefer the "clean" look of the historics, but, they just don't "sing" to me like the 164 does. Much like my stealth Explorer II white dial, I guess I just have a soft sport in my heart for the underdogs in the model ranges. I've now had the watch on my wrist for four days, and I have completely gotten used to the larger size. So much so, it feels completely natural and perfect on my wrist. I am pretty surprised by how quickly it's become a part of me, since I hesitated quite a bit about the larger size and thicker case. Okay, enough's enough. On to the pix! DavidSW's superb packaging job: Easter-inspired packaging: Yes, the "box shot" been done too many times, but, it's a pretty rare moment for me: Getting a little more interesting: I stared at it for a bit of time before slapping it on the wrist: Outside the hotel: Close up: Was at Union Square (I think - couldn't look anywhere but down ): Profile shot: Yankees-White Sox: Lume: Couldn't be more pleased with my decision to join the dark side, and with my choice. I went to the Panerai boutique on Madison Avenue to check out straps, including the JV, but, my heart just wasn't in it. I am fully enjoying the watch for the time being and I really like the brown OEM croc, so, I'll just take my time. Thanks for looking!

27 April 2011, 08:32 PM	#4
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,258	Excellent, that 164 looks fantastic on the Croc. Another Darkside member, Congrats. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

27 April 2011, 08:52 PM	#5
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	Congrats....the dial is beautifully laid out....love the strap. Looks great Welcome to the world of panerai __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

27 April 2011, 10:07 PM	#7
VetteBandit "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: JP Location: USA Watch: All of them! Posts: 917	Congrats on the 164. Very nice looking piece __________________ ********************************* "Eveyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." Instagram: @30threejosh

27 April 2011, 11:40 PM	#9
marcinthemiddle Vacated Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Marc Location: Connecticut Watch: PAM 111 'N' Posts: 2,558	Fantastic, Cru!!! Glad you found one that you love! p.s. I that OEM strap! __________________ NAWCC Member Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Executive Dorklehead

27 April 2011, 08:17 PM	#2
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,682	What a beauty. The 164 has always been a Pam that's had my attention. Congrats on a real stunner.

27 April 2011, 08:26 PM	#3
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	noice mate. really love the 164 and brown croc strap combo. Huge congrats

27 April 2011, 08:53 PM	#6
jvo300 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 1,897	Congrats! Wear it in good health. DavidSW is the man.

27 April 2011, 10:29 PM	#8
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,724	Great! Looks good on you!

27 April 2011, 11:41 PM	#10
marcinthemiddle Vacated Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Marc Location: Connecticut Watch: PAM 111 'N' Posts: 2,558	Um...more pics, please. __________________ NAWCC Member Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Executive Dorklehead

27 April 2011, 11:47 PM	#11
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Beauty! Congrats and enjoy! John

28 April 2011, 12:10 AM	#13
TopNotchChach "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Near the Ocean! Watch: 116610 Posts: 1,306	very cool! i really like the dial. enjoy!

28 April 2011, 12:58 AM	#15
superb "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: anywhere but here Posts: 690	Very well said Cru. Nice watch, great choice! Are you still in the big apple?

28 April 2011, 01:14 AM	#17
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,718	Very nice Cru... wear it in good health!

28 April 2011, 01:29 AM	#19
usbzoso Banned Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Stan Location: Dallas Watch: 16610/16600/16800 Posts: 1,231	there can never be too many pics!!! grats!

28 April 2011, 01:46 AM	#20
Atomant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fernwood Posts: 3,455	Congrats! What a great feeling!!! __________________ 116613LN 16600SD 16610LV 116710 16710 16570 Speedy 3570.50 PAM25 Oris TT1 and a bunch of G-Shocks. Flipped: Daytona 116520 Seamaster 2231.80

28 April 2011, 02:12 AM	#21
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Looks great on your wrist! __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

28 April 2011, 02:25 AM	#22
PanosI 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Panos Location: Athens, Greece Watch: 16710 Posts: 8,704	Excellent choice Cru !!!! Wear and enjoy that stunner, in the best of health my friend ;-) If it's not the 1950 case then I love the 164 for all the reasons you mentioned !!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 April 2011, 02:53 AM	#23
johnny80s "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: John Location: Chicago Posts: 499	Very nice.

28 April 2011, 10:46 AM	#25
JoeI "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Joe Location: New York Watch: Panerai Posts: 146	Great choice, enjoy! __________________ Panerai 1312 Panerai 1320

28 April 2011, 11:02 AM	#26
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Awesome shots! Congrats on your new PAM! She's a beauty!

28 April 2011, 11:03 AM	#27
Ebruner "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Eddie Location: Kentucky Watch: 118208 Posts: 2,510	WOW cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool -Eddie __________________

28 April 2011, 12:37 PM	#28
Brunotheboxer Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Bruno Location: Boston/Cape Cod Watch: 16610,PAM. 111, G Posts: 7,608	I love that dial a lot. Wear her wicked.

28 April 2011, 12:54 PM	#29
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,740	Very, very Nice!!!

28 April 2011, 01:00 PM	#30
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	Simply beautiful __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

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