Panerai PAM422

[Minimalist]

Hi guys,

Does anyone here own the pam422? I'd like to hear your opinions of owning this model.

I currently own the 312 and I'm considering adding the 422 to my collection.

Do you guys think it is different enough from the 312. I do feel it is.... bigger size, has the domed crystal and a manual movement and is all polished.

So can anyone here share some experience or even some thoughts as to the idea of the 422.

Thanks

M.

[nick c]

422 it's a great piece why don't you try the 372 it will be nicer with your 312

[Ruud Van Driver]

Whilst I like the 422, I'm with Nick and would suggest you at least have a look at the 372. I love the minimalist, clean looks and the domed crystal. It's a beautiful piece. Just keep in mind a new model will be hitting the stores early doors next year and it's going to have a sapphire crystal (as opposed to the incumbent plexi).

Good luck

[Lordofrolex]

I think the size is nice if your wrist is big enough.

[Cru Jones]

I'm with Nick and Ruud. Nothing against the 422, but the 372 would give you more differences in your collection. And that model looks so good as a base.... up to you if you want the nod to history with the plexi, or if you wait for the sapphire.

[Minimalist]

Thanks for the picture Nick. That 372 sure is a beauty. And thanks to you guys too for your input. I did look at the 372 first and then came across the 422 and liked it better for 3 reasons, it had the subseconds, a sapphire and it had a power reserve on the back.

I hear what yours saying ruud, about the 372 sapphire model coming out and that might put the 372 back as a contender. Although I do like my subseconds dial :)

[Brunik]

I had a 422, i just can say that for me is "the panerai"... its big but confortable, IMO more confortable than a 312 for instance. Saphire cristal is not that panerai´s ADN but its great in my opinion

The "Reverve de Marche" in the backside is a wow to everybody...

I miss it in my colection!

[1William]

I have just picked up a 422 within the last month and really like the watch. I have owned a lot of Panerai's in the past but have moved away from the brand more for how the company markets and deals with LE models. When the 422 was introduced I wanted one. For me the domed sapphire crystal, second hand, power reserve on the back added up to perfect watch. At 47mm it is a big watch but wearable. I have a lot of straps and it is a breeze to change up. It is part of my collection and I will see how it goes. Buy it right and you will not get hurt if you want to move out of it.

[tjjma]

I'd kept the 422 as my only Panerai. It's actually a lot more comfortable than the 44's I'd had, probably mainly the case sits flatter on my wrist. I wear the 422 almost daily for work.

I was very close to picking the 372 over the 422. I like the simplified look of the 372 more, but couple of reasons make me settle with the 422-- 1) yes, the sapphire crystal. I'm more than confident I'm going to bang the watch against random objects more than a few times while wearing it. A scratch on the plexi would really bother me 2) While I don't or ever use the second hand for time keeping, it does give me assurance the watch is ticking. I'd always been afraid of not remembering to wind the watch and missed an appointment because my watch had stopped. Without the second hand, sometimes it's hard to tell if the watch is actually moving just by looking at the minute hand. It would have definitely helped if the 372 had a power reserve indicator on its back.

[ap1]

I give the slight nod to 422 if I had the wrist for it. Love the PR on the backside

[Minimalist]

Thanks for the input guys. Seems the decision is split amongst you guys. While I do love the simplicity of the 372 I feel the 'extras' on the 422 make the 422 more appealing.

I'm going to the AD tomorrow to have a look at both :)

[Minimalist]

Double post

[fullcourt]

I have a 328, essentially a 312 on a ss bracelet and also bought the 372, love it. Wears totally different but it's a great compliment to the 328.

I like the clean dial of the 372....you can get it with a sapphire crystal now, although that one is not my cuppa.

Good luck with your quest

[Minimalist]

Okay guys, so I tried on the 422 and I definitely preferred it to the 372. I didn't have a problem with the size, I felt it fit just fine, didn't feel too big. The AD swapped the strap for me since I thought it looked nicer and fit better with the one in the pic than the one it comes with.

BUT I also have recently come across the 690. I love the blue, but I haven't seen one in real life, the AD didn't have one. It's possible I could get one by January or February.

So I'm in a pickle now as to whether I should wait and go for the 690. I've found a dealer who has one and I'm going to go check it out tomorrow but they want above retail for it.

I however do prefer the luminor case, especially for the manual since its much easier to wind.

What do guys think, should I wait for the 690?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Okay guys, so I tried on the 422 and I definitely preferred it to the 372. I didn't have a problem with the size, I felt it fit just fine, didn't feel too big. The AD swapped the strap for me since I thought it looked nicer and fit better with the one in the pic than the one it comes with.

BUT I also have recently come across the 690. I love the blue, but I haven't seen one in real life, the AD didn't have one. It's possible I could get one by January or February.

So I'm in a pickle now as to whether I should wait and go for the 690. I've found a dealer who has one and I'm going to go check it out tomorrow but they want above retail for it.

I however do prefer the luminor case, especially for the manual since its much easier to wind.

What do guys think, should I wait for the 690?

Well, I have the 689 (blue dial version of the 533) and it really is incredible. As you know, I very nearly pulled the trigger on a 690 a few weeks back; it is stunning but, like you, I much prefer the Luminor case to the Radiomir. I've also bought too many watches - six in two years - so I need to calm down a bit

It's a tough call but the blue dials are limited pieces; there's only 500 of the 690 (if my guy at the boutique has been informed correctly). My 689 is limited to just 300 pieces! Anyhoo, the 422 isn't going anywhere so if you have the chance to check the 690 out first then do so because they ain't gonna be around for ever. At least then you'll be sure in your own mind of what really sings to you.

