First Panerai - 774

[Syed117]

Always liked the base logo and decided to pick this one up.

Before I get killed for not finding an older one, here me out. Did my research and I know they dropped the water resistance and the screw back case. Besides that though, it has what I was looking for. Perfectly clean dial with no seconds hand. Blue logo. Sandwich (or sandwich style) dial. They swapped that gray textile strap for blue gator and the black rubber is a nice option.

Frankly didn't want to spend a lot, but always wanted a Panerai and this seems perfect for my small collection.

Some things I didn't know based on some conflicting things I had read online:

- Thought these current base models didn't use screws for the straps.
- Didn't know that the straps have metal tubes. That is very cool.
- Had read that the lume was applied not recessed in the dial, but this is clearly inside the numbers rather than printed on top.
- 8 year warranty is nice

I also suddenly feel the need to buy lots of straps. I think that's pretty common once you get a Panerai.

[Yaz]

Nice !
Congrats !

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Yaz

Nice !
Congrats !

Thanks!

It's definitely bigger than the watches I usually wear, but I am really liking it.

[Yaz]

And you'll love it each time you'll wear it !
Enjoy !

[multimedia]

Very nice indeed. Really like your collection of watches. Great balance. I also find your comment regarding the straps very funny. Welcome to the insanity

Congrats :)

Cheers,
Joe

[Cru Jones]

Congrats and ENJOY the coming strap madness! :-)

[Syed117]

Do you guys have any recommendations for aftermarket straps?

I'm seeing a ton of places online.

Paneraibands.com looks decent from an initial search.

I'm assuming that most aftermarket straps won't have the metal tubes. There seem to be a ton of aftermarket options for those as well.

[rootbeer7]

Congratulations. Great looking piece (despite advising you to look at others!!)

I like Vintager, Mays Berlin and a UK strap-maker Cordes Leather.

Wear in good health

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Congratulations. Great looking piece (despite advising you to look at others!!)

I like Vintager, Mays Berlin and a UK strap-maker Cordes Leather.

Wear in good health

Thanks. Will definitely check them out

[Syed117]

Here's something strange that I've been wondering about.

Everything I've read about the 774 says that it has a sausage (printed) dial and push pins for the straps. Even on the Panerai site the image seems to show a sausage dial.

The 774 that I bought from a Panerai Boutique last week has neither of these.

It has a sandwich dial (or recessed) and screws for the strap. Did they make changes and not tell anyone?

[2mgversed]

Total beauty. Nice collection too!

[rootbeer7]

The dial is recessed but not sandwich. Have a look at a close up of my 233 here. Springbars /screws I’m not sure.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[AEC]

Nice watch! Looks great on your wrist, and fits really nicely in your collection. I recently have had a similar experience: my small collection includes low-key Omega models (Aqua Terra, Speedmaster Pro, DeVille Tresor), and I took a walk on the wild side when I recently added a Radiomir Black Seal

I wear it constantly now, and I'm stalking a couple of straps on Panerai's site now

[multimedia]

I’ll add this one just for fun



The “new-ish” basic lineup is, IMHO, a great move by Panerai. Simple, traditional design. Good price point, and the overall quality for what you’re paying (in this segment), is pretty outstanding. Personally I don’t give 2 cents if it’s a snap back or not. Yes, if I was paying more, maybe this would bother me a bit more. But at the same time, the only time I can call myself a diver, is when I go down to the pool for a swim... :) and I have also read good arguments which says that the snap back is just as reliable as the screw down. Personally I have no idea if this is the case or not. But again, definitely not a dealbreaker for me.

Really enjoying this one

Cheers,
Joe

[BrazenC5]

Congrats, I didnt know about the 8 year warranty (2 year warranty + register for PamGuard and extend 6 more years).

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[multimedia]

Originally Posted by Syed117

- Had read that the lume was applied not recessed in the dial, but this is clearly inside the numbers rather than printed on top.

I had read the same about these base models (both Luminor and Radiomen). But to my surprise when trying on the 753 at the AD, I also noticed this (which in my book was a good thing).

Not the best of shots... but I guess that’s what you get when using a magnifier and iPhone :)



Cheers,
Joe

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Here's something strange that I've been wondering about.

Everything I've read about the 774 says that it has a sausage (printed) dial and push pins for the straps. Even on the Panerai site the image seems to show a sausage dial.

The 774 that I bought from a Panerai Boutique last week has neither of these.

It has a sandwich dial (or recessed) and screws for the strap. Did they make changes and not tell anyone?

Congratulations and great choice

It appears as though the dial has applied markers that are slightly recessed but not sandwich which is base plate of luminous material and top plate of cut outs.

[Syed117]

Thanks guys.

It's been about a week and I already have 4 straps.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Do you guys have any recommendations for aftermarket straps?

I'm seeing a ton of places online.

Paneraibands.com looks decent from an initial search.

I'm assuming that most aftermarket straps won't have the metal tubes. There seem to be a ton of aftermarket options for those as well.

I like Combat Straps

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Thanks guys.

It's been about a week and I already have 4 straps.

Looks great!

[DLRIDES]

Congrats !

[scarlet knight]

Very nice Pam! 44mm?

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Looks great!

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Congrats !

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

Very nice Pam! 44mm?

Thanks! Yes, 44mm. Definitely the largest watch I have, but I've really been enjoying it.

[marshallr47]

Nice addition to an already nice collection. Congratulations!

[GB900180]

Great addition to a cracking collection