Finally, a second watch (the process)

[dj1809]

I purchased a white Explorer II (16570) back in 2010. It's a watch I love and wear daily.

I finally got an itch (and the means) to add a second watch to my "collection." After doing some preliminary research simply based on aesthetics and a very general sense of pricing, I had it narrowed down to AP Royal Oak, VC Overseas, IWC Portuguese 7 days or Habring2 Doppel 3.

I then researched the specific models more closely. I quickly found that the AP and VC models I was interested in were above my budget (not altogether unexpected). I quickly realized the IWC 7 days that I really wanted was the rose gold with grey dial; again, above my budget. That left me with the Doppel 3. It fit my budget and I liked the grey dial model. BUT, the only place I could source one was not expecting a grey Doppel 3 until May 2016. I was extremely close to putting a deposit down on it and waiting it out, but I decided to hit the non-Rolex sales forum one last time to see if I could find anything that caught my eye (and soul).

It was then I came across the PAM 346 (Radiomir Titanio with tobacco dial). I've always liked Panerai's designs but always sort of bought into the haters' talk about their lack of true heritage, monstrous sizes, lack of in-house innovation, etc. However, while looking at different watches, I found myself repeatedly returning to this particular PAM. To me, it would be perfect without the date function and cyclops, but overall those features weren't deal breakers. I am wary about the size, but I've read plenty about how the Panerais seem to wear smaller than their measurements. I'm waiting on delivery so we'll see how it all pans out, but I'm excited (and just a bit nervous that I won't like it).

Hopefully, I'll be able to post a happy update (with pics) in a couple days!