Thinking about adding a Panerai

[djhiram]

[c2tcardin]

OEM straps will run you $320 there are plenty of strap makers who produce some wonderful straps for $100 and up. I agree with oyster21, budged a little for a few straps, then get the newest, best condition, 100% complete Pam you want and take off the Panerai straps it came with and box them, then you can wear it with the after market straps while keeping the originals nice a fresh. This way if you decide to sell it in the future it will be easier to sell when it's 100% complete and much easier to sell because of its condition.

[djhiram]

Thanks for the input Jeff...that's good thinking. I hadn't thought of that! I have a feeling whatever pam i decide on will be a keeper though!

[snapster]

Originally Posted by c2tcardin

budget a little for a few straps, then get the newest, best condition, 100% complete Pam you want and take off the Panerai straps it came with and box them, then you can wear it with the after market straps while keeping the originals nice a fresh. This way if you decide to sell it in the future it will be easier to sell when it's 100% complete and much easier to sell because of its condition.

Agreed.

My pam 212 flyback came with carbon fiber laid over leather straps and the OEM prices of the CF straps ($900) prompted me to immediately take it off so I could use a nice croc strap with white stitching. I also have an OEM rubber strap that can be put on but I personally prefer the black croc band.

Here's the CF band:


Just so the OP knows, changing the straps on a Radiomir line is a little more difficult than changing a normal Pam because of the way the posts are connected to the case.

Also, what attracts you to the Panerai brand? The unique lock? The size? The exhibition backs on some of them? Identify the key qualities that you want and go after them. I read you want a 44mm, no prob - many Panerai watches fulfill that. Price wise - you may want to save up for the EXACT one you want instead of what some watch enthusiasts end up doing by jumping from watch to watch until they get their "holy grail watch". In my opinion - that's just unnecessary. If you like it, get it. If you can't afford it yet, save up and get it later. Who knows- you may find something you like more instead.

For reference, here's a shot of the exhibition back on my 212. I really like this because you can see the weight move around and see the levers actuate when I hit the chronograph buttons.



Once you get a Panerai though, be prepared for it to pick up "character" a lot quicker than your run of the mill Rolex. Rolex is proud of their 250 ton press that stamps out their cases and they rightfully should be because my GMT holds up a LOT better than my 212. These Panerai watches are like JEWELRY... take care of it and you'll be happy.

That being said, my next purchase will likely be a DeepSea due to the great Panerai-like size, the superior durability, and case construction. Maybe you should consider the DeepSea?

Whatever you end up picking up - happy birthday to you when you get it man. I picked up my 212 as my 30th birthday gift to myself and felt pretty happy about getting it as a milestone accomplishment.

Good luck!

[djhiram]

Hey Snap,

Thanks for all that great info and those amazing pictures! I actually tried on a deepsea about a month ago at a local AD and for some reason it just didn't sing to me. Thanks for the heads up on the Radiomir straps being harder to change. That most def. moves me over to the Luminors - and thanks for the pre-birthday wishes! I'm nearing 30 too and am already thinking of what my 30th b-day gift will be to myself LOL.

Does anyone know of a local Pam AD here in Miami where I can go try out some different models?