Poll: GMT II BLNR vs PAM 312

[Pattyb69]

I'm looking to pick up another watch in the near future and I'm going between a GMT II BLNR and a PAM 312. I currently own a Sub C ND and an Oris Aquis and I'm trying to figure out which one makes the most sense to add to the collection.

I've always liked the case style and simplicity of Panerai and I find the whole strap culture a lot of fun. I owned a PAM 112 for a brief moment but ended up flipping it for a Sub C because I knew in the end it wasn't the PAM for me. I've seen and tried on the PAM 312 in person and I feel its the perfect Panerai model for my needs.

After owning the Sub C for the last year, I find myself wanting another Rolex. I thought the Sub C was going to be the only Rolex I would own before moving to Panerai again, but the Sub is a gateway drug to more Rolexes. For months I have been lusting over the GMT II BLNR in pics and reviews but I finally managed to see it in person at an AD while on vacation last week. The watch was an absolute stunner but I couldnt buy it even if I wanted to because it was sold earlier that morning just waiting to be picked up by the new owner.

So I'm torn between whether I want a BLNR even though it shares some similarities to my Sub C and Oris or a PAM 312 because it is a completely different beast from the rest.

What do you guys think?

[underdog33]

The 312 never sat comfortably on my wrist and felt 'top-heavy'. I love my BLNR and it's a great daily watch. I feel the BLNR complements the SUB-C nicely. However, I can understand feeling that the BLNR is similar to the SUB-C. When I told my wife I was considering the SUB-C, she scoffed and thought it was the same watch!

[Muzz]

As much as I like Panerai, I would go with the BLNR, such a nice watch!!! I think it is different enough from your Sub C with the bezel and PCL to make you feel like you are wearing a different watch every time you put it on.

[Hairdude1]

The BLNR gets my vote

[Loevhagen]

All good comments above. Just want to supplement.

I have a Sub and BLNR - and really contemplating a 312. Just recently, I decided to let the fantasy 312 go, because the P9000 movement rotor is noisy. Besides, I find the 312 to look better off the wrist in pictures than on the wrist (I have not personally tried it).

The Sub and the BLNR are de facto different, so having both is not as having 1 watch. :)

[Jayshan]

Out of those two, Rolex BLNR.

[Kaytanti]

This is very similar to me when i was choosing between these 2. I chose pam 312 at that time since i have the sub.Now i m regret that i should have chosen gmt2. Go for for the Batman. So you wont feel regret like me

[Eric Chan]

BLNR. No question.

[Evo6]

Probably not the answer you're looking for, but I would flip the Sub and Get the BLNR and the Pam, or a vintage/previous model Sub. Once I got my BLNR I was really itching for a dive watch, but every time I went into an AD to check out an 114060 I came away with the impression I was repeating myself. They are both incredible watches and both have their merits, but unless you're planing on having a strictly modern rolex collection I think they look and wear too similar to own both. For a dive watch I would recommend instead getting a vintage 5513 or a late model 14060M (2 line is my favorite). At least then you have some real differentiation between them. I personally own a 1968 Tudor no date sub with fantastic patina and am in the market for a Tudor Pelagos for actual diving and rough-n-tumble fun.

Between the two though, definitely BLNR, there is nothing out there like it, I can't stop looking at it when it's on.

[Psmith]

If you tried the PAM and like then go for it. But you may like to consider the 320 instead, which has a GMT function and a neat little power reserve indicator on the back of the movement. It also has the nifty zero-reset seconds function whereby the seconds hand resets to 12/0 when the watch is hacked.

This way you would have your Sub and also a PAM with a GMT function that still retains the simple design of the 312. A more varied two-watch collection which also allows for some strap culture fun.

Alternatively, Evo6's suggestion of flipping the Sub for the BLNR and then adding the 312 also makes sense unless you particularly want a diver.


Crowdsourcing opinions in the Rolex discussion forum will inevitably result in an overwhelming vote for Rolex, so perhaps post the same poll in the Panerai forum as well.

[up2nogood]

320 is a better watch than the 312.
But they are damn tall.....
Which is why I ditched mine. Love the look, but way too tall.

I vkted BLNR, and I'm not not really a fan. The 1950's case is too much for me.

[Racerdj]

Without question, my choice is the BLNR.

[travisb]

BLNR for me but I do love Panerai.

[fdm79]

In my case, there's nothing to think about. First, because I have a BLNR and it's my favorite. Second, because I never liked any Panerai.

Go for the BLNR !

[tfly212]

If you want variety go 312. Sub + BLNR isn't much variety...the 312 offers you a total change when you want to switch it up...plus as you said you have the strap options.

[Sportwatchmania]

What outcome of the poll did you expect on a Rolex forum

I like the Pam but it ain't gone beat a lot of Rolex watches for me

Good luck with your choice and enjoy it

[thomaspp]

The rolex of course!

[brandrea]

Blnr, a great daily wearer

[AK797]

That's a beautiful shot of the PAM but BLNR all day long for me.

[HL65]

Blnr

[westsideclock]

BLNR! I like Panerai, but with a bracelet. In that configuration, they are heavy!

[sportsmaven20]

BLNR for me!

[ltmgeller]

BLNR hands down.

[Steel28]

I use to have two Pams but sold both. Great watches but Rolex feels completely different in many ways. I would go 100% with BLNR.

[Urosfan]

Blnr

[regnant]

I am not Paneristi but BLNR gets my vote regardless of any brand

[Charles1977]

Blnr all the way.no disrespect as I know panerai are great watches but I find there look very off putting.

[erling]

Originally Posted by Dennis the Menace

What outcome of the poll did you expect on a Rolex forum

I like the Pam but it ain't gone beat a lot of Rolex watches for me

Good luck with your choice and enjoy it

x2

[sager]

Originally Posted by JorgeB

I had the PAM 312, loved it when it wasn't on my wrist, hated it when it was on. Way top heavy and clunky, I sold it to fund a Sub-C and I don't miss the Panerai one bit. Go for the BLNR, it is one hell of a nice piece.

Cannot agree with you more. Well said.

I too had a 312 but hated wearing it. Owned it for under a year. Sold it and used the funds to get a Hulk

[The Libertine]

Is this even a close decision?!

BLNR by a mile.