Panerai virgin, recommendations for first piece

[NickTruswell]

Hi All,

I've reached the point in my collection where I now looking to branch out into other brands. As you'll see in the picture below so far it's all been about Rolex for me and I'm really happy about that but I've reached a point where i'd like to branch out into some other brands and looking to get a Panerai as my first venture outside of Rolex.

As such I'm looking for some advice as to what would be a good choice. I have a couple of requirements; 1) it must have a date, 2) it must have a seconds hand. I like both Radiomir and Luminor designs and have identified the 388 Radiomir and 312, 359 Luminor's as potential targets but would love to hear any other recommendations.

Also what are servicing costs like on Panerai and where do watches need sending too??

Thanks all
Nick

[kilyung]

312 meets your needs but try it on. I found it slightly top heavy.

[DoxaDavid]

You need a chrono in your collection so maybe a 250 or 196?

[jvo300]

I say bite the bullet and get a 233. I went through a lot of iterations before I landed on this one (see my PAM journey post). Mostly because I didn't want to spend so much on the watch when other alternatives existed (ie 312). Getting one per-owned is the way to go!

[NickTruswell]

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

You need a chrono in your collection so maybe a 250 or 196?

Chrono's not my thing. Had a S/S Daytona but sold it for my TT Sub. Dial to complicated and no date

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by jvo300

I say bite the bullet and get a 233. I went through a lot of iterations before I landed on this one (see my PAM journey post). Mostly because I didn't want to spend so much on the watch when other alternatives existed (ie 312). Getting one per-owned is the way to go!

I agree. I prefer the 233 over a 312 as well.

[Cru Jones]

Yeah, you're definitely ready to branch out.

233 is an icon for sure. You could consider the bases if you don't want to commit as much cash (000, 005, 111, 112, 176, 177). Or, go large with a 372 or 422. Or........

So many great choices. Take your time and enjoy!

[nick c]

372

[leechaz]

Evening Nick
i had the 359 but had to sell it as i found it too top heavy and uncomfortable .
The base PAMS sit better on the wrist and all of them are stunners .
i am going to PM you .
Lee

[apeogre]

Before you go out and buy a 233 or a 312, please go try them on! The 312 is one hell of a tall wobbly watch. Even though it's 44mm, I believe it's 18 or 19mm tall. It's similar to wearing a new PO chrono. With your current collection, the shear size of the 312 might take a bit getting used to. I tried one on and it looked a bit ridiculous to me. I was wearing a U1 when I tried it on, which is 44mm and about 13 or 14mm tall. I've been looking at a pam to add as well and am completely lost. Good luck!

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by apeogre

Before you go out and buy a 233 or a 312, please go try them on! The 312 is one hell of a tall wobbly watch. Even though it's 44mm, I believe it's 18 or 19mm tall. It's similar to wearing a new PO chrono. With your current collection, the shear size of the 312 might take a bit getting used to. I tried one on and it looked a bit ridiculous to me. I was wearing a U1 when I tried it on, which is 44mm and about 13 or 14mm tall. I've been looking at a pam to add as well and am completely lost. Good luck!

True, trying em on is key. I love the look of the 1950 case models (312, 359, etc), but, they don't fit nearly as good on me as the Bettarini 44mm case models. Depends on wrist size and (especially) shape and body build.

[nick c]

Try the 000,005,112 there nice

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by NickTruswell

... I have a couple of requirements; 1) it must have a date, 2) it must have a seconds hand. I like both Radiomir and Luminor designs and have identified the 388 Radiomir and 312, 359 Luminor's as potential targets...

They are probably your best bet if you don't want any additional complications (you already noted you ditched your Daytona). The only "complication" I'm going to try to sell you on is Panerai's 8-day movements. The 233 (289) mentioned is a great example and I believe the only current 8-day model(s) that satisfy your requirements. Otherwise there's the subs (305, 024, 025) and quite a few "contemporary luminors" that have date & seconds.

Originally Posted by nick c

372 ... Try the 000,005,112...

I would say none of these will satisfy the OP's requirements...

[Shikar]

I did the 112 - too boring and I wanted a date .....to the 312 which was too top heavy but has a beautiful dial and case shape.......to perfection ....233 is the perfect single Pam.

Regards.

[advocatia]

422. No date, I know. That's what cell phones and calendars are for.
Or 372. Not a big fan of the power reserve on the dial on any Panerai. HATE the Panerai cyclops.

With Panerai, simple is best.

[One Ping Only]

Another 233 owner saying "check it out".

Get to an AD and try on a few, see what you like and how it looks and feels on your wrist. I found the auto Luminors too tall and thought I wanted a base, but then the 233 was just right.

[apeogre]

Isn't the 233 the same size as the 312? It's the same 1950's case, right?

[iLLGT2]

I'd say, you can keep it budget friendly and classic, with a 005..

233 for a nice power reserve/manual wind and movement, it's a beauty too and more comfy than a 359/312

Or how about a classic and timeless beauty? 162, panda/anthracite subdial Panerai and their first chrono piece. Very special to me and just gorgeous!

Nothing feels like an older Panerai to me!

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by apeogre

Isn't the 233 the same size as the 312? It's the same 1950's case, right?

Different case.

[ericf4]

I agree on 312as it was my first Panerai......in house movement and overall sporty and dressy look so perfect for work and play......love it!

[buke45]

After giving it a lot of thought I just bought my first Pam I decided on a 321. I was just right. This is after owning 20-25 rolexes over the years and 5 Breitlings. I love the case and the whole 1950 case look, however it is a big watch and its not for everyone.

[p_mcgee]

I flipped a couple PAMs before deciding to pay up and get a 233. Well worth it IMO.

[DiverAsia]

I tried on everything, and my requirements were that I wanted a date and a second hand. So, I got a 372!
Which of course has neither. That is because I thought I knew what I wanted before I saw what I wanted!
Cheers! have fun in your search. oh yeah, check out the 233s and save some money by not flipping 2-3 pams before you plunk down some cash for what everyone really wants....a 233.

[apeogre]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Different case.

I'm assuming the overall watch is shorter? Hence why everyone is raving about it....

[jvo300]

Originally Posted by apeogre

I'm assuming the overall watch is shorter? Hence why everyone is raving about it....

It wears much flatter on the wrist because it isn't as thick as those with automatic movements.