New to Panerai, looking for advice!

[redcalx]

Hello everyone!

I've seen too many Panerai now to be able to ignore them any longer, and I'd like to add one to my collection. Problem is, in Chicago, there's only one place that I know of that has them (Tourneau, sadly) and after reluctantly heading over there today, they didn't have THAT many to look at.

Bit of background for me and what I'm looking for. I have small wrists and I wear a Daytona daily right now. I had my eye on the PAM512 from photos but I had no idea how truly small this watch was and when I tried it on, I wasn't really digging it. I see that the 572 seems to be a larger, automatic version of this, but I can't find a lot of photos of the 572, especially on a wrist.

One thing I don't like about some Panerai is the very wide and thick watch strap. I'm looking for something decidedly smaller, like you'd find with a white/rose gold Daytona, if that's possible at all.

Further, I know my Rolexes inside and out, but aren't as familiar with the classic Panerai's and anything I should be maybe know before diving in (pun somewhat intended, hah). Anything you guys can share, photos, advice, your favorites, would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

[s14roller]

New to Panerai - start with looking at 000, 111, 005, 312...the strap sizes will basically have to fit a 44mm case, so the brand doesn't really have a watch that uses thin straps like from a RG daytona....

[davecz]

Well I have small wrists and I'm used to an ExpII, went with a pam392 42mm and it fits perfect. It's bigger but still comfortable, easy to,change straps for a whole diff look and you can find thinner leather. I'm also in chicago and if you wanna check it out send me a message to check mine out. I could also point you toward where I got mind (NIB got a great deal) took me about ten years to switch from rolex but happy with the new pam (still have the rolex though)

Anyway here are a couple pics

[davecz]

Forgot to mention that it's also an automatic which I like better

[Jiggo]

512 is not a bad choice with its 42mm case but its manual
572 also nice but slightly bigger at 45mm but 3 days auto
Really depends on whether you prefer a luminor or rad case
and as for straps? plenty to choose from esp the OEM Gators they are most nice and not too thick, GL

[Urosfan]

I have 6.5 inch wrist and my 111 fits me fine, I would recommend a 000,005,111,112

[redcalx]

Thanks for the information, guys! Sounds like I have a little research to do still, but I have to admit, I'm leaning towards the 572. I'm not a huge fan of the crown guard found on some other Panerai's, and the 512 is just a bit too small for my liking. Hoping I can find one in person to check out!