Help me decide!

[bitpshr]

I've owned a Sub C, Milgauss GV, GMT II C, AP Diver, Tudor Black Bay, PAM512, and a PAM510. I sold all my pieces some time ago to free up funds for a side project, and now I'm ready to make another purchase to step back into the watch world. I don't plan on buying more than one watch for the foreseeable future, so I'm looking for a few key characteristics:

1. Durability: I'm OCD about scratches, I can't help it.
2. Reliability: I want a watch that will still work, from a company that's still around, 20+ years from now.
3. Reality: I will wear this daily and I own a creative agency, so I'd feel out of place if I purchased something flashy like a 116515LN.

I'll start by saying this (puts on flame-retardant suit): I really like Panerai. I think the brand has made huge strides with their in-house movements and the aesthetics fit with my OCD personality (leather straps don't scratch!) I obviously also love Rolex, otherwise I wouldn't be posting in this forum; the fact that they remain independent is admirable, their designs are timeless, and the reliability of their watches is outstanding.

And thus, I'm deciding between a GMTIIc and a PAM 441.

PAM 441
Pros:

• Leather strap with ceramic case is virtually scratch-proof
• Open case-back with in-house movement is nice.
• Blacked out aesthetics work well for a daily, especially considering my casual wardrobe.

Cons:

• It's a Panerai, part of the Richmont group. One could argue I'm buying a glorified Ralph Lauren watch.
• Ceramic is much more brittle than SS, making it prone to breakage albeit scratch-resistant.
• Though its movement is in-house, Panerai used ETA movements in base models until very recently. How trustworthy are their in-house calibres?

116710LN
Pros:

• Some argue the GMTIIc is the nicest modern Rolex; I'd probably agree after owning other models.
• It's a Rolex. Nothing more needs to be said to this point.
• It's a tool watch that can also easily pass as a formal watch due to its PCL.

Cons:

• I will (and have in the past) notice every hairline scratch on the case or PCL.
• I'd probably end up wearing this on a nato strap, somewhat dulling the beautiful aesthetics of the watch.
• It's hard to walk into a bar and not see five other Rolex watches, half of which are reps.

And so I ask, considering the criteria above, what watch would you recommend?

[Langnam]

Gosh, that's easy. Rolex GMT IIC.

I'm wearing mine at this moment.


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[joli160]

Easy for me as well, 116710LN.

[beachbum]

The 441 is nice I had one but it will take a beating in the resale dept so if you go that route make sure you buy don't pay anywhere near retail. The GMT is the better watch and I like Panerai but the base is the way to go.

[evlkoala]

I like the 116710, but I would choose PAM 441 over 116710.

If you planning to wear 116710 with nato strap, the thick lugz on the 116710 doesn't go well with nato strap.

[Maiden]

Personal preference the GMT, based on your post, I would go PAM. Good luck in your decision.

[Cru Jones]

Wow, these are really different choices.

From my experience, there should only be "pros" in the list and no "cons". So, I would say keep looking.

[socialpro]

I love both panerai and rolex - but in this case for 1 watch and everyday / everywhere wearability I vote the GMT.

[Etschell]

Gmt

[Yuri.Popov]

[Lordofrolex]

I switch between my GMT IIC and PAM 359 as my daily beaters

[bigcarbs]

The panerai being part of Richmont group is dumb. That's like saying a JLC is a glorified Ralph Lauren

[bitpshr]

Originally Posted by Yuri.Popov

I realize a 441 and a GMT IIc are very different watches, but this only adds to the difficulty considering how much I like them both, each for their own reasons.

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

I switch between my GMT IIC and PAM 359 as my daily beaters

Great combo.

Originally Posted by bigcarbs

The panerai being part of Richmont group is dumb. That's like saying a JLC is a glorified Ralph Lauren

Agreed.

Thanks for the input so far everyone. I'll be deciding and buying tomorrow and will update the post.

[ZeKe]

Sorry...I am not (and will never be into Panerai).
Get the one you like the most.

[Steve36Efc]

Easy choice for me, always gonna go with a Rolex over a Pam.
Nothing against them just personal preference.

[WAK4]

I have owned a number of PAMs and get bored quickly. So I am skewed towards the GMT, which is among my favorites of the Rolex lineup. So guess how I voted?

[The Libertine]

Rolex > PAM.

[bitpshr]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Rolex > PAM.

I may have posted this in the wrong sub-forum :)

But seriously, thanks for the input everyone. This will definitely be a game-time decision tomorrow. Wish my luck and pray that I don't come home with both...

[Ravager135]

I have absolutely nothing against Panerai. I've owned two. The PAM 441 is a fad. It's not representative of the brand and it's size and DLC make it less desirable as a one and only piece. As part of a larger collection, I can absolutely see the allure. If you posed consideration of a base Luminor or Radiomir I'd have a harder time telling you which to choose. I find a base Luminor, a Speedmaster, and a GMT-Master II to be the best models each respective brand produces. It's clear you're looking for a GMT with your proposition. The 116710LN is a classic.

[TimeRookie]

GMT C. If you don't like scratches, get the PCL's brushed. I love mine

[AK797]

710 is probably my fav SS Rolex right now so that would be my choice.

[jsg]

Get the GMT and have the bracelet brushed.

[adamlea]

Originally Posted by nresetar

Personal preference the GMT, based on your post, I would go PAM. Good luck in your decision.

x2

[kromdom]

116710LN now. 441 later. or whatever you want to spend your money on that will make you happy.

[WAK4]

Something to consider - the Rolex GMT function is actually useful, and can do multiple timezones. If you travel, very easy to jump hours to set to local time and leave the 24 hour hand on home time.

The PAM has a 24 hour hand but no hour labels, etc. Will do the job I suppose but not as easily as the Rolex.

[FTX I]

I would get the 116710LN.

[TickTopia]

For a go anywhere do anything piece....... The GMT would be my pick, hands down & if your concerned about PCL scratches, then you could always have the bracelet brushed.

[bio guyver]

Gmt

[jrs146]

Easy choice... As long as you don't go OCD over some micro-scratches


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[dave_dave]

Gmt is my vote