Buying First PAM, Any Suggestions?

[nayazk]

I am looking into buying my first Panerai, even before I knew about luxury watches I loved the look of Panerai.

However I know quite a bit about Rolex but not much on Panerai, any suggestions or advice will be greatly appreciated fellow TRFs.

The model I am looking into is...

http://www.panerai.com/en/collection..._pam00537.html


Thank you for your help!

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by nayazk

Buying First PAM, Any Suggestions?

Yes ... don't

[rfatm3f]

Originally Posted by Alpino

Yes ... don't

2nd

[aayates]

Originally Posted by rfatm3f

2nd

skip it

[beshannon]

Try the Panerai forum?

http://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25

And don't #3

[eas]

Go with a 44mm or 47mm model. 372 is great!

[enjoythemusic]

PAM is sooo 10 years ago imho. AP is today's fashion and a Rolex is classic forever.

Again, JMHO.

[Goin2drt]

I always wanted one. I bought the 312 and love it. For a more formal watch there is nothing better. The lug system to change out straps in literally seconds is second to none. I wish all luxury watch brands had that system. I found myself now owning about ten different straps to match my outfits.

Enjoy it. You will not regret it.

Here it is with a blue canvas strap.

[Cryten]

There are too many model variations, The base models are the safest as there's a fairly constant demand for them. That said, the Panerai market is very flat right now with unconfirmed rumours Richmont are buying back AD stock to prevent discounting.

It's a buyers market so haggle like your life depends on it, or even better, hold off buying for a bit. I suspect market will get worse yet.

[Quailhunter]

I was looking at this model a few weeks ago. A person i trust in the watch business said it was an excellent watch, but that resale was far below that of Rolex.

[Amiricanmade]

Get the 233. I've had 3 and every time is sell it i kick myself. It's best Pam IMO. 1950's case, 8 day movement, bubble glass, brushed/polished case & ultra thin compared to other PAM's

[jmolsberg]

My advise is to buy a base... zero, 112, 176

[Malibuboy]

paneristi.com may be a better place to ask this question

[Syed117]

Go with something 44mm. I would personally start with a base logo. Not terribly expensive and you won't take a huge hit if you decide it's not for you.

The Panerai design is iconic.

Too bad all their models look so similar. Oh wait, Rolex also essentially makes one case shape for every watch other than Cellini.

You posted this in the rolex general forum by accident, so you're getting a lot of negativity. You will get better responses in the Panerai sub forum.

[SoonerTA]

Originally Posted by jmolsberg

My advise is to buy a base... zero, 112, 176

I have a 111 and love it! Kind of the wrong question to be asking this forum. ;)

[ernie2]

wrong forum bro

[Watcheroo]

233 is one of the few I'd recommend. Quite versatile a good looking. Good luck!


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[Vaxe]

Best modern day panerai attributes:
- 1950 luminor case
- 2 hands, time only
- 47 mm
- plexiglass
- manual
- sandwich dial

372 is a good place to start, and relatively cheap at $7k after dealer discount.
The 1940 radiomir line is also great.

I wouldn't get any other, especially not the automatic with date 44mm garbage they've been churning out.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Cryten

There are too many model variations, The base models are the safest as there's a fairly constant demand for them. That said, the Panerai market is very flat right now with unconfirmed rumours Richmont are buying back AD stock to prevent discounting.

It's a buyers market so haggle like your life depends on it, or even better, hold off buying for a bit. I suspect market will get worse yet.

It's not only panerai market is slow it's all the watch industry.

[beaujarle]

What not to love??






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[HOHO]

Well I'll be the contrarian.
I think Panerai is an awesome, very distinctive brand.
As others have said resale on them isn't great, but if you buy them used you can save a fair bit off the list price and avoid getting killed if you ever sell it.

[HOHO]

PS.....

If my small wrists could handle a 47mm, I would totally own a PAM577.
But, I'm totally cool with my PAM438.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by nick c

It's not only panerai market is slow it's all the watch industry.

True, but if the buy back stories are true then Richmont are doing everything in their power to avoid a price crash. That would concern me as a buyer, they can only do that for so long before something gives.

I love that Black Seal of yours. I've come close to pulling the trigger on one twice now but something keeps stopping me, I don't know why.

[gtnator]

OP- good choice on getting a Panerai. It will compliment your Rolex well, in that it's completely different and will be a nice break once in a while. As to which one to get, go look at them again and again. Then pull the trigger on the one that makes your eyes light up. Don't worry about resale, just get the one you will enjoy most. Good luck.


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[rolexnub]

If you have a wrist 6.375" or bigger, go with 44mm.
Otherwise, your choice of PAM00537 is nice to start with Panerai. It has seconds, date and power reserve indicator.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Cryten

True, but if the buy back stories are true then Richmont are doing everything in their power to avoid a price crash. That would concern me as a buyer, they can only do that for so long before something gives.

I love that Black Seal of yours. I've come close to pulling the trigger on one twice now but something keeps stopping me, I don't know why.

[Lordofrolex]

I have a pam and this is what i have to say about them.

Pro:
-Can get a pretty good discount on them
-Respectable watch in the watch collecting crowd, A lot of famous people wear them and probably the only time someones ever complemented me on my watch is when I'm wearing my pam.
-Defiantly a must have in all watch collection.

Things to consider. The piece you like is very nice but like most people are saying go with the base models as the re-sale value on them is awful. You'll end up keeping it just for the fact that its worth more by keeping it then selling it. Im in the situation right now. Went to 2 watch brokers both telling me "I don't want to even offer you a trade in value as its worth more just to keep it. Its a great watch its not worth selling."

Also i have 1950's case. Be careful with that case as its pretty big and heavy. I think i would have been happier with a thinner watch case but at the time didn't know much about watches and just choice the watch by dial looks. But yet again the 50's case is also an iconic case and more appreciated by watch enthusiast. So if the size doesn't bother you. Then thats the one to choice. Lastly once you buy it, you'll be kind of stuck with it unless you want to lose money on the watch.

Recommendation:

If you choose to get it. Stick to the Base models. Buy used. Buy Cheap.

[ap1]

I like the 537 - that's a great choice - I seem to be in the minority picking a Pam that actually fits me. 42 is plenty big - my 2cents anyways

[Al1969]

OP, another vote for the 233. It's my one and only Panerai after having owned a 111 twice and 24. It's 44mm, GMT and 1950 case.

[nayazk]

Thank you everyone, really helped me out.

Especially LORDOFROLEX!