So, I took a trip to London a few weeks ago...

[DINGER]

On the hunt for my first Panerai

Firstly, many thanks to everyone on here who replied to my earlier threads. I'd been deliberating over whether to stick to my original plan (buying another Rolex, I'm 3rd on the list at my AD for a new ceramic sub) or opting for my first Panerai. I decided that I needed to go and handle some Panerai in the flesh so hopped on the train with my Mrs a few Saturday's ago to have a look round a few AD's. Had my heart set on a 312, loved the simple looks, second hand, date function, automatic, need I go on? It was also similar price to the sub so just about in budget.

I wasn't expecting to actually find a 312 as I know numbers are quite limited. Had a stroll along the Burlington Arcade and saw one in the first window I looked in ! Wasn't sure if it was second hand and ideally I wanted to buy from an AD but in the back of my mind I knew that if I couldn't find one I'd probably end up going back as a contingency. The Mrs wasn't initially keen on the look of the watch which might have scuppered my plans but I convinced her that handling it up close would change her mind.

Got distracted for about 20 mins looking at some stunning vintage rolex, some beautiful Daytona's were on display but way out of my budget unfortunately, if my 6 numbers ever come up on the lottery the Burlington will be the first place I'll be paying a visit to :) Lots of Coke GMT's on display which is something I'd like to add to my small collection one day.

I'd been recommended to try Wempe by a TRF member so this was my first visit (and as it turns out the only visit I needed to make). What a fabulous shop, I could have spent all day roaming around in there The chap who greeted me was a true gent and was happy to chat to me despite the fact I was dressed in shorts/t-shirt, looking a bit scruffy not to mention soaking wet from the good old British summer weather. I enquired about a 312 expecting to be told that I had no chance but to my suprise was told to take a seat as they had literally just received one in.

As soon as I was handed the watch I knew I had to have it, absolutely blew me away. I love my GMT but the 312 just made it look, well, ordinary. Pictures really don't do these watches any justice at all. I was initially going to check out the 111 they had in stock and maybe a few others but knew there was no need, my mind was already made up. I attempted (poorly) to enquire about a discount which I knew wouldn't be forthcoming (and it wasn't). I couldn't make my mind up whether to go for the OEM black strap or a dark brown strap and had hoped a deal could be done on the staps if I bought both but alas, no discount on anything would be permitted.

I popped out for an hour to grab some lunch and then went back to make the purchase. Decided on the brown strap and will hopefully add a few more soon. At the risk of sounding like a kid who takes a new toy out of the box and plays with the box instead of the toy but how great are the Panerai boxes !! Makes the Rolex box look cheap by comparison

In the short time I've owned the 312 I've discovered I have to be careful where I wear it, driving is a no, no. I find myself staring at the watch when I should be concentrating on driving

If I can find my camera I'll get some pictures posted up.

In the meantime, can anyone recommend some places to buy some staps in the UK? Or am I going to have to order from abroad?

Finally, someone recently posted a picture on a thread of a buckle that had the 2 chaps sitting on the sub hollowed out on the buckle. Can't find the thread now but does anyone know where I can get one?

All the best

Chris

[esm]

congrats Chris.

312 is a great Panerai. Tried one a couple of weekends ago.

As for the straps, I get mine from Toshi Straps (google search will get you the web addy). Rich is very helpful and is in London. You cab bespoke the strap colour, stitching and tail style to your liking.

Hope this helps.

[B. Doggy]

Well CONGRATS and welcome to the 312 club, my friend! You'll become mesmorized by the aftermarket straps out there. Everyone here knows my favorite is a Big B/Kevin AMMO. You can see those over at www.watches24seven.com

There are so many others out there and you just need to know what you like best. Time will direct you in the right direction...

[mike]

Congrats on a killer reference and welcome to the dark side.

[Psmith]

Congrats Chris - looking forward to the pics




Cheers

[andrew79]

pics pics pics :)

[MrJ320]

Congrats on the 312. Great watch and wear in good health.

[mfer]

Cool story. Great to have Rolex and Panerai in the collection.

Congrats.

[Sponon]

Congratulation on the 312! It is IMO one of top 3 (190, 127) best looking PAMs out there

As for straps, I highly recommend Greg Stevens and Ted Su.

Wear it in good health

Oh..! Pics are mandatory

[kilyung]

Excellent choice for a first PAM - now be prepared to spend even more money on straps. Good thing you got it now particularly given the 20% VAT I heard hitting the UK next year.

[DINGER]

Thanks for all the replies :)

Will check out some of the recomended sites above.

Anyone know where I can get the buckle I mention at the end of my first post?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by DINGER

Thanks for all the replies :)

Will check out some of the recomended sites above.

Anyone know where I can get the buckle I mention at the end of my first post?

Quite a few strap/buckle makers produce a 'submarine' buckle - try Heroic 18 for starters... http://www.heroic18.com/product-list.php?category_id=17




Cheers

[ocwatching]

congrats..Panerai really hit it out of the park with the 312..very popular...
enjoy that nice piece...I do mine...
congrats again..now expand your budget for some straps...
Rob Montana
Greg Stevens
Simona Straps
Kevin Ammo
Micah
list is on and on...

[Psmith]

No pressure Chris... but the entire Australian nation is awaiting your pictures





Cheers

[canwatchco]

Excellent story! I love the way that people refer to Panerai enlightenment as enteriing "the dark side". I would say that it is more like "the bright side". Rolexes are wonderful watches. Panerais are seductrices!

Greg Stevens Designs make the most wonderful straps that you could imagine (and he will make you a matching belt to boot!).

There is a guy on TZ selling awesome "pig" buckles. I don't know if I can post the link here, but you can easily find it with a pig search. His alias is DON.

Congrats on the purchase!

[dukerules]

Another congratulations on joining club 312. I've had mine for 6 months and absolutely love it.
As far as straps go, you have a huge number of options. I can personally vouch for Greg Stevens, Rob Montana, and the Calavera bull straps from Guillermo, but you have a ton of options. Micah (Vintager straps), Ted Su, and Kevin/BigB ammos are extremely popular. My advice is to spend some time looking at pics of other people's straps before deciding what you want.

[DINGER]

Apologies firstly for the long wait for pictures (been very busy at work) and secondly for the terrible quality of the pictures. I've got a Sony Cyber Shot 7.2 which is now ancient and I've never read the 500 page manual so haven't worked out the best settings

Anyway, here's a few pics with my other watches and my second great passion my car









A final quick question. I've noticed in other people's pictures that they had a plastic protector for when the watch is in the box. Do these come with all PAM's? I know with the Rolex it's important to keep the bezel protector so should I be contacting my AD to get one?

Chris

[Psmith]

Thanks for the pics Chris, you have a great collection (Lotus is nice too)


Your camera should be able to take pretty good pics - set it to 2M resolution, macro mode on, flash off and use plenty of good natural light instead. Nice and steady - a tripod helps of course



Cheers

[kilyung]

I wouldn't fret about the bezel protector. It shouldn't impact the value of your watch and you'll probably get one with your first service. Enjoy the watch! PS: I imagine that Daytona is quite useful with the Lotus. :)

[Latrodectus]

Thank you for the pictures, great. Congratulations to you first Panerai

[DINGER]

Thanks for the comments and photo tips.

Good to know about the bezel protector not affecting re-sale value, not that I ever intend to flip, this watch is definitely a keeper. Might still have a word with my AD to see if I can get one

[Ed Rooney]

You already have 2 nice Rolex, so the PAM really adds a nice touch to the collection.

[s.justinlee]

awesome collection, including the car.
wear in good health.

[Trurolexer]

Huge Congrats!!!