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Mthwatch · 10 July 2011, 09:19 AM

Two new Panerai in 8 days. One is on my wrist, and the other has moved onto a new home. Here's my story...(and I hope someone learns something, or at least has a pleasant reading experience).

A little backstory. First, I'm not wealthy. Far from it, actually. I'm 30, a graphic designer and a certified watch fanatic. I've been a fan of Panerai from the beginning. I was drawn to the brand for the same reasons a lot of you probably were. First, the stunningly simple, wonderful design. Very Italian, very masculine, very beautiful, and very practical. And the military heritage and history behind the brand is really interesting and pretty unique in the world of Swiss watchmaking. I bought myself my first Panerai in 2009 - the 24 Submersible. Awesome watch, and I know what drew me to it, but ultimately, it just wasn't quite what I wanted from a Panerai. I strayed a bit from my own aesthetic sensibilities and went for one of the busier Panerai around. Of course, these are my subjective opinions, so if you love your Sub - I'm glad! If I was rich, I'd have one for sure! But it wouldn't be my only one...which brings me to today.

Fast forward to 2011. I'm looking for ONE NICE WATCH. I don't have a collection. I have a G-Shock. I narrowed my Panerai search down to the 312 and the 000. The decision to go with the 312 was very, very difficult. Of course, who doesn't love the 1950's case, the brushed and polished surfaces, the brass hands, the small seconds, the sandwich dial, the T.M REG. crownguard...and the in house movement! What a watch! And then I got it..(from a great guy, BNIB, for an awesome deal!)

First, the 312 is simply gorgeous.

But it's gone for this simple reason. For me, this watch is too 'pretty' to be my daily wearer. I'm a pretty young guy and I'm really active. This watch needs to be on my wrist about 18-20 hours a day, whatever I'm doing. I believe Panerai should be worn and enjoyed. And I just couldn't help feeling as though I had to baby the hell out of the 312! I'm taking a nice beach vacation soon, and I was seriously going to take my G Shock because I didn't want to scratch up the 312! That's crazy! We're all different and I'm sure there are people out there who feel perfectly fine banging their 312's into something - but I'm not. I can't explain it, but it just wasn't really 'me'.

The 000 kept creeping into my head. And finally I just decided to do it. I sold the 312 in about 8 hours and ordered my 000 from Sharif at the NYC Boutique. It arrived this morning...along with some really cool goodies!

On my Simona strap...

On the amazing instant classic...the assolutamente

Here are my impressions so far:

The case feels so much smaller than the really thick 312. The thicker bezel and comparatively smaller dial makes the watch wear much, much smaller. And the case is so comfortable! Much more so than the 312. I also find that my straps are fitting a little better. The 312 really needs, in my opinion, a really thick strap. I like to wear my watch somewhat loose (not super tight against my wrist) so that it can move a little. This really wasn't possible with the 312 because it was so tall - it would dive into my wrist on the crown guard side and sit kind of crooked, making the watch more like 22mm thick - just asking to bang it on something.

The painted dial is really cool. I think the lume on the 312 is marginally brighter, which surprises me. The 312 also seemed quicker to 'charge' and perhaps longer lasting (initial impression - I'll test tonight). The lack of a sandwich means a little less visual interest when the watch is at an angle. That was nice, but I don't miss it terribly. The dial of the 000 seems 'blacker' to me. There is a nice texture to both dials, but for some reason, either the material or perhaps the anti-reflective coatings are different. And I really prefer the black hands - I found the brass hands of the 312 gorgeous - and a tiny bit distracting.

I don't mind winding my watch. On the contrary, I think it makes for a relationship with your watch that's mostly missing in an automatic. I, for one, love it.

As for the date and the seconds...I really couldn't care less. I never sit and stare at a second hand anyway. The date? I'll just check my phone (I only look at it about a billion times a day anyway). If I need to know if my watch is running, I'll just put it up to my ear!

Finally - there's the movement. The p9000 is stunning, and the 72 hour power reserve is pretty bad ass. And knowing it's there and it's entirely proprietary - that's the thing I'm going to miss. Not that the ETA in the 000 makes one difference to me. And this is why - I'm active and I do dumb things! This movement can take it. It's nothing if not super reliable. So I have very little to worry about. That's not to say the 312 can't handle some stuff, but there's no little voice in the back of my head reminding me of that thing on my wrist...

