Pam 98 info needed.....

[Teofilo]

I have been interested for some time in getting a Panerai PAM 98 as my "best" watch. I already own two Rollies, both of which get treated as tool watches. The Sub was my dream watch,then I caught Rolex fever and got the GMT shortly afterwards.

I finally went to my nearest Panerai AD yesterday, and at long last got to see some Panerai watches in the flesh. I was absolutely blown away ! I tried on a PAM 242 and a PAM 214. Both stunning, but not quite what I was after.

The lady in the shop said that the PAM 98 has been discontinued.I find that strange because it is still on the Panerai web site.

Can any Panerai experts tell me when this watch was produced from and when it was discontinued ? Also how much it was ? If it was only discontinued recently I will start searching for one.

Before I left the shop the lady gave me the latest (Sept 07) catalogue from Rolex and also the latest (2007) one from Panerai. To be honest there was a lot more to interest me in the Panerai catalogue.

One final question......can any of you recommend any friendly Panerai forums ? (hopefully something along the line of TRF)......

[dman]

Originally Posted by Teofilo

I have been interested for some time in getting a Panerai PAM 98 as my "best" watch. I already own two Rollies, both of which get treated as tool watches. The Sub was my dream watch,then I caught Rolex fever and got the GMT shortly afterwards.

I finally went to my nearest Panerai AD yesterday, and at long last got to see some Panerai watches in the flesh. I was absolutely blown away ! I tried on a PAM 242 and a PAM 214. Both stunning, but not quite what I was after.

The lady in the shop said that the PAM 98 has been discontinued.I find that strange because it is still on the Panerai web site.

Can any Panerai experts tell me when this watch was produced from and when it was discontinued ? Also how much it was ? If it was only discontinued recently I will start searching for one.

Before I left the shop the lady gave me the latest (Sept 07) catalogue from Rolex and also the latest (2007) one from Panerai. To be honest there was a lot more to interest me in the Panerai catalogue.

One final question......can any of you recommend any friendly Panerai forums ? (hopefully something along the line of TRF)......

Going to move this to the Non Rolex board, but let me answer some of your questions...

The 98 was discontinued last year and they may be even some still showing up in AD and there are plenty on the net.

As for forums with info I would suggest paneristi.com and timezone panerai forum. Both have loads of information and great reference sections.

The 98 is a very cool and versatile watch. The movement is actually a GP caliber with GMT function and audible alarm. The watch is 42mm so it wears very comfortable and can be worn with jeans or a suit.

As I type this I am wearing my 212, and Panerai are great watches that offer a one of a kind community.

If you have other questions you can always feel free to email or PM me, as you can tell my passion for the brand runs fairly deep. :-)

[Teofilo]

Daren, thanks for moving this to the proper place.
Also thanks for the answers to the questions I posed. I will check out those sites when I have finished on TRF.
I must say how extremely impressed I was with Panerai watches in the flesh......very very classy indeed. To use an old fashioned phrase...."They look like the money !"

[EvEr34]

What ever Daren said...I agree with. Good luck with your Pam.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by dman

...
The 98 was discontinued last year and they may be even some still showing up in AD and there are plenty on the net.
...

Say it ain't so! The Pam 98 was my favorite one...maybe I should have gotten at Bachendorf's when I had a chance. I'll give them a call and see if they may have one. If not, does anyone know where I can get one for a decent price?

[EvEr34]

Try OJ at watchuwant.com The best online dealer I have ever dealt with.

[Launch Mini]

I have a few Panerai's in my collection. The 98 is my favorite.
IMO, stunning.
Alarm, GMT is just too cool.
Looks great on the OEM brown Gator and fits the OEM 24mm Rubber straps nicely.

[vh_bu98]

I found one for $8150 USD, which is the MSRP. Is it worth it? Can I get it for a better price some where else than a local AD?

I blame you Launch Mini for getting me interested in this model.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

I found one for $8150 USD, which is the MSRP. Is it worth it? Can I get it for a better price some where else than a local AD?

I blame you Launch Mini for getting me interested in this model.

Is it BNIB. If not thats a little high.

Watches 24 Seven has one coming at $5980.00 with box no papers.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

Is it BNIB. If not thats a little high.

Watches 24 Seven has one coming at $5980.00 with box no papers.

Yes, it's BNIB from an official AD. After taxes, it's close to $9k USD which is quite a bit for a watch for me. If I'm going to spend that much, it better be a SS Daytona.

Do you know anyone who has purchased from that website that you mentioned? I guess I need to visit the Panerai forums to get some information on them.

[Launch Mini]

If your patient, you should be able to find a good one , with box & all papers in the $6k range.
www.paneristi.com in the collectors market.
They show up occassionally

[Teofilo]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

I have a few Panerai's in my collection. The 98 is my favorite.
IMO, stunning.
Alarm, GMT is just too cool.
Looks great on the OEM brown Gator and fits the OEM 24mm Rubber straps nicely.

Launch Mini.....you have a lot to answer for ! It was those pictures of your watch that got me hooked in the first place....

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Yes, it's BNIB from an official AD. After taxes, it's close to $9k USD which is quite a bit for a watch for me. If I'm going to spend that much, it better be a SS Daytona.

Do you know anyone who has purchased from that website that you mentioned? I guess I need to visit the Panerai forums to get some information on them.

If you check out watchnet you'll see he is very well known. Look for references for bigb, it's the same.

[vh_bu98]

I had a thought this morning on why it may not be a good idea for me to get a Panerai. Swapping the strap on the Pam 98 is one that is best done at a jeweler. Well, the strap color should match the belt and shoes. So I couldn't match all the time since I wear brown and black.

[Launch Mini]

Not that bad to change the strap on the Radiomirs.
When you change it, do it in the top of a shoebox lid.
There are 4 very tiny screws you need to loosen. They do NOT need to be removed.
I have found on all my Radiomirs, that 3.5 full turns of the screws will loosen them enough so the "wire loops" can be removed.