Contemplating Panerai vs JLC trade

[cbalster]

I have a PAM218 Platinum Manual Wind Chrono. It is 1 of 30 made for Wempe 100th Jahre in 2005. I am contemplating making a trade for a brand new JLC Master Control Calendar Chronograph in Rose Gold.

Pros
JLC watchmaking superior, I might even argue the better looking watch in this instance
Get a brand new watch w/8yr warranty
If I was buying another PAM I'd go 47mm solid caseback "traditional"
This JLC is a lot of watch, seems really underrated

Cons
Trading a truly rare watch for a "mass produced" model
I like manual winding chronos (but have others)
Trading platinum for RG +cash
I don't like setting complicated watches with pushers
Panerai case design is iconic (but perhaps not in this 42mm iteration)

Feel free to weigh in.

[youthagainsttt]

Do you have a pic of your Panerai

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

Do you have a pic of your Panerai

added!

[PhilLynott]

That JLC is gorgeous and like you said a TON of watch.

[AuspiciousCat]

That Panerai is unique! I wouldn't do the trade if it was me. For me, the Panerai is the more interesting watch...in platinum too.

[Knappo 1307]

JLC all the way for me.

[Cayenne06]

I am a big JLC fan and have a Polaris chrono on the way, but I would not make that trade. I think the Panerai you own is more versatile, unique, and is a much more desirable piece. Also if you later decide it was a mistake good luck getting the Panerai back plus you will take a huge hit on the JLC.

[cbalster]

Wow this thread is undecided, I am loving all the feedback. After writing down all my thoughts I am leaning towards doing nothing and holding onto the PAM because:

1) I am especially talented in not doing anything and being lazy
2) I already have a different dressy chrono
3) The panerai works on a rubber strap and has 100m WR, my only rubber strap watch
4) and RG really pops, sometimes I like the discreteness of platinum on rubber

But please keep all the feedback coming!!

[enjoythemusic]

Hmmm... this is a tough choice. I do understand the dreaded 'pushers' rigmarole, that's why I love the Sky-Dweller.

[Cayenne06]

IIRC your PAM has the Lemania manual chrono movement. I have owned this movement in a Breguet and it is fantastic, and such a feast for the eyes. Very special piece.

[jed11]

Keep the Panerai for sure…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dannyp]

The PAM is unique simply because someone decided it was. There's nothing innately special about it compared to others. However JLC watchmaking is something else, and is "rare" in terms of how (relatively) difficult it is to replicate.

Personally, I also happen to find the "Platinum" text on the dial a little tacky - part of platinum's beauty is its ability to go virtually unnoticed.

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The PAM is unique simply because someone decided it was. There's nothing innately special about it compared to others. However JLC watchmaking is something else, and is "rare" in terms of how (relatively) difficult it is to replicate.

Personally, I also happen to find the "Platinum" text on the dial a little tacky - part of platinum's beauty is its ability to go virtually unnoticed.

I'd tend to agree, I don't personally see anything special about the Panerai but the JLC really is a heck of a watch. If I were to get a platinum watch, I'd really want that to be a watch where you can get only get that in platinum but to me, maybe I'm not a PAM connoisseur but I see many steel/titanium PAMs that look v similar to that one

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

I'd tend to agree, I don't personally see anything special about the Panerai but the JLC really is a heck of a watch. If I were to get a platinum watch, I'd really want that to be a watch where you can get only get that in platinum but to me, maybe I'm not a PAM connoisseur but I see many steel/titanium PAMs that look v similar to that one

Or a watch that was meant to be platinum (rather than the metal being used simply to make what should be a steel watch more expensive/exclusive). PP 5196P is a great example of what a platinum watch should be: it's part of a PM-only line, there's nothing particularly flashy about it, but anyone who really knows watches instantly recognizes it due to the applied Arabic numerals vs. the sticks on the gold models.

[Justindo]

Anyone who knows me would be shocked with my answer to this question, as 99% of the time I would choose a JLC over a Panerai, especially that particular JLC, as it's an absolutely gorgeous complete calendar moonphase chronograph and is delicious in pink gold! (I'm considering the steel version for myself, not because I don't like the pink gold but because the steel is a better value proposition for me.)