So that's it. You've made it to the end. I'm really happy with my decision and I'm not really out any money. I'm glad I went the 312 route first, because the 'not knowing' would have really sucked. The 312 is an awesome watch, but ultimately - not the right one for me. And that's all that matters.

I'm off to put some character scratches in it!

dddrees · 10 July 2011, 09:26 AM

Great read, sounds as thoiugh you are happy and thats what counts the most. The Pam 000 is an awesome watch, it was my first Pam and I really like it as well.

Congrats.

monty` · 10 July 2011, 09:30 AM

great post/story. glad you went with the watch that sings to you.

personally i'm of the opinion that the best PAMs are the ones with the most simplistic designs/dials (ie. least complications).

ps - love the assolutamente!

mike · 10 July 2011, 09:41 AM

The logo looks amazing. Great story and great score.

drtooth73 · 10 July 2011, 09:57 AM

Great choice! Awesome straps!

mmancari · 10 July 2011, 10:55 AM

Excellent read! I applaud your decision and logic behind your choice.

karmatp · 10 July 2011, 11:06 AM

It's all about what makes you happy, congrats on finding the one! Enjoy that zero for life.

nauticajoe · 10 July 2011, 11:07 AM

Nice. Congrats!

Mac-Apple · 10 July 2011, 11:57 AM

That was a quick departure from your 312, the logo is a great piece!!! I think your 312 was my cousin with your low number of 4k. I got number 67 of 4k straight from my Ad. I cant wait til the baseball leather strap comes in , 2 more weeks of oem.

fc3s2k · 10 July 2011, 12:04 PM

Great story!!
Do what makes you happy. Congratulation!

The 0 is calling me!!!! And your story/ review didn't really help!!!
I want it even more.

Mthwatch · 10 July 2011, 12:22 PM

Yeah, mine was 186....I'm in the bottom third of the N series 000 out of 1500, which is cool with me! The baseball leather color looks pretty nice on the 312 - you'll love it.

As with the quick departure - I just knew it wasn't what I really needed. I'd buy another one in a quick second - but it would be among a rotation that I definitely don't have now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-Apple

That was a quick departure from your 312, the logo is a great piece!!! I think your 312 was my cousin with your low number of 4k. I got number 67 of 4k straight from my Ad. I cant wait til the baseball leather strap comes in , 2 more weeks of oem.

Mthwatch · 10 July 2011, 12:24 PM

Thank you! I was expecting a lot more of 'what are you, nuts!" The 312 is quickly becoming a classic, and for good reason.

But the 000 IS a classic - and for good reason! And, unlike the 312, I think it looks BEST with a history of wear and tear...

Now go out and get one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fc3s2k

Great story!!
Do what makes you happy. Congratulation!

The 0 is calling me!!!! And your story/ review didn't really help!!!
I want it even more.

mfer · 10 July 2011, 01:51 PM

Nope, you picked right!

!!!!!!

Shade · 10 July 2011, 04:58 PM

The 0 will always have a special place in my heart.

DEAL · 10 July 2011, 05:40 PM

PAM 000 - forever!

Joey_V · 10 July 2011, 05:50 PM

Congrats on your decision... it's interesting that I thought the EXACT opposite when I bought my 312. I figured I'd like to use it everyday and I could not use a polished cased Panerai every day of the week considering the hairline scratches it would be prone to. I figured the brushed 312 would be better - and I was right. The 312 withstood the 6 months I owned it without nearly a visible scratch. It was definitely an everyday watch for me.

I just ended up liking the 270 more so I had to sell it to make room.

Cru Jones · 10 July 2011, 11:03 PM

great post and CONGRATULATIONS.

i enjoyed reading the background and the thought process, and your passion came through.

how are you liking the assolutamente?

and, which simona strap are you wearing?

both look great and my next strap will be something along the lines of one of those.

Mthwatch · 11 July 2011, 12:21 AM

Thanks! The assolutamente has to be the most immediately comfortable oem strap ever. Great color, texture, and vintage feel.

The Simona is my next favorite. It's one of their stonewashed straps. Great patina and really thick (3 layers). Interesting color too.

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

great post and CONGRATULATIONS.

i enjoyed reading the background and the thought process, and your passion came through.

how are you liking the assolutamente?

and, which simona strap are you wearing?

both look great and my next strap will be something along the lines of one of those.

B. Doggy · 11 July 2011, 12:49 AM

sounds like you made the right decision...

topcat30093 · 12 July 2011, 03:59 AM

Good thread I enjoyed reading it.

Nothing wrong with changing one's mind.

