351?

[Grue]

I have been considering a 351. I originally was considering a 312 ($7,400) but then I saw pictures of the 351 ($8,000). However, I had never seen one in person. The 312 is fairly easy to find and is a very impressive watch. It also fits me very well.

A not-so-local AD recently informed me that he has a 351 in stock. He told me that the 351 is an incredibly difficult model to get, and I feel pressured to buy it. However, I do not like making snap decisions and his demeanor kind of turned me off. I felt as if he was doing me a "favor" by offering it to me. I do not like to "owe" anyone for a "favor".

In person, it is a beautiful watch. I have limited experience with Panerai watches so I am unsure where the 351 falls into the Panerai line. I did read, somewhere, that there are 1,500 being produced this year, so I am not sure why it is so difficult to get.

I do like it a lot. I really like the light brown colored dial. It seems to compliment the gold hands and strap well. I could live without the date complication but it is small enough that it is fairly invisible. I like the Panerai font so losing the "3" makes me a little sad.

So I have a few questions before I pull the trigger that you all might be able to help me with.

1 - While I like the 351 a lot, and I will be buying it for my pleasure only, I am curious how it is perceived to the general Panerai community. It seems a bit more flashy with the gold hands, and the case is very different looking, in color and shape, than I am used to seeing. It seems a lot more different than other models, which have a cool utilitarian look.

2 - It comes with a nice dark brown aligator strap that matches the watch perfectly. However, given the light brown colored dial and the gold hands, will other straps look weird on it? I am really looking forward to having a pile of different straps to spice things up.

3 - I like the idea of the in-house movement. It does seem a bit weird to me that it looks less impressive (through the caseback) than the movement in the 111. I know looks are not everything, but it just seems weird. (I would prefer a manual winding watch but I can live with an automatic. I will just wind it every morning even though it probably will not need it. I just have a ritual of winding my existing watch every morning and I find it to be very relaxing. I know that sounds weird!)

4 - Should I work with this AD? He seems like a nice guy but I figure since I am not a regular customer that I am not part of "the gang". I have only purchased one Panerai in the past and that was second hand. He knows that I plan to pay in cash and that I am not a deadbeat, so I am mystified by his attitude. I do not know if he is an employee or the owner. Perhaps he is just playing with me, or perhaps I am too sensitive? No other local ADs have a 351 and they do not know if they will be getting one.

Thank you for any advice.