What Panerai would complement a Rolex

[EddieA1]

I was hoping to get advice from those that already own a Rolex and Panerai on what Panerai you would advise on getting to complement an existing collection of Expy, BLNR, SubC, Z-Blue. I think the Panerais are straight up ugly when juxtaposed to a Rolex, but there's something about these grotesquely huge watches that I find appealing (I'm just not really sure what that is yet, more visceral than anything). The problem for a first time Panerai buyer is that there's so damn many to choose from in a sea of sameness from one piece to another. It appears that a generally desirable piece would include a clear case back and some complication(s). I'd prefer a piece that's not huge, and would appropriately fit my ~6.5" wrist. Also, I'm not really sure if I like the crown guard or whatever that things called that protects the crown (on the Luminor maybe?). Any advice will be helpful. I'd like to stay in the LNIB range of $5K-$7K range (more towards the low midpoint). Or should I just totally forget the Panerai and add a Datejust (36mm) to my collection, or maybe save up for a Daytona?

[GolfPunk]

Panerai do a 40mm model on a bracelet, the PAM50. I used to own one. Much nicer and especially suitable for your wrist size.

[scarlet knight]

Owned a PAM 005. Traded it for a Sub. Just too big for me. No longer a Pam fan.

[EddieA1]

Thanks GolfPunk, but I was told by someone that anything smaller than a 44mm looks too "girly" (sorry ladies), and may be less desirable in the long run should I wish to flip it. But I would agree, the 40mm, or even a 42mm, would fit best. I'd prefer a leather strap too, but that shouldn't be an issue given that you can swap out straps easily.

[YoungW]

Originally Posted by EddieA1

I was hoping to get advice from those that already own a Rolex and Panerai on what Panerai you would advise on getting to complement an existing collection of Expy, BLNR, SubC, Z-Blue. I think the Panerais are straight up ugly when juxtaposed to a Rolex, but there's something about these grotesquely huge watches that I find appealing (I'm just not really sure what that is yet, more visceral than anything). The problem for a first time Panerai buyer is that there's so damn many to choose from in a sea of sameness from one piece to another. It appears that a generally desirable piece would include a clear case back and some complication(s). I'd prefer a piece that's not huge, and would appropriately fit my ~6.5" wrist. Also, I'm not really sure if I like the crown guard or whatever that things called that protects the crown (on the Luminor maybe?). Any advice will be helpful. I'd like to stay in the LNIB range of $5K-$7K range (more towards the low midpoint). Or should I just totally forget the Panerai and add a Datejust (36mm) to my collection, or maybe save up for a Daytona?

Dude, that's exactly how i felt - "ugly and grotesque, but strangely appealing" when I saw my first Panerai.

If you are not sold on the crownguard, I have the perfect model for you with a 6.5'' wrist.

Introducing the Pam 512 1940's style Radiomir. Very thin compared to the usual Panerai and at 42mm in size, will fit in perfectly with your rolex collection. I have seen them selling for LNIB or BNIB in the $5500 range here on TRF.



Edit: Also i am a BIG fan of Silver or Gold hands on Panerai. The regular models that have Black lined indices look too plain to me.

I have a 7'' wrist and I went with this 1950s style Pam 422. It has a domed sapphire crystal which gives a very beautiful bubbled look, but it's 47mm. I think for a 6.5'' wrist, 42-45mm would be best for you.

[nick c]

I own both and love both equally

[RollyFan98012]

Rolex and Panerai both have a place in my heart.



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[B. Doggy]

Almost sounds like you want us to talk you into getting one. Strap one on and you'll know.

[Davetay]

When i started sourcing out for a Panerai like many people i was also quite worried about the size because of my 6.5" wrist. So i went around looking for those 42-44mm models. I was so sure of getting the Pam 512 because the look was so elegant. The case was thin, the dial so simple and that beautiful exhibition case back. Of course until i tried it on my wrist. Don't get me wrong it is still a very beautiful watch. But it just doesn't feel like a Panerai. I believe people who are attracted to Panerai is because of their big bulky size. So i change my mind and went on trying all those 47mm models instead. The first time i try on the Pam 422, that was the moment i knew that was it. Select a few different models and go try them on. You will have a better idea of what you want.

