First PAM?

[jbsmith]

Looking for my first PAM and thought I would get the experts' knowledge and opinions.

I'm wanting an in-house automatic movement, black dial, black strap, and date preferred.

After brief review of all models, I'm leaning toward the 321 GMT with reserve.

Would this be a good first? Is this model fairly popular, so in the event I have to flip, it would be liked by more than few?

Thanks in advance for everyone's input, suggestions, opinions, etc...

[porschejeff]

321 is a beauty for sure. You can't go wrong with it.

[Gottahaverolex]

Before we throw out a bunch of models, what is your price range? I have a 233 and I am super pleased with it and it meets all of your criteria and then some.

[PamMan]

The 233 isn't an automatic movement. The 270 meets your criteria aside from not coming with a black strap (unless you count the rubber strap), but that it's an easy fix.

[jbsmith]

Originally Posted by Gottahaverolex

Before we throw out a bunch of models, what is your price range? I have a 233 and I am super pleased with it and it meets all of your criteria and then some.

Thanks Rich! The 233 is beautiful and reminds me a lot of the 321. I see that it's hand wind, and I'm quite lazy when it comes to winding/setting watches. I'm looking to keep max price at ~$10k. The 233 appears to be quite the popular watch and only requires winding once a week. I'll keep in my short list. Thanks!

[jbsmith]

Originally Posted by PamMan

The 233 isn't an automatic movement. The 270 meets your criteria aside from not coming with a black strap (unless you count the rubber strap), but that it's an easy fix.

Thanks PamMan! That 270 is great as well. AM/PM and 10 day PR! Quite a bit of price jump though. I'll definitely add to short list as maybe I could get used? Thanks!

[PamMan]

Absolutely, used they can be had not to far above your budget.

[kilyung]

388 is classy!

[jbsmith]

Thanks Mike! That 388 is very classy. Maybe too classy for me.

[PamMan]

I also wanted to point out that the 233 would fit closer to your budget and with the 8 day PR winding isn't too big of a chore. I have a 311 (8 day hand wind) and Sunday before I start the week, I wind it up and I'm good to go.

I will also say that I was between the 233 and the 270 and the 270 was the one for me!

[elazarus]

For a 1st Panerai...A Luminor in a Base model or a Luminor Marina with the sub-seconds at 9 o'clock.

True History, true Panerai



Regards

Elliot

[travisb]

312 is a nice option as well.
Matches all of your criteria.
Similar to the 321 but a more simple dial lay out.
Good luck and congrats on choosing your first!!

[Betelc]

+1

Originally Posted by elazarus

for a 1st panerai...a luminor in a base model or a luminor marina with the sub-seconds at 9 o'clock.

True history, true panerai

[Cru Jones]

get what you like and if you like the power reserve on the dial, go for it, but, in terms of re-sale, if you want a GMT automatic, consider the 320 instead of the 321. if you are not sold on the GMT, go for the 312.

that all being said, the 1950s automatic cases can be top heavy and large for certain wrists, so, if you haven't already, consider trying on various models first.

enjoy the hunt!

[jbsmith]

Wow. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. You guys are always very helpful. My short list just got larger. That's ok though.

I've tried on the 321 and it appears to be ok size wise?

So the 320 has better resale than 321?

233, 270, 312, 320, and 321 are now all in the mix. I love them all. Maybe price, availability, and/or resale value come into the mix to help me decide?

Thanks again gents.

BTW...looking to sell my B&R in my sig to help fund this one. That way total count remains the same if the wife asks.

About to flip my black diamond dial 116234 for white 116520, but always thinking about next one.

[mws222]

Can't go wrong with a 233!

[elazarus]

True +1

The 1950 case definitely fits differently than the regular Luminor case.

[Mr Singh]

Go for the 321, its a beautiful piece and you won't see many out and about. 320 has the PR indicator on the back, but for £100 more why not have it on the front?

You won't be disappointed and the saving you'll make over a 233 can be used to fund another watch ;)

[keyon59]

First Pam 0, 5, 111

[PamMan]

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

Go for the 321, its a beautiful piece and you won't see many out and about. 320 has the PR indicator on the back, but for £100 more why not have it on the front?

You won't be disappointed and the saving you'll make over a 233 can be used to fund another watch ;)

I am personally not a big fan of the style of the PR on the 321, but I do like the linear style on the 233 and 270. I also like the idea of having a cleaner dial, so the PR on the back of the watch is a nice step in that direction.

I would take the 320 out of the 320 and 321.

[TAKUYA]

if you think about 320 or 321, get 233 instead. 233 is much better than all around, even when you re-sell it.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by jbsmith

I've tried on the 321 and it appears to be ok size wise? So the 320 has better resale than 321? 233, 270, 312, 320, and 321 are now all in the mix...

I looks fine on your wrist, no worries Yes well, with Panerai "usually", less is more. Thus the 320 has more appeal than the 321. For me, it's the off-center PR indicator that doesn't appeal, but this is simply a matter of taste and (fortunately) we all have different tastes.

Your original cap was $10K but it would seem you're willing to make an exception for the 233 & 270. As the owner of the 233, I'm naturally biased, but I prefer manual movements in Panerai. With the 233 you have 8 days (!) PR; you can't tell me that's not enough and you can't tell me that you will wear any single watch so that a 48-hr automatic trumps 8 days

320 and 233 get my vote

[kilyung]

I second the 233

[Eugene-Taiwan]

new to the forum and new to Panerai as well. I picked up a 321

[xekret]

I am a first time Panerai owner and while I was going to go for the 005, the awesome guys at Tourneau set me up with a 351 instead. I'm loving every minute of it.

[eric23]

I would go with a 000,005, 111 or 112 for your first.

[rosewood1969]

Originally Posted by travisb

312 is a nice option as well.
Matches all of your criteria.
Similar to the 321 but a more simple dial lay out.
Good luck and congrats on choosing your first!!

+1. I bought it and loving it!

[Friedl41]

Originally Posted by elazarus

For a 1st Panerai...A Luminor in a Base model or a Luminor Marina with the sub-seconds at 9 o'clock.

True History, true Panerai



Regards

Elliot

100% agree.

Elliot, question ... What straps are these?

[Survivor]

Get what you like............the same old response from people to get a 000, 005, 111, 176 just gets old and boring. For some reason, they think you have to start with this, only to trade up..........why???? If you like the historic and/or base models, by all means......they are fantastic. You have your eyes on something else so go for it!!!!!

[elazarus]

Originally Posted by Friedl41

100% agree.

Elliot, question ... What straps are these?

Both the PAM 9A and the 2A have the Mario Paci XI Tan Ambra...these are shown with the Patina after a couple of weeks of wearing.

The leather is soft and it takes on a different color for each person according to their body oils.

Elliot