351?

[Grue]

I have been considering a 351. I originally was considering a 312 ($7,400) but then I saw pictures of the 351 ($8,000). However, I had never seen one in person. The 312 is fairly easy to find and is a very impressive watch. It also fits me very well.

A not-so-local AD recently informed me that he has a 351 in stock. He told me that the 351 is an incredibly difficult model to get, and I feel pressured to buy it. However, I do not like making snap decisions and his demeanor kind of turned me off. I felt as if he was doing me a "favor" by offering it to me. I do not like to "owe" anyone for a "favor".

In person, it is a beautiful watch. I have limited experience with Panerai watches so I am unsure where the 351 falls into the Panerai line. I did read, somewhere, that there are 1,500 being produced this year, so I am not sure why it is so difficult to get.

I do like it a lot. I really like the light brown colored dial. It seems to compliment the gold hands and strap well. I could live without the date complication but it is small enough that it is fairly invisible. I like the Panerai font so losing the "3" makes me a little sad.

So I have a few questions before I pull the trigger that you all might be able to help me with.

1 - While I like the 351 a lot, and I will be buying it for my pleasure only, I am curious how it is perceived to the general Panerai community. It seems a bit more flashy with the gold hands, and the case is very different looking, in color and shape, than I am used to seeing. It seems a lot more different than other models, which have a cool utilitarian look.

2 - It comes with a nice dark brown aligator strap that matches the watch perfectly. However, given the light brown colored dial and the gold hands, will other straps look weird on it? I am really looking forward to having a pile of different straps to spice things up.

3 - I like the idea of the in-house movement. It does seem a bit weird to me that it looks less impressive (through the caseback) than the movement in the 111. I know looks are not everything, but it just seems weird. (I would prefer a manual winding watch but I can live with an automatic. I will just wind it every morning even though it probably will not need it. I just have a ritual of winding my existing watch every morning and I find it to be very relaxing. I know that sounds weird!)

4 - Should I work with this AD? He seems like a nice guy but I figure since I am not a regular customer that I am not part of "the gang". I have only purchased one Panerai in the past and that was second hand. He knows that I plan to pay in cash and that I am not a deadbeat, so I am mystified by his attitude. I do not know if he is an employee or the owner. Perhaps he is just playing with me, or perhaps I am too sensitive? No other local ADs have a 351 and they do not know if they will be getting one.

Thank you for any advice.

[Pep04]

Seems to me that the guy is using a sales tactic. You know the kind: "There are none out there and I can sell you this one." Or: "I'm not supposed to sell this one as it is being saved for special customers but I will make an exception because you are a nice guy".


I think he is just trying to entice you so you don't buy somewhere else.


Try asking Oscar (bodybump). I just received my 320 this week from him and it is perfect.


Don't worry too much about the gold hands. There are straps that will complement the dial. The new Pams have a sexier case in my opinion. I am wearing my 320 as I write this and I can tell you that you cannot forget you have one of these on. It wears comfortable yet it is a big and heavy watch that reminds you why you just dropped a few C-notes on it.


I like how Panerai feels on the wrist. It gives me the feel of a WATCH. Not like some Rolexes that are so light that you start to wonder what you have on. I love the Explorer II, but it wears like a $100 G-Shock in the way of weight. Some might find this feature attractive, but I like to feel I have a watch on.

[Wisconsin Proud]

I don't quite understand the dilemma.

He has the watch, you want the watch. He gives you the price, you decide if it's acceptable.

Screen out all the other interference and focus on how bad you want this watch.

[TswaneNguni]

351 with gold hands on brown dial and Ti case can hardly be described as flashy.Great combination

Straps MAY be more difficult to match compared to the 312.

I have a 104 on old style PAM bracelet ....thats flashy and I love it !!

My favourite would be a 312 with all polished case and gold hands ...............

[akira23]

Originally Posted by Wisconsin Proud

I don't quite understand the dilemma.

He has the watch, you want the watch. He gives you the price, you decide if it's acceptable.

Screen out all the other interference and focus on how bad you want this watch.

+1...just go for the one you want...everyone has there own taste so follow yours! You can't go wrong either way!

[MrTito]

x2 I adore my 351 - the gold hands and sandwich tobacco dial were the reason she sang to me. I really don't think strap changes will be difficult (not that I've wanted to so far), you see people on this site with all manner of colours - I don't think white/blue etc are colours I'd put with any PAM but they work for the individual! The only thing that is really notably different in my mind is the weight - the Ti is significantly lighter but certainly not a negative in my book.
Your ad is just playing the game and you can't blame him for that and as others have said, if you're not 100% just don't buy it - you certainly don't 'owe' a dealer just because he offers you a watch? That's crazy speak.
As a final point, it did take me a few months to get my 351 and from the few dealers I've been into it seems one of the harder to find, but certainly not impossible.....buy it, you know you want to......

[Grue]

I purchased the 351. The AD was efficient but it felt like I was purchasing a refrigerator. I would have preferred a bit more time to evaluate other models but I like the 351 a lot, it looks terrific and if it is hard to get I would hate to miss out on an opportunity. I looked at some other forums and it appears the 351 does not get much mention but maybe that is due to them just now coming into distribution? Anyways, I am a very happy with it and that is what really matters.