And the straps look great on both watches.

Rock'n'Roll :)~ · 12 July 2011, 04:07 AM

good stuff!

Mthwatch · 12 July 2011, 06:05 AM

Man, I changed the name of my 000 album and broke all the links...I'll fix it!

snog · 12 July 2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mthwatch

Man, I changed the name of my 000 album and broke all the links...I'll fix it!

enjoyed reading that and I can now stop wondering why I can't see the pics!

superb · 13 July 2011, 12:44 AM

Good read, thanks Michael. I was thinking of the 1950 case myself if it is going to sit high or too thick. I was thinking of getting the 359, oh well.

10 July 2011, 09:19 AM	#1
Mthwatch Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Richmond, VA Watch: Panerai 000 Posts: 144	So remember that new 312...? Two new Panerai in 8 days. One is on my wrist, and the other has moved onto a new home. Here's my story...(and I hope someone learns something, or at least has a pleasant reading experience). A little backstory. First, I'm not wealthy. Far from it, actually. I'm 30, a graphic designer and a certified watch fanatic. I've been a fan of Panerai from the beginning. I was drawn to the brand for the same reasons a lot of you probably were. First, the stunningly simple, wonderful design. Very Italian, very masculine, very beautiful, and very practical. And the military heritage and history behind the brand is really interesting and pretty unique in the world of Swiss watchmaking. I bought myself my first Panerai in 2009 - the 24 Submersible. Awesome watch, and I know what drew me to it, but ultimately, it just wasn't quite what I wanted from a Panerai. I strayed a bit from my own aesthetic sensibilities and went for one of the busier Panerai around. Of course, these are my subjective opinions, so if you love your Sub - I'm glad! If I was rich, I'd have one for sure! But it wouldn't be my only one...which brings me to today. Fast forward to 2011. I'm looking for ONE NICE WATCH. I don't have a collection. I have a G-Shock. I narrowed my Panerai search down to the 312 and the 000. The decision to go with the 312 was very, very difficult. Of course, who doesn't love the 1950's case, the brushed and polished surfaces, the brass hands, the small seconds, the sandwich dial, the T.M REG. crownguard...and the in house movement! What a watch! And then I got it..(from a great guy, BNIB, for an awesome deal!) First, the 312 is simply gorgeous. But it's gone for this simple reason. For me, this watch is too 'pretty' to be my daily wearer. I'm a pretty young guy and I'm really active. This watch needs to be on my wrist about 18-20 hours a day, whatever I'm doing. I believe Panerai should be worn and enjoyed. And I just couldn't help feeling as though I had to baby the hell out of the 312! I'm taking a nice beach vacation soon, and I was seriously going to take my G Shock because I didn't want to scratch up the 312! That's crazy! We're all different and I'm sure there are people out there who feel perfectly fine banging their 312's into something - but I'm not. I can't explain it, but it just wasn't really 'me'. The 000 kept creeping into my head. And finally I just decided to do it. I sold the 312 in about 8 hours and ordered my 000 from Sharif at the NYC Boutique. It arrived this morning...along with some really cool goodies! On my Simona strap... On the amazing instant classic...the assolutamente Here are my impressions so far: The case feels so much smaller than the really thick 312. The thicker bezel and comparatively smaller dial makes the watch wear much, much smaller. And the case is so comfortable! Much more so than the 312. I also find that my straps are fitting a little better. The 312 really needs, in my opinion, a really thick strap. I like to wear my watch somewhat loose (not super tight against my wrist) so that it can move a little. This really wasn't possible with the 312 because it was so tall - it would dive into my wrist on the crown guard side and sit kind of crooked, making the watch more like 22mm thick - just asking to bang it on something. The painted dial is really cool. I think the lume on the 312 is marginally brighter, which surprises me. The 312 also seemed quicker to 'charge' and perhaps longer lasting (initial impression - I'll test tonight). The lack of a sandwich means a little less visual interest when the watch is at an angle. That was nice, but I don't miss it terribly. The dial of the 000 seems 'blacker' to me. There is a nice texture to both dials, but for some reason, either the material or perhaps the anti-reflective coatings are different. And I really prefer the black hands - I found the brass hands of the 312 gorgeous - and a tiny bit distracting. I don't mind winding my watch. On the contrary, I think it makes for a relationship with your watch that's mostly missing in an automatic. I, for one, love it. As for the date and the seconds...I really couldn't care less. I never sit and stare at a second hand anyway. The date? I'll just check my phone (I only look at it about a billion times a day anyway). If I need to know if my watch is running, I'll just put it up to my ear! Finally - there's the movement. The p9000 is stunning, and the 72 hour power reserve is pretty bad ass. And knowing it's there and it's entirely proprietary - that's the thing I'm going to miss. Not that the ETA in the 000 makes one difference to me. And this is why - I'm active and I do dumb things! This movement can take it. It's nothing if not super reliable. So I have very little to worry about. That's not to say the 312 can't handle some stuff, but there's no little voice in the back of my head reminding me of that thing on my wrist... So that's it. You've made it to the end. I'm really happy with my decision and I'm not really out any money. I'm glad I went the 312 route first, because the 'not knowing' would have really sucked. The 312 is an awesome watch, but ultimately - not the right one for me. And that's all that matters. I'm off to put some character scratches in it!

