AP 42mm Steel Diver Vs. PAM 111 44mm - Fit wise...

[Speed]

Hi All,

Perhaps a strange question...but this might help manage my expectations / give me something to ruminate on for now.

I think my 44mm PAM 111 fits my 6.5" wrist pretty nicely.

I have not tried on the AP diver yet - tho I will. Wondering if folks who have both watches - or who have tried both watches can comment.

The 41mm RO 15400 feels way too big on me...the 15300 - also on the potential hit list - fits well, but is hard to find.

Are the Diver's lugs curved differently Vs. the 15400 so that the larger size may sit better ala the PAM for me?

At any rate, sorry for the rambling, but I wanted some food for thought before I try one on.

Cheers.

[thsiao]

Should fit great. I think its thicker than the PAM but overall will look smaller.

[Speed]

Thanks thsiao... How do you think the Diver compares to the 15400? Are the Diver's lugs a different length?

[wisguy]

I own the 111 and used to own a Diver.

The Diver is and feels bigger and although it is more comfortable than the 15400 (which I currently own) I found it to be more uncomfortable than the PAM.

The strap is very wide and not as flexible as the Panerai's, and I always had the issue of one hole to loose and one more too tight. But you need to try it on, depends on your wrist size and shape.

The 15400 is not the most comfortable either, I used to own a 15300 and it was more comfortable and the size was better for my smallish wrist. Look around they pop up every now and then.

The "problem" with the RO on bracelet is that the bracelet does not curve around your wrist like on non-intergated desings, that makes hard for small wrists to find comfort. Not like a Rolex that just fits perfect.

Here are some wrist shots of each:

[Speed]

Ahh. Great thoughts. Thank you. Maybe I need to hold out for a minty 15300.

I thought about the Diver on bracelet. I really like the pics I saw on a thread of Dalip's some time ago. Sounds like that might be a different challenge.

[DreambreaX]

take the 15400 silver. dont take 15300.

[Speed]

[QUOTE=wisguy;4646625]I own the 111 and used to own a Diver.

The Diver is and feels bigger and although it is more comfortable than the 15400 (which I currently own) I found it to be more uncomfortable than the PAM.

The strap is very wide and not as flexible as the Panerai's, and I always had the issue of one hole to loose and one more too tight. But you need to try it on, depends on your wrist size and shape.

The 15400 is not the most comfortable either, I used to own a 15300 and it was more comfortable and the size was better for my smallish wrist. Look around they pop up every now and then.

The "problem" with the RO on bracelet is that the bracelet does not curve around your wrist like on non-intergated desings, that makes hard for small wrists to find comfort. Not like a Rolex that just fits perfect.

Here are some wrist shots of each:


Thanks for the pics - just saw them come through.
I actually like the feel of my Pam 111. However, it does not seem to cover my wrist as the diver does on yours...I do think I need to wait on a 39mm 15300 to pop.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by DreambreaX

take the 15400 silver. dont take 15300.

Curious. Why do you say that?

[improviz]

Have a look at this 2012 thread on similar topic:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=246016

[Speed]

Originally Posted by improviz

Have a look at this 2012 thread on similar topic:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=246016

Ah much thanks. I must have missed that one back in 2012. Great read...but now I am even more confused. I think there is one AD in town who carries AP. Last time I was there, they had the uber high end Carbon editions and a Safari. I tried on the latter and it looked ridonkulous on me.

I have a relatively flat wrist. My Speedy Pro sometimes seems like the lugs hang over the edges of my wrist...but looks nice on a deployant croc strap. The Speedy has long lugs and does not curve to the (my) wrist.

[DreambreaX]

Originally Posted by Speed

Curious. Why do you say that?

15400 is bigger and more nice looking compare to 15300.

If there is the newer one, take the newer one. Dont take the old one. (I know most people here adore the old thing)

I never think of selling my watches, but some people does, if you are the one, then take the 15400, its easier to sell, especially the silver one.

[AK797]

The Diver and 41mm 15400 wear very similarly on the wrist, but the Diver is also a lot thicker so if the 400 is way too big I suspect the Diver will be too, 300 is a better choice usually for 6.5 flat wrists.