That written, in this particular case I would actually keep the Panerai! I don't really like Panerai and have never considered owning one but the 42mm size combined with the platinum case and the Lemania mechanical chronograph makes it the Panerai for me. (I'd put it on leather, though, and I think it would look great with those wire lugs.) I didn't know this watch existed but I really like it! I don't like that "Platinum" is on the dial but other than that it's a sweet watch and I doubt you could easily replace it. If you love the JLC, I'd add it and keep the Panerai.

[S``]

Panerai, easy... No other watch looks like a PAM, both Radiomir and Luminor...

JLC is pretty bland

[rootbeer7]

Wow, what a great one to ponder. I love that JLC; the complications, the size, the movement, the history & case metal. But, that Panerai is super-special. Rare is bandied around for just about anything that you can’t buy on Amazon Prime! That Panerai is one of 30 period. Platinum in wearable case size with Lemania movement; no competition.
Do you have any other watches you can sacrifice? Save the pennies and buy JLC lightly used at a huge discount. Good luck OP.

[rootbeer7]

Just noticed a Panerai for sale here for just under $30k.

[JSolution]

For me the JLC is a masterpiece compared to that panerai. However beauty is in the eye of the beholder, good luck with your choice.

[Pw92676]

I prefer the JLC here based on aesthetics

[1William]

Based on appearance I would go with the JLC. The Panerai is a cool watch but the chrono and the PM is really not what Panerai does. The other factor to consider is the numbers on the sale/trade. What are you into the Panerai for? I would think even with just 30 examples of the watch that it would be a limited appeal watch to sell or trade. What type of discounting is the JLC being offered for. With those specifics I could make a better assessment.

[epicurus]

that PAM is a beauty. Id stick with it.

[vitalsigns]

I much prefer the JLC, so it would be an easy decision for me.

But the Cons you list against the trade seem too insurmountable. It doesn't seem like you're enthusiastic about the deal, so I would recommend against it unless you can resolve a few Cons or otherwise get really enthusiastic about the trade.

[rolexjackson]

Originally Posted by Cayenne06

I am a big JLC fan and have a Polaris chrono on the way, but I would not make that trade. I think the Panerai you own is more versatile, unique, and is a much more desirable piece. Also if you later decide it was a mistake good luck getting the Panerai back plus you will take a huge hit on the JLC.

I think this comment is SPOT on!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Moose500]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The PAM is unique simply because someone decided it was. There's nothing innately special about it compared to others. However JLC watchmaking is something else, and is "rare" in terms of how (relatively) difficult it is to replicate.

Personally, I also happen to find the "Platinum" text on the dial a little tacky - part of platinum's beauty is its ability to go virtually unnoticed.

I agree that putting the text “Platinum” on the dial seems off. My first serious watch was a Panerai, but I sold it because the brand has drifted away from me. I love that JLC, it is flat out beautiful.

[JR16]

Personally, that panerai does nothing for me. And a platinum panerai? Just seems like it shouldn’t exist (no offense OP).

That JLC, on the other hand, is gorgeous.

If you are cool with trading sporty for dress watch, then make the trade ..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[cbalster]

Originally Posted by JR16

Personally, that panerai does nothing for me. And a platinum panerai? Just seems like it shouldn’t exist (no offense OP).

That JLC, on the other hand, is gorgeous.

If you are cool with trading sporty for dress watch, then make the trade ..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Actually pam21 launched the modern Panerai and it was platinum. It’s a holy grail Panerai, 61 made. That’s neither here nor there though, as this is no pam21

[gmtobsessed]

While the JLC is gorgeous, I'd stick with this rare PAM

[JR16]

Originally Posted by cbalster

Actually pam21 launched the modern Panerai and it was platinum. It’s a holy grail Panerai, 61 made. That’s neither here nor there though, as this is no pam21

Didn’t know that , very interesting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[aceofangel]

The PAM looks a lot more special. I would not make that trade.