10 July 2011, 09:26 AM	#2
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Great read, sounds as thoiugh you are happy and thats what counts the most. The Pam 000 is an awesome watch, it was my first Pam and I really like it as well. Congrats. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

10 July 2011, 10:55 AM	#6
mmancari "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: MichaelMancari Location: Los Angeles Watch: Ap Diver 5513Rolex Posts: 119	excellent Excellent read! I applaud your decision and logic behind your choice.

10 July 2011, 11:06 AM	#7
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	Great story It's all about what makes you happy, congrats on finding the one! Enjoy that zero for life. __________________ My grails:

10 July 2011, 12:04 PM	#10
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	Great story!! Do what makes you happy. Congratulation! The 0 is calling me!!!! And your story/ review didn't really help!!! I want it even more. __________________

10 July 2011, 09:30 AM	#3
monty` Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 30	great post/story. glad you went with the watch that sings to you. personally i'm of the opinion that the best PAMs are the ones with the most simplistic designs/dials (ie. least complications). ps - love the assolutamente!

10 July 2011, 09:41 AM	#4
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	The logo looks amazing. Great story and great score.

10 July 2011, 09:57 AM	#5
drtooth73 Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: W. Stutman Location: Motor City Watch: TT GMT IIC Posts: 2,223	Great choice! Awesome straps!

10 July 2011, 11:07 AM	#8
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Nice. Congrats!

10 July 2011, 11:57 AM	#9
Mac-Apple Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Mike Location: Connecticut Watch: AP Diver Posts: 642	That was a quick departure from your 312, the logo is a great piece!!! I think your 312 was my cousin with your low number of 4k. I got number 67 of 4k straight from my Ad. I cant wait til the baseball leather strap comes in , 2 more weeks of oem.

10 July 2011, 01:51 PM	#13
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,724	Nope, you picked right! !!!!!! __________________ member#3242

10 July 2011, 04:58 PM	#14
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	The 0 will always have a special place in my heart. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

10 July 2011, 05:40 PM	#15
DEAL "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Andrew Shmygov Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 49	PAM 000 - forever!

10 July 2011, 05:50 PM	#16
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	Congrats on your decision... it's interesting that I thought the EXACT opposite when I bought my 312. I figured I'd like to use it everyday and I could not use a polished cased Panerai every day of the week considering the hairline scratches it would be prone to. I figured the brushed 312 would be better - and I was right. The 312 withstood the 6 months I owned it without nearly a visible scratch. It was definitely an everyday watch for me. I just ended up liking the 270 more so I had to sell it to make room. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

10 July 2011, 11:03 PM	#17
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	great post and CONGRATULATIONS. i enjoyed reading the background and the thought process, and your passion came through. how are you liking the assolutamente? and, which simona strap are you wearing? both look great and my next strap will be something along the lines of one of those.

11 July 2011, 12:49 AM	#19
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	sounds like you made the right decision... __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

12 July 2011, 03:59 AM	#20
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,459	Good thread I enjoyed reading it. Nothing wrong with changing one's mind. And the straps look great on both watches. __________________

12 July 2011, 04:07 AM	#21
Rock'n'Roll :)~ Banned Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Around Town Posts: 32	good stuff!

12 July 2011, 06:05 AM	#22
Mthwatch Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Richmond, VA Watch: Panerai 000 Posts: 144	Man, I changed the name of my 000 album and broke all the links...I'll fix it!

13 July 2011, 12:44 AM	#24
superb "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: anywhere but here Posts: 690	Good read, thanks Michael. I was thinking of the 1950 case myself if it is going to sit high or too thick. I was thinking of getting the 359, oh well.

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