Paneristi Buying First Rolex

[NinjaSayWhat]

Hi All,

This is my first post here so please be gentle! I did a quick search so it doesn't look like this topic has been beaten to death yet.

I bought my first "nice" watch earlier this summer and caught the watch bug BAD! I absolutely love my Panerai PAM320 with it's simple sandwich dial, 1950 case, and strap changing features. As I read more and more in the Panerai and Rolex forums, I realized I really want a Rolex as well. My initial concern with buying a Rolex is the difference in size. For those of you with both watches, is the 44mm to 40mm difference significant? I'm going down to my local AD this weekend to try on the Rolexes but would still love everyone's opinions.

With that being said, I've narrowed down my choices down to the SubC and the White SS Daytona. Since I'm coming from a Panerai perspective, I love the simple Submariner dial but I don't own a chronograph. The difference in price is pretty steep (~3k USD) but I'm willing to make the jump to a Daytona since it seems to be very rare and hold it's resale value EXTREMELY well. Cosmetically, I like the SubC a little more but I feel like I need a chronograph to complete my tiny watch collection and love the investment aspect of owning a Daytona.

Maybe I should just get a SubC, save extra money and get the new SpeedMaster Co-Axial 9300 when it comes out? :)

Thanks everyone!!
Mike

Here are some pics of my 320 and her different shoes.

[p_mcgee]

now I'm hungry for a sandwich

[Geehamonster24]

I have a 104 and a GMT IIc. Both are fantastic. The size difference doesnt seem as bad because one is on a bracelet and one has a leather band, but I do have big wrists. Also since the new Sub has a bigger case, wears bigger (judging from my GMT IIc) than the older models.

[agsstructures]

Welcome to TRF! I actually had a Sub-C earlier this year, and while I did love the watch I ended up flipping it for an IWC Portuguese Auto. Picked up a Daytona tuesday and it is my favorite Rolex out of any I have ever owned. If you can get past not having the date I would say its worth the extra cash. The Sub-C is the ultimate every day watch and can be worn on any occasion but something about the Daytona that just gives it a slight edge IMHO.

As far as size both the Daytona and Sub-C wear perfect. The sub wears a little bigger due to the case and the lugs. I love the thickness of both watches in that they both fit under a shirt sleeve perfectly. The main thing is that you try them both for comparison. You should get an idea of wish one is better for you. I made multiple trips to an AD when contemplating an Audemars Royal Oak Chrono and the Daytona.

I would go Daytona. Either way its a tough choice and I wish you luck!

[Cru Jones]

Welcome!

The SubC and Daytona are both classics and in demand, so, no worries financially. Go with the one you like and you can't go wrong.

[Cru Jones]

Welcome!

The SubC and Daytona are both classics and in demand, so, no worries financially. Go with the one you like and you can't go wrong.

[dddrees]

I own a couple of 44mm Pams and a couple 40mm Rolex watches. There's a noticeable difference between the two but then again that's why I chose them. It's a good difference and no big deal.

[Mutlu]

I am surprised you want the Daytona after wearing a Panerai. It is going to feel very small on your wrist. You should check out the Deep Sea before you make your final decision.

[rtan]

Originally Posted by Mutlu

I am surprised you want the Daytona after wearing a Panerai. It is going to feel very small on your wrist. You should check out the Deep Sea before you make your final decision.

+1 on the DSSD; might also want to take a look at the new 42mm explorer

[eric23]

Welcome to TRF!

[AJMarcus]

Since you are used to Panerais why not consider a DSSD? Otherwise, you might regret the "smaller" size of a 40 mm.

[nauticajoe]

Welcome!

Rolex & PAM's are an awesome combo to any collection.

Yes, it does feel weird switching back & forth between 44m & 40m dials, but you'll get used to it.

Of the two, my vote goes to the Daytona. It's one of best chrono movements out there, and yes it has a great re-sale value.

Good luck in your hunt!




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[paltak]

All my watches were PAMs until recently when I sold my 232 and bought a new White SS Daytona. The 232 is an iconic PAM but the Daytona is a great piece and a nice compliment to my PAMs. It won't be my last Rolex but PAMs and Rolex are awesome together!

[Megalobyte]

I too was a Panerai, and in general, a 44mm guy, before I got my Rolex, I find my Sub C to be just large enough so it doesn't seem too small given I'm used to 44mm. To be fair, I don't wear larger watches to make a statement, rather because at 6'8", 325 lbs, I need a decent size watch to look normal.

The Daytonas however wear fairly small, might be too small for your tastes, but you'll know when you try one on. Resale value on the Subs is just as good as Daytonas btw. Maybe better since you can get a Sub C at a discount but generally you'll pay full price for the Daytona, but the future of the current steel Daytonas isn't all that certain. There may be a slight weakening of the demand in the near future, arguably it has already started somewhat.

[Rani Drama]

I had a 320 for a couple days back in march. Did you have any problems with the movement? I returned mine after my first night with it. In the morning the minute hand was correct and the GMT hand was correct but the hour hand stopped moving sometime in the middle of the night. It was upsetting so i returned everything. I might look around again for one sometime soon maybe in november.

But anyways regarding the Rolex. I love my Sub C. it's a fantastic watch. Doesn't feel that small either. I also want a Daytona white dial as a dressier option and i also heard it fits smaller than a Sub.

