Panerai Pam00448 vs. Pam00449 (UPDATED)

[jowettlim]

I have just bought my PAM 449 from takuya aka thanh do. Should receive it next week. Will post photos soon.

Anyway, after doing some research i realize...

PAM 448
Is a gorgeous looking watch. Hardly anyone would argue on that. Gorgeous ...highly sort after dial with an in house movement. SE to 750 pcs. However, many are worried about the future value as there are already many cali dial were made before this, especially the PAM 249 being the "original". Thus, some might still prefer the PAM 249 if/when the price of PAM 448 goes up to the same as PAM 249. Only + points that lure collectors towards PAM 448 are, lower SE number. 750 pcs comparing to PAM 249's 1936 pcs. In house movement of course, and thicker case thus more beefy looks. Bottom line is, there are still PAM 249 in its way.


PAM 449
Besides the looks (either you love it or hate it), it is the 1st prototype of an SLC dial with blue hands. The only reason stopping you from buying this is probably again, the dial/looks of the watch. Other than that, the only way to go is up for this PAM 449. Personally i think it is amazing. The reason that got me back into Panerai watches. I am no expert and please do comment. Would love to hear and learn what other paneristi think about these 2 highly sought after PAM.


PS: Given enough budget, would you rather own a pair (both PAM 448, PAM 449) or would you rather pick either one, then save the money for another PAM such as PAM 232?

[Piquet]

I bought the pair, if you can afford it somehow they work better as a pair. I originally didn't want the 448 as i have the white gold 376, but when i handled one i just couldn't part from it.

Personally i'd take a 448 over a 249, the nice case and dial over a cheap movement just irks me too much, winding the in house movements just feels so good and is so integral in the ownership experience, winding the 249 just feel like winding a cheap watch.

I used to have 232 and beautiful as it it, it needs the plexi and a better movement for the amount you end up paying for it

[kilyung]

I like the 448 looks cleaner IMO. I don't mind the resemblance to the 249. Heck look at the 111 v 510... similarities are bound to happen across the lineup as OP switches to in-house.

Personally, I like the 514 Rad best at the moment.

[Cru Jones]

Blue hands? 249.
SLC? 425.

No "vintage" on the case? Priceless.

[jowettlim]

Thanks guys! Do let me know if anyone has a brand new/unworn pam 448 for sale. Sellers with references only please.

History, resell value, uniqueness ect ASIDE. Pam 448 vs. 449...which one looks better on the wrist? Purely based on looks only. For those who own or have seen the actual watches. Opinion please??

[jowettlim]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I like the 448 looks cleaner IMO. I don't mind the resemblance to the 249. Heck look at the 111 v 510... similarities are bound to happen across the lineup as OP switches to in-house.

Personally, I like the 514 Rad best at the moment.

514 is hot but it looks a little too modern for me. I personally prefer vintage looking pams like448 and 449. 232 is nice too but agree that it lacks a plexi. A 294 would be awesome though it will cost a fortune. Saw one going for 24000 now.

[Piquet]

Originally Posted by jowettlim

514 is hot but it looks a little too modern for me. I personally prefer vintage looking pams like448 and 449. 232 is nice too but agree that it lacks a plexi. A 294 would be awesome though it will cost a fortune. Saw one going for 24000 now.

the 294s keep dropping in price, when they first came out people were asking 40k for them! The real question would be how much is the plexi worth over a 232

the killer is the 249 plexi fits the 232, if you have a 249 you can order a spare plexi and the gasket, if you could just find an AD to fit it. i did look at getting some made and then you could take your 232 along to any watchmaker and get them to swap them over

[jowettlim]

Originally Posted by Piquet

the 294s keep dropping in price, when they first came out people were asking 40k for them! The real question would be how much is the plexi worth over a 232

the killer is the 249 plexi fits the 232, if you have a 249 you can order a spare plexi and the gasket, if you could just find an AD to fit it. i did look at getting some made and then you could take your 232 along to any watchmaker and get them to swap them over

That is great news! Thanks for sharing the info bro.

[texex91]

Love the way the 448 looks--cali all the way!

[Survivor]

I think the 425 and 424 beat both the 448 and 449 by a mile..........

[jowettlim]

IMHO 425 does look better at 1st glance. The gold hands match the dial so well it glows. The thing is, the beauty doesn't last. It is a 8 out of 10 and it stays 8...or becomes a 7 after awhile. Whereas for the 449, it is a 7.5 at first but it grows on you. The"now u see, now u don't" blue hands, the plexi. It eventually becomes a 9 or 9.5 and stays there. And did anyone mention SE 750?

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Blue hands? 249. SLC? 425.

The 249 is it but since the OP wants in-house... I'd go blue-hands over gold so 448/449 would be my recommendation.
I'm not particularly big on either gold or blue, but the blue-framed hands were the very original, followed years later by brass hands.

Originally Posted by Survivor

I think the 425 and 424 beat both the 448 and 449 by a mile..........

If you're a gold-hands fan, I can understand - however, putting a date window on a Cali dial just makes no sense whatsoever, sorry.

EDIT: Ah, yes, now I remember...

Originally Posted by Survivor

...that's why I bought the 425!!!!! Regardless, they are both beauties and there's no way you can go wrong with either.

[jowettlim]

When till the flippers done with flipping and those 750 pcs gone into real collectors hand. Then we will see the real price of 448 and 449.

I have a strong feeling that 449 is gonna be a hit.