Teach me about Panerai...

[buddy13]

Ok I have been a WIS since at least I was 5 years old (honestly). I have had many nice watches, some cheap, some expensive ones. My main interest is in diving watches...

I have to honestly say that PAM's never really sang to me cause of the ETA manual movement and no bezel. How the heck can you keep time underwater with no bezel?!..apart from that I don't really like Italians and their engineering ...

I am trying to look past these points and try out a PAM soon..I figured that if they are good enough for Sly and Arnold, they might prove to be good enough for me ...

I think that the only PAM that would fit my bill is a submersible because ts has to HAVE a bezel (since my watches ALL need to be able to time my dives ). Now there are many variances old/new many serial (letters) and models (numbers)..I want a model that is easy to find in LNIB condition today (I do not have the money to pay for vintage)..

Can you shed some light for me on the technical differences etc on all the models? Which is your preferred and why? Pics are most welcome...

[leeye]

welcome to the Submersible club. for the basic Submersible models, you can choose between the current PAM 024, 025 and 243 which are all based on ETA movements (see pics below). for the in-house movement you have the PAM 305 model. for techinical information you can visit Panerai's website.

[Shade]

What Lee said, you should be able to get them in great conditions..

[Cru Jones]

glad to see you're finally seeing the "light" of the dark side!

in terms of regular production subs, search in this forum for pictures of dalip's 24. it's gorgeous.

the 25 is like the 24, but, it's titanium with a waffle dial.

i think the most "hard core" one in terms of specs is the 243.

there's also a 1950-case option in the form of the 305.

then, of course, there are the numerous special editions, like the 285 (2,500m) and 307 (w/ depth gauge).....

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by leeye

welcome to the Submersible club. for the basic Submersible models, you can choose between the current PAM 024, 025 and 243 which are all based on ETA movements. for the in-house movement you have the PAM 305 model. (see pics below). for techinical information you can visit Panerai's website.

Thanks for kind reply. In fact those are the 4 models that I am considering...

I do know the basic technical differences from the Panerai website but hoped you good bunch here can offer some more advice...for example why did Panerai opt for a chrono movement for a 3 hand watch?! Would an ETA 2924 be a better choice? Is the 7750 base highly modified? What about reliability...?

Now of these which suits smaller wrists better (I have only 6.5 inch wrist)? Are there any differences in cases fit to wrist...?

Thanks a million guys ...

[Shade]

The two top of the pictures will sit better on smaller wrists, at least on mine, and yes I have tried all 3..

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

glad to see you're finally seeing the "light" of the dark side!

in terms of regular production subs, search in this forum for pictures of dalip's 24. it's gorgeous.

the 25 is like the 24, but, it's titanium with a waffle dial.

i think the most "hard core" one in terms of specs is the 243.

there's also a 1950-case option in the form of the 305.

then, of course, there are the numerous special editions, like the 285 (2,500m) and 307 (w/ depth gauge).....

Thanks for kind reply! I dont like 305 for it's tapered hands and 47mm size as I have girly wrists... ...

In terms of weight I suppose Ti (25) is the lightest..any figures?

Also how do owners here like the hobnail dial..I only have smooth dials up till now ...

By the way I have seen some you tube reviews and people keep saying "offisine" panerai..just fyi it is pronounced "offichine" in italian...just thought you would be interested to know this ...