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[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Davetay

When i started sourcing out for a Panerai like many people i was also quite worried about the size because of my 6.5" wrist. So i went around looking for those 42-44mm models. I was so sure of getting the Pam 512 because the look was so elegant. The case was thin, the dial so simple and that beautiful exhibition case back. Of course until i tried it on my wrist. Don't get me wrong it is still a very beautiful watch. But it just doesn't feel like a Panerai. I believe people who are attracted to Panerai is because of their big bulky size. So i change my mind and went on trying all those 47mm models instead. The first time i try on the Pam 422, that was the moment i knew that was it. Select a few different models and go try them on. You will have a better idea of what you want.

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Beautiful 422 Dave

[Davetay]

Originally Posted by Psmith

Beautiful 422 Dave

Thanks Clive

[Vivalas]

Originally Posted by Davetay

When i started sourcing out for a Panerai like many people i was also quite worried about the size because of my 6.5" wrist. So i went around looking for those 42-44mm models. I was so sure of getting the Pam 512 because the look was so elegant. The case was thin, the dial so simple and that beautiful exhibition case back. Of course until i tried it on my wrist. Don't get me wrong it is still a very beautiful watch. But it just doesn't feel like a Panerai. I believe people who are attracted to Panerai is because of their big bulky size. So i change my mind and went on trying all those 47mm models instead. The first time i try on the Pam 422, that was the moment i knew that was it. Select a few different models and go try them on. You will have a better idea of what you want.

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Lovely looking watch :-)

[Davetay]

Originally Posted by Vivalas

Lovely looking watch :-)

Thanks!

[Thatguy]

Another vote for 422.



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[tomilg]

I have 6.75" wrists and I went with the PAM 112 which is 44mm, mainly because a friend was selling one at a great price. I love the watch and the ability to change up the straps makes it a lot of fun. I also own a Rolex GMT Master II and a SeaDweller 4K. Love'em all!!

[JKDWolf]

Here's my take, as someone who owns several from both Rolex and Officine Panerai.

- I own a PAM 422, and it is amazing.

- I struggled with Panerai as well, but as a Rolex owner of several models, I want to share my personal insight. As a Rolex fan, I loved the tradition and prestige that came with the brand. Rolex stands for class, prestige, tradition, elegance, and utilitarianism. Most of all, to me, it stood for class. We generally associate Rolex with well-known classy people, like Paul Newman.

- Panerai doesn't necessarily have that brand heritage. I believe that it is being built now to some degree, but it's real heritage is not necessarily "class". To me Panerai stood for one thing that I only recently understood: DANGER. To me, Panerai represents risk. The early lumes were actually RADIOACTIVE. The men who wore Panerai in the early days were not celebrities on race tracks or red carpets...they were Italian commandos riding TORPEDOES in the middle of the Atlantic in absolute darkness. If that doesn't spell danger I don't know what does!

But the real danger of the brand, to me, was its SIZE. The size can make someone look absolutely ridiculous if chosen for the wrong build. It is so outside of people's comfort zones to see a Panerai, let alone wear one!

I think Panerai inspires a bit of this danger, but also it builds passion. Danger bring out that kind of passion, and that's what the feeling is for me for this brand. So for Panerai, I don't look for the prestige or the class...I look for the model that feels a little risky, a little outside of my comfort zone. If I wanted comfort I would wear my Rolex Bluesy. If I want a little danger, I wear my 422 or my DLC'd 332.

I recommend that if a Panerai feels a little outside of your comfort zone...try it on. The thrill alone will make you understand why so many of us feel the passion that we do for this brand. I really hope this helps! :)

[h999r]

I never a panerai fans , but the one and only Pam that I like is Pam 311.

[Rogdogg]

I love that first photo of the Pam 512 from Young. It looks very classy in that shot

[SLRdude]

I have a 116622 platinum dial, 116610 LV and the PAM422.



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