[Speed]

Thanks. I'll definitely try some APs on again...but If I truly want to get one, it sounds like the combo of the unique case/lug structure makes the watches wear even larger than equivalent sized Pams or other watches of the same stated size.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by DreambreaX

15400 is bigger and more nice looking compare to 15300.



If there is the newer one, take the newer one. Dont take the old one. (I know most people here adore the old thing)



I never think of selling my watches, but some people does, if you are the one, then take the 15400, its easier to sell, especially the silver one.

Well...the size is the driving factor. Not a flipper either so I want to get something I'll be happy with. Thanks

I do like the shade of blue on the 15400 dials. Very bright in some pics.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Speed

Ah much thanks. I must have missed that one back in 2012. Great read...but now I am even more confused. I think there is one AD in town who carries AP. Last time I was there, they had the uber high end Carbon editions and a Safari. I tried on the latter and it looked ridonkulous on me.

I have a relatively flat wrist. My Speedy Pro sometimes seems like the lugs hang over the edges of my wrist...but looks nice on a deployant croc strap. The Speedy has long lugs and does not curve to the (my) wrist.

I missed it back in 2012 too, only knew of its existance as I've been researching the same topic as am also considering a Diver, and as I own an 005 figured comparing it to PAMs would be good frame of reference, which it is...so I'd already found this, thought I'd be nice and post it for you.

I did wear it once, as I recall it didn't seem to wear quite as large as my PAM, but my wrists are 7.25-7.5" depending upon season and gym frequency, so height wise it's not a problem, and that's where the problem would lie with thinner wrists. I'd check lug-lug height on it (actually I guess it's more accurately descibed as "case end" since this deliniates its height, on the strapped diver you'd probably want figure from end of metal-end of metal) and compare *that* to the Pam's lug height, it'd give you a better idea of potential wrist overlap, though of course there's no substitute for trying the sucker out...good luck.

[subtona]

had the diver for a bit, found it very comfortable, the rubber strap really tames its heft.

didn't feel any different than my SD height wise.

as I'm wearing my Pam 390 at the moment , i would say they were similar as far as feel, with the Diver actually sitting a bit more still on the wrist.

[Speed]

Thanks Improviz and Subtona. I'll visit the AD I know of and report back. I'm still thinking the 15300 would be the better choice - even if I could "pull off" the larger model.

[improviz]

15300 is a totally different vibe than the Diver, but it is a gorgeous piece and is definitely more well-suited for smaller wrists. It is more versatile than it might appear in pics, where it looks very dressy: the first time I tried it on with jeans and a polo shirt I was surprised at how well it went.

I think you'll love it. Let us know!

[Speed]

Yes. :-). The search continues.

[Speed]

Will do. Thanks again for the comments!

[Speed]

Well...no 15400s in stock, but I did try a 41mm chrono.

What do you think?

[improviz]

Looks a bit large, but close-ups always distort (ex: if I take a close-up of a 40mm on my wrist vs a shot from 5' away, makes a big difference).

Despite this, however, in your case it may still wear a bit too large (imo), or at least borderline, as it appears that edges of case overlap your wrist a bit.

Did they happen to have any 39 mms in stock of any sort to compare?

[Speed]

Nope. Just a 37mm which felt small. ;-)

This 41mm looked ok I think...but a 39 would have been perfect.

[improviz]

Yeah...it's not like this one is gargantuan or anything, but the 39mm would probably be a better match. Are you leaning towards black/blue dial instead of white?

[Speed]

In mostly a black dial guy...but might go for Blue. Feels more closely aligned with AP

[improviz]

Should be good then with the 39mm, they wear a bit smaller than the white dialed version.

[B. Doggy]

15300 is uber sexy!

[ocwatching]

I have had 390 and a diver..on 6.5" wrist..I could not get comfortable with the diver...and also..the diver wears LARGE....larger and thicker than Panerai...

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Speed

Nope. Just a 37mm which felt small. ;-)

This 41mm looked ok I think...but a 39 would have been perfect.

Agree with you about the size 39mm looks like it would be the sweet spot.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Speed

Well...no 15400s in stock, but I did try a 41mm chrono.

What do you think?

Tiny bit on the large size, but hey this an AP, not a Patek, right? and the black dial wears smaller than white and boy that dial looks stunning.

Also 15300s are discontinued so are harder to find and the blue might be very difficult to.