No longer chasing Rolex (for now); PAM 88 has caught my eye

[BXNupe]

Hello good people,

I've been fortunate enough to own a few Rolex watches over the years; mostly SS sport models. For the last 12 mos. I've been researching the only two Rolexes that still interest me, namely the SS Daytona and the Expy II (black face). I recently came to the conclusion that, for different reasons, neither "spoke to me" the way my others do. They certainly weren't talking loud enough and persuasively enough for me to fork over +/- $10K and +/- $4K, respectively.

However, after first being introduced to Panerai a couple of years ago, I went to my AD today to see the current model range and generally become more educated on the brand. The 44mm Luminor GMT 88 was flirting with me heavily. Although, I didn't take "her" home on impulse, I'm smitten. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 88. This would be my first and likely only Panerai. My AD is looking for list price and will give me a fair amount on a trade (Omega Speedmaster). Finally, why is the brand referred to as "PAM"? Isn't "PAN" more appropriate? Thanks in advance for your insight.

Cheers,

[Esexx]

I know how you feel.

I have always loved Rolex's, however once I saw a Pam for the first time...WOW! I knew I had to have one! (I am on the hunt)

The 88 looks great, but I havent seen it in person yet.

Goodn luck!

**Isn't "PAM" the beginning of the model #? (PAM 88) Not short for anything else.

[mike]

Some have said the 88 dial is a tad busy, but for me it was the first Panerai I bought and I have been over the moon with it ever since.

I find the watch can be dressed up or down with ease with a strap change and fit into any situtation. I quite like the silver sub dial as to me it gives it a touch of a vintage look.

Extremely comfortable on the wrist and of course offering a dual timezone capability, the 88 is just plain hard to beat.

Accuracy (and consistency) on my has been stupid good, about 1/2 second slow over a week at a time.

[ocwatching]

the force of the dark side is strong...
enjoy the PAM ride...

[belk7]

I believe that PAM is derived from : PAnerai Model. Some other folks will probable chime in and either verify or correct me.

The PAM088 is a great watch which I think you'll be very happy with.

[B. Doggy]

Go for it!

[jcatral14]

PAM88 was my first and absolutely love it!!! Get it, you won't be disappointed

[Psmith]

Welcome to the Darkside...

Nice pics Mike and Jay





Cheers

[Trurolexer]

So...What you're waiting for? GO FOR IT!!!

[niels74]

indeed PAnerai Model makes up PAM - the 88 is a very nice watch, its the one that actually gets the most wrist time out of the lot, its busy for a Panerai dail wise but find the GMT's (any) always a plus. And its just a very nice daily wearer..

the silver sub dail catches the eye nicely , and indeed its very easy to dress the wath up or down with a strap.. the GMT has had the most changes of the whole Pam line and without a doubt the 88 being the most populair.

just to pull you over to the dark side...

[andrew79]

LOL... you got the pam virus now.... go for it....

[Dan Pierce]

Best looking Pam made.
dP

[Pep04]

I have the 244, which is the 40mm version. I really love it. I wanted to sell it back around Christmas, because I want to get a 1680.

It wears very nice with a suit or with a nice button down and slacks or just bermudas, t-shirt and sandals. Very versatile.

[dalip]

Absolutely go for it!! There was one in the for sale section....take a look! Good luck...

[emagni]

Gotta love those skeleton hands! Also my first PAM although it's not true to PAM clean motto. If it has to be one PAM and under 10k, I would look at the 312 which has the historic case, a sandwich dial, simplicity, and no date magnifying glass to take away from the clean look.

[kyle L]

Oscar has one!

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...86#post1861086

[paverman]

Originally Posted by dalip

Absolutely go for it!! There was one in the for sale section....take a look! Good luck...

Sorry, I got it already.
I couldn't resist the alure of the Pam monster either. The 88 will soon meet her half brother 270.

[newrolexman]

The Rolex's hardly see any wrist life since I bought this beauty.

You will love it.

[BXNupe]

Wow. Thanks for all the insights and great pictures. I'm pretty much sold on the watch. I like the versatility, ruggedness and overall aesthetics. I will likely pull the trigger relatively soon...but I first have to put a few more pennies in the jar. Thanks again for all the information!

BTW, anyone have flicks of the 88 w/ a black gator/croc strap? If so, please share. Thx.

Cheers,

[Retronaut]

I like the PAM 89 better....but it is along the same lines.....my favorite PAM

[dalip]

Originally Posted by paverman

Sorry, I got it already.
I couldn't resist the alure of the Pam monster either. The 88 will soon meet her half brother 270.

Congrats mate....looking forward to pics

The watch is busy...but it works so well.....may have to pop to my AD and pop it on my wristJust to see of course

I'd say this thread had seriously done it's job

[Panaboy]

It's all part of the sickness. After several from Rolex,Patek,AP and now onto Panerai.
It's just a matter of time...

[dotcomakazee]

Once you go PAM, you'll never go back! (Well...you might go back, but you will find yourself always longing for a PAM, even more so than a Rolex).

[buz-lh]

I love my 88.. as Mike stated it dresses up or down perfectly. I like the silver subdial and the GMT complication and the skeleton hands are easy to read in poor light.