So, I took a trip to London a few weeks ago...

[DINGER]

On the hunt for my first Panerai

Firstly, many thanks to everyone on here who replied to my earlier threads. I'd been deliberating over whether to stick to my original plan (buying another Rolex, I'm 3rd on the list at my AD for a new ceramic sub) or opting for my first Panerai. I decided that I needed to go and handle some Panerai in the flesh so hopped on the train with my Mrs a few Saturday's ago to have a look round a few AD's. Had my heart set on a 312, loved the simple looks, second hand, date function, automatic, need I go on? It was also similar price to the sub so just about in budget.

I wasn't expecting to actually find a 312 as I know numbers are quite limited. Had a stroll along the Burlington Arcade and saw one in the first window I looked in ! Wasn't sure if it was second hand and ideally I wanted to buy from an AD but in the back of my mind I knew that if I couldn't find one I'd probably end up going back as a contingency. The Mrs wasn't initially keen on the look of the watch which might have scuppered my plans but I convinced her that handling it up close would change her mind.

Got distracted for about 20 mins looking at some stunning vintage rolex, some beautiful Daytona's were on display but way out of my budget unfortunately, if my 6 numbers ever come up on the lottery the Burlington will be the first place I'll be paying a visit to :) Lots of Coke GMT's on display which is something I'd like to add to my small collection one day.

I'd been recommended to try Wempe by a TRF member so this was my first visit (and as it turns out the only visit I needed to make). What a fabulous shop, I could have spent all day roaming around in there The chap who greeted me was a true gent and was happy to chat to me despite the fact I was dressed in shorts/t-shirt, looking a bit scruffy not to mention soaking wet from the good old British summer weather. I enquired about a 312 expecting to be told that I had no chance but to my suprise was told to take a seat as they had literally just received one in.

As soon as I was handed the watch I knew I had to have it, absolutely blew me away. I love my GMT but the 312 just made it look, well, ordinary. Pictures really don't do these watches any justice at all. I was initially going to check out the 111 they had in stock and maybe a few others but knew there was no need, my mind was already made up. I attempted (poorly) to enquire about a discount which I knew wouldn't be forthcoming (and it wasn't). I couldn't make my mind up whether to go for the OEM black strap or a dark brown strap and had hoped a deal could be done on the staps if I bought both but alas, no discount on anything would be permitted.

I popped out for an hour to grab some lunch and then went back to make the purchase. Decided on the brown strap and will hopefully add a few more soon. At the risk of sounding like a kid who takes a new toy out of the box and plays with the box instead of the toy but how great are the Panerai boxes !! Makes the Rolex box look cheap by comparison

In the short time I've owned the 312 I've discovered I have to be careful where I wear it, driving is a no, no. I find myself staring at the watch when I should be concentrating on driving

If I can find my camera I'll get some pictures posted up.

In the meantime, can anyone recommend some places to buy some staps in the UK? Or am I going to have to order from abroad?

Finally, someone recently posted a picture on a thread of a buckle that had the 2 chaps sitting on the sub hollowed out on the buckle. Can't find the thread now but does anyone know where I can get one?

All the best

Chris