New to panerai... Where to start?

[armen34]

Hey guys,

Looking at purchasing a panerai but there are too many choices. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Acascio]

Base Pam 000 👍

[R1@160@alltimes]

Start by trying on few different cases and see what you like

[mfer]

You can't beat the simple ones.

Go to AD/Boutique and try on every different case style you can. (Rad, Lum, sub, sizes, etc)

If you want me to convince you, but a 210/232/183/190/610/249. I'm kind of a Radiomir fan, but luminors are nice too!

[armen34]

Ok, I will try some on at the AD, but they all pretty much look the same. What are the popular models and what has the best resale value?

[10after10]

My personal experience, i always went back to the simple luminors.
111 or 390 is what i settled with after being through about a dozen of them

[Ian Macdermott]

As already mentioned go and try some on, they do look the same but there are lots of subtle differences.

I was at my ADs for around 4 hours buying my first one, there were Pams all over the counter. I eventually went for the one that sang to me much to the relief of the very patient and knowledgable sales assistant.

They also seem happy to discount for a cash sale.

[brookish]

I think the PAM312 is great (or 328 with ss bracelet). You have a sandwich dial. It's 44mm which is a nice size to start with. You have a seconds hand and a date and an inhouse movement with 3 days power reserve. I started with this one and now have several, so don't worry, you will probably end up buying more. I also didn't see any real difference between the watches, but once you own them, the difference is significant...

[Minimalist]

Originally Posted by brookish

I think the PAM312 is great (or 328 with ss bracelet). You have a sandwich dial. It's 44mm which is a nice size to start with. You have a seconds hand and a date and an inhouse movement with 3 days power reserve. I started with this one and now have several, so don't worry, you will probably end up buying more. I also didn't see any real difference between the watches, but once you own them, the difference is significant...

THIS is great advice. I also bought the 312 as my first PAM, and so far is my only PAM and love it. It encompasses everything your first PAM should have that Panerai are known for.

But as said before, you must go to an AD and try on a couple to see how they feel. You'll then know soon enough if a Panerai will be your next watch ;)

[gerzzzzz]

I would start with a manual winding so you'll get to bond with the watch quicker by winding it every few days.

000, 005, 111, 112 won't disappoint :)

[armen34]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the input.

[Zyfon]

New to Panerai myself. I got the Radiomir 504 as my first since I wanted a 47mm. Within a month, got the 312 as well.

[srvrf]

I agree that Panerai can be confusing because the numbering system isn't intuitive and the differences between models aren't always apparent. Of course trying them on will help immensely.

To me the first choice is which of the two basic styles you like, Luminor or Radiomir (I know there are Submersibles and Mare Nostrums). Then decide on manual vs automatic (which can depend on your other collection and how often it will be worn). Then decide on what complications you'd like (simple, date, GMT, chronograph) and finally case size (don't rely just on case size to judge fit - a 6.5" wrist can handle a 44mm and sometimes even a 47mm because of the lugs). That should narrow it down quite a bit.


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[fullcourt]

as stated, go and try some on....42mm, 44mm, 47mm, radiomer, luminor etc. you'll find the one that sings to you.

don't get hung up on resale value, etc....I own 3, looking to make another purchase soon. my favorite go to watches.

[Billythekid]

005 , 111 , 312 ,372

[Narbeh]

I've had many. The 372 is the ultimate daily Panerai which can be had for a great price these days.

[usood89]

I just discovered this section of the forum. If you're in the USA they have an E-boutique online! You can see all the watches In one place. I love their site.

http://www.panerai.com/en-us/e-bouti...tches.html#top

[Watcheroo]

Look at the 233. Great watch that can be worn daily with a useful complication. Mine sees a lot of my wrist.

[BrazenC5]

I have small wrists, so I would first narrow down the search by case size, then go from there.

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[armen34]

Great info! Narrowed down to 44mm and luminor.

[Sublovin]

I agree with a lot of what has been said. The appeal of Panerai, IMO, if the unique look and subtle differences from model to model. It really gets fun when you immerse yourself in the brand and start learning the history.
I recommend a 000, 210 as a great first Panerai

[socialpro]

I like many of the base / simpler PAMS, especially for first.

I think 177 / 176 titaniums is a great choice for first one. It will let you try out the size without the heft of the stainless steel.

I love my 114 white dial.

But any 000, 005, 111, 112 is cant go wrong with either! Good luck!

[armen34]

I tried some of the base watches 000 005 112... But I think they're just too basic for me. I have larger watches 48 49mm and the 44mm of the Pam doesn't bother me. What do you guys think about 312? Also, I am looking at a discontinued model 250 in mint condition. Very interested to hear your opinions on the 250. Thanks!

[timepieceluvr]

329. In house movement, GMT function and a stainless bracelet to mix in with whatever straps trip your trigger


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[dmb359]

Originally Posted by socialpro

I like many of the base / simpler PAMS, especially for first.

I think 177 / 176 titaniums is a great choice for first one. It will let you try out the size without the heft of the stainless steel.

I love my 114 white dial.

But any 000, 005, 111, 112 is cant go wrong with either! Good luck!

I agree here. I think the base dials, without complications is the way to go for a first Panerai. The sandwaich dials look so much better with all 4 numbers visible. I have a PAM176 and love it, the titanium is great too.

Originally Posted by armen34

I tried some of the base watches 000 005 112... But I think they're just too basic for me. I have larger watches 48 49mm and the 44mm of the Pam doesn't bother me. What do you guys think about 312? Also, I am looking at a discontinued model 250 in mint condition. Very interested to hear your opinions on the 250. Thanks!

The 312 is nice, I'd prefer to have the "3" on the dial though.
The 250 is way too busy for my taste.

[sechsgang]

My first Panerai (and first really nice watch aside from a basic breitling and a cartier roadster) was a 212 just like this. I got in in 2007 and still have it (which says a lot because I've bought and sold A LOT of watches in btw then). To me, the 1950 case, flyback chrono function and overall look which hits both simplicity and utility with a little "cool" complication was the ticket. But like everyone has said, when you try the one YOU'LL KNOW!

(no association at all, just seems like a good price and a visual example)
https://www.watchuwant.com/watches/p...0-complete-new

[lapince]

Originally Posted by Watcheroo

Look at the 233. Great watch that can be worn daily with a useful complication. Mine sees a lot of my wrist.

best answer so far and it was my first Pam

[Maltie]

Pam55