[subtona]

1)you like the sub C

2)subc is cheaper and i believe it would complement your collection best

3)daytona is not the investment as it once was (although a zenith is a different story), and imho, not really a stand out in the chrono world simply because it is difficult to read and operate. i would choose a speedy pro here.


as far as size, i have just got my first pam, a 210 45mm... the subs are just more modestly sized but i find it easy to go back and forth.

finally i would suggest, forget the sub c and get a 14060M, it wears well on a nato strap and has a great bracelet to boot. in any event you'll be getting an all weather watch.

[MAINEZX10]

I own both and the difference is noticable but you get used to it. You'll love having to option to wear 40 or 44mm

[MAINEZX10]

The Daytona is a very comfortable watch. Check out the Milgauss too, it also is a very comfortable watch, & has some weight to it

[dalip]

I'd go subC or GMT2C rather than a Daytona as a first Rolex simply because of how they wear. Then add the Omega as your chrono when it comes out. I think you'll find the Daytona wears too small if you're used to the 320. I have a daytona and it is by far my favourite Rolex but I have the 116509 (White gold) as the weight and dial are just perfect for the size of watch. I found the SS model too light and small in the end...and I wanted a more aesthetically pleasing dial.

I switch between my Panerai and Rolex/Omegas all the time...sometimes I just don't want a 44mm watch on my wrist. But when I do nothing beats Panerai. They wear so well IMO.

Having said all that why not wait to have a look at the new 42 mm Exp 2?

[NinjaSayWhat]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone! I actually stopped by a local Ben Bridge during lunch and tried on the 14060 and SubC. I love the clean nondate dial! However, the bracelet felt really cheap. The hallow centers made it feel like my old base model Tag. The SubC felt great! The bracelet makes such a big difference making it feel more balanced. I would have tried on the Daytona but they didn't have any in stock. It was quite a difference between my 320 and the SubC so I don't think I can go any smaller. Since many say the Daytona wears smaller, I think I'm leaning towards the SubC.

Thanks for the great feedback! Now it's time for me to negotiate! I just saw a post about a 30% discount at a Canada AD! I need to PM that guy!

Thanks all!
Mike

[NinjaSayWhat]

My 320 runs great. Definitely within COSC standards. It runs about 3 secs fast a day. Sorry to hear about your bad luck the first time. It's such a great watch. I don't think I'll ever let it go. I'm on the waiting list for a 390 so hopefully my Panerai addiction ends there. Good luck on your next PAM.

Originally Posted by Rani Drama

I had a 320 for a couple days back in march. Did you have any problems with the movement? I returned mine after my first night with it. In the morning the minute hand was correct and the GMT hand was correct but the hour hand stopped moving sometime in the middle of the night. It was upsetting so i returned everything. I might look around again for one sometime soon maybe in november.

But anyways regarding the Rolex. I love my Sub C. it's a fantastic watch. Doesn't feel that small either. I also want a Daytona white dial as a dressier option and i also heard it fits smaller than a Sub.

[zak98]

welcome!

subc or the deep sea would be the first two places i would look.

[DolphinV8]

The weight of the 1950 case is definitely noticeable. Took me a few days to get used to my 312. As your first Rolex, I would highly recommend Sub-C.

[dannyp]

The one watch I have not yet seen mentioned here that may be worth considering is the brand new Explorer II. It's the only watch in the Professional (perhaps entire??) range to come in 42mm. It also is available with a white dial.

I personally dislike the DSSD because I think it looks cartoonishly large for a Rolex. A PAM has always been a 44mm watch and those proportions are classic for it. 44mm is a recent and sudden bump in size for Rolex and, particularly with the dial perimeter writing, the whole thing comes off as gimmicky to me. I don't think the Explorer II is as radical a departure from the original.

You could also go dressier and do a DJII in stainless but again, it's just too big for a dress watch IMO.

Then again my 40mm Explorer II is the largest watch I've ever owned and probably the largest I'd be comfortable with visually on my wrist.

[htc8p]

i was in the same situation once. you may find rolex small if you just focus on the crystal.

some times you may also see the design as quite dull compared to pams

but switching from one to the other is very refreshing

your main factor should be the good resale value and you cant go wrong with it.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Very nice collection my friend. As for your question, if you say you like the SubC more than the Daytona but you feel like you need a chronograph (I believe it's just to have one and not for the brand itself) I'd go with the Submariner and, as you said, maybe save for a Speedmaster. I think it would add some diversity to your collection as well.

[MY-WATCH]

Welcome

[Le Chef]

I'd also look at a Blancpain FF and an AP ROO. The Daytona is going to feel a little puny and under-nourished after a Panerai. Or just go for a 275 and be done with it.

[HongNinja]

Dude! Get the Rolex. Check out the Sub-C in person, but also consider a DSSD, SD, or 42mmEXPII. I rock a SD. It wears much more substantial then it sounds at 40mm, especially being a thicker case then a Sub. I have a feeling a DSSD/SD/Sub-C would e perfect.

Pics when you decide!!

[Joey_V]

Daytona is great as a reserve watch rather than an everyday watch. I own the Daytona, that's how I feel. Great watch, but not an everyday watch to me.

I would pick the SubC or maybe the new Expy42!