Panerai vs. Classic Submariner.

[MYK]

I've already posted this in the Rolex forums and the guys over there clearly want me to get a sub. I got a few suggestions that I sould post this over here. Admins, please excuse me if this isn't allowed.

My whole watch flipping hobby started when I decided to trade in my GMT IIc for a Panerai. I bailed out on the last minute and decided I'd get a SUB LV. Last night I went to pick it up and found out that it was "slightly used". I tried the watch and am now having second thoughts. One of the reason I let go of the GMT, was the cyclops. It was a little too out of the case for my taste.

Anyway, I ended up getting cash from the AD and left the shop pretty upset. I went to another AD and found a Submariner (no date) and boy did I like it. I've been craving one for ever. I nearly pulled the trigger but I thought I'd give Panerai one last chance. I went and tried the PAM 104 and it fit like a charm, it actually looked better than ever. It's like it sensed that I was comparing it to a Rolex. Now I have both watches waiting for me to pick them up and no, I will not buy both. I need to choose one and stick with it for a very long time.

For an only watch, which one would you recommend? The sub is pretty plain but I really like it's simplicity and how versitile it is. I'm also pretty sure it will end up being a classic when the new subs come one. The PAM is just beautiful, feels good and I also love the leather straps. But can it survive being my only watch? How would it's resale value hold?

Thanks for reading and I promise this will be my last poll, next post will be photos of my new watch.

[argee1977]

Can't say much about the 44mm except they are a large watch on the wrist, i went for a 40mm PAM instead as it fitted me perfectly. What i can say from a side by side comparison is that the PAM has a bigger dial, looks better and with the strap it also feels better on the wrist. The submariner is a lovely watch though and the LV is probably the best of the bunch with the Maxi dial, the Non Date version isn't my favourite as the loss of the date is quite a big thing to me and the smaller markers make it harder to read.

[moby33]

I'm pretty sure the suggestion was to post this question on a Pan forum (which will probably produce the same obvious results - Rolex forum votes for Rolex - Pan forum votes for Pan...probably not the most profound results).

While you have posted this under the Pan discussion section, the fact is this is still The ROLEX Forums & therefore I'm pretty sure you're still going to find a voting bias toward Rolex. Cheers.

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by moby33

I'm pretty sure the suggestion was to post this question on a Pan forum (which will probably produce the same obvious results - Rolex forum votes for Rolex - Pan forum votes for Pan...probably not the most profound results).

While you have posted this under the Pan discussion section, the fact is this is still The ROLEX Forums & therefore I'm pretty sure you're still going to find a voting bias toward Rolex. Cheers.

I think you'll be surprised, this forum is where the Panerai love runs free from the tyranny of the Rolexers

[MYK]

Originally Posted by moby33

I'm pretty sure the suggestion was to post this question on a Pan forum.

Not necessarily. I tried that I while ago too, when I initially got the idea of trading the GMT for the Panerai. :)


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[moby33]

Originally Posted by MYK

Not necessarily. I tried that I while ago too, when I initially got the idea of trading the GMT for the Panerai. :)


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I don't doubt there were some Pan owners on the Pan forum that said go for the Rolex (just as there are some on this forum that say go for the Pan)...my point was simply that I wouldn't be too worried about winning a bet if someone asked me to guess how I thought this type of question would be answered on each forum.

That issue aside, I'm more interested in your thoughts on why you haven't considered a SD4000? If you like the look of a Sub except for the cyclops, the SD seems like a perfect fit. Plus, the fact that they are no longer being produced only makes it a cooler watch IMO. Thoughts?

[MYK]

Thanks moby and you're right. Those were just two out of a lot of people that said go for the panerai. As for the SD, well I just couldn't find one in Kuwait.

[Trurolexer]

This is me, I trade my LV with 250.

[Teofilo]

The Sub is an all time classic. I'm wearing mine right now. Beautiful just beautiful !
The PAM 104 is a very nice watch with a lot of fans on this forum, but is it an all time watch classic ?
If you are only getting one watch, make sure it is a classic !

[eric23]

I like the Sub it is a classic, so it gets my vote. Panerai makes some nices watches too, hard choice

[mfer]

Well, for an EVERYDAY watch without a Cyclops, I'd pic the Original SD.

Why?
If you are going to wear it everyday, I'd really want a date function. Also, it is just a beautifully clean looking watch, just like the 14060m. The 14060m is even cleaner, but the date would be important if I was to wear the watch everyday.

Also, have you considered just removing the cyclops from your Rolex???? It can be done and the results look fine. It is your watch, do with it what you want. If you ever really need to flip it, get is serviced and have the crystal replaced. People love a freshly serviced watch anyway. It adds directly to the value IMHO. The IIc is a stunning watch.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by mfer

Also, have you considered just removing the cyclops from your Rolex???? It can be done and the results look fine. It is your watch, do with it what you want. If you ever really need to flip it, get is serviced and have the crystal replaced. People love a freshly serviced watch anyway. It adds directly to the value IMHO. The IIc is a stunning watch.

Another great suggestion. If the SD or GMT cyclops-removal still doesn't do it for you, then I would say there are more things that dissatisfies you about the watch then just the cyclops and so a change away from this type of design is probably the best thing for you (read: buy a Pan). Cheers.

[dman]

I like both watches. For me out of those two I would pick the sub personally. Just does it for me more on a day to day wear.

[mike]

Nothing like an easy question.

Boy, I'll go the other way. Between those two the Sub would have to be COSC version for me. Fewer out there and if something happens in a year or so might be a bit special.

If not, the 104 has a lot to offer. Better lume, date, and the ability to swap straps hence a different look.

I think the suggestion about the SD has a LOT of merit personally. It is on the classic side, no cyclops if that's what you like, and....it's going away. That shouldn't be totally overlooked.

Good luck.

[TswaneNguni]

It isnt even a contest........

[rpryan55]

I love the 104 - I have much the same look in my Panerai. But, from a WIS point of view, the Sub is a timeless classic. It is an essential addition to any watch collection. It's just my humble opinion, but I think you'd regret not getting it.