Out of interest, is it a grey that has the 690? The blue dials are 'boutique only' pieces and there's no OP boutique in the UK Where I'm going with this is, how much over retail are they asking? Is it worth contacting one of the European boutiques to see if they have one and then booking yourself a trip to go pick one up? Depending how much over retail they're asking, it might work out cheaper to head to Euroland and pick one up at retail. If you set out early enough, you won't even need a hotel.

Keep us posted

EDIT: to give you an idea, the 690 retails at S$13,750 in Singapore. Even with the crappy exchange rate, that would run you about £8,100 but you'd get a 6% tax refund on leaving Singapore, which would make it about £7,610. Keep this in mind when you go visit the dealer.

[Minimalist]

Thanks for the info Ruud, I really appreciate your input. I'm currently in Dubai and yes it is a grey dealer here who has the 690. I've visited the boutique and they've already sold three of them. I have my name down on the list.

If when I go to see the 690 tomorrow I like it more over the 422 then I'll just wait until January/February because like you said the 422 will still be about, that's exactly the thinking I had too ;)

I have to say though, I keep looking at the picture of the 422 on my wrist and I think it looks soo nice, hmm decisions decisions!

And this'll be my sixth too in just about two years too lol.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Thanks for the info Ruud, I really appreciate your input. I'm currently in Dubai and yes it is a grey dealer here who has the 690. I've visited the boutique and they've already sold three of them. I have my name down on the list.

If when I go to see the 690 tomorrow I like it more over the 422 then I'll just wait until January/February because like you said the 422 will still be about, that's exactly the thinking I had too ;)

I have to say though, I keep looking at the picture of the 422 on my wrist and I think it looks soo nice, hmm decisions decisions!

And this'll be my sixth too in just about two years too lol.

If you like the 422 that much then it sounds like it's the one for you. As I said above, if you prefer the Luminor case then the Rad might not be for you.

Just putting my Cru head on (Panerai Enabler-in-Chief ), perhaps consider the 689. Yes, it's expensive (UK retail for the 533 is £10,200 so I would expect the 689 to be the same because the retail for the two pieces is identical in Singapore) but you get the 44mm 1950 Luminor case along with THAT blue dial. There's also the GMT function and a ten day power reserve.

Not that I'm trying to persuade you or anything, but.........

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

perhaps consider the 689. Yes, it's expensive (UK retail for the 533 is £10,200 so I would expect the 689 to be the same because the retail for the two pieces is identical in Singapore) but you get the 44mm 1950 Luminor case along with THAT blue dial. There's also the GMT function and a ten day power reserve.

Not that I'm trying to persuade you or anything, but.........

IMHO, that's really excellent spot-on advice!

[1William]

I think the 422 looks great on your wrist. I would be careful about getting caught up in the Panerai LE mode. If you research the brand you will see the company introduces LE pieces and if the demand is good they then make a slightly modified version for general production. Think the 127 and the 422 just to name one. Your seller is more than likely not going to budge on the price of the LE piece and may charge you a premium over retail. Good luck when it comes time to sell or flip the watch because the crowd will be chasing something else. You should be able to get a nice discount on the 422 and with some of the money you save you can pick up some nice straps and still not be close to what you would have in the LE piece. I would get the 422 now. Wear it, enjoy it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

If you like the 422 that much then it sounds like it's the one for you. As I said above, if you prefer the Luminor case then the Rad might not be for you.

Just putting my Cru head on (Panerai Enabler-in-Chief ), perhaps consider the 689. Yes, it's expensive (UK retail for the 533 is £10,200 so I would expect the 689 to be the same because the retail for the two pieces is identical in Singapore) but you get the 44mm 1950 Luminor case along with THAT blue dial. There's also the GMT function and a ten day power reserve.

Not that I'm trying to persuade you or anything, but.........

You're a bad bad man Paul

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Okay guys, so I tried on the 422 and I definitely preferred it to the 372. I didn't have a problem with the size, I felt it fit just fine, didn't feel too big. The AD swapped the strap for me since I thought it looked nicer and fit better with the one in the pic than the one it comes with.

BUT I also have recently come across the 690. I love the blue, but I haven't seen one in real life, the AD didn't have one. It's possible I could get one by January or February.

So I'm in a pickle now as to whether I should wait and go for the 690. I've found a dealer who has one and I'm going to go check it out tomorrow but they want above retail for it.

I however do prefer the luminor case, especially for the manual since its much easier to wind.


What do guys think, should I wait for the 690?

422 looks great

[melrob1]

422 looks perfect and amazing on your wrist!

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

IMHO, that's really excellent spot-on advice!

Thank you kindly, Sir

Originally Posted by 1William

I think the 422 looks great on your wrist. I would be careful about getting caught up in the Panerai LE mode. If you research the brand you will see the company introduces LE pieces and if the demand is good they then make a slightly modified version for general production. Think the 127 and the 422 just to name one. Your seller is more than likely not going to budge on the price of the LE piece and may charge you a premium over retail. Good luck when it comes time to sell or flip the watch because the crowd will be chasing something else. You should be able to get a nice discount on the 422 and with some of the money you save you can pick up some nice straps and still not be close to what you would have in the LE piece. I would get the 422 now. Wear it, enjoy it.

This is also worth keeping in mind It doesn't bother me because I'm not a flipper but if OP might consider flipping somewhere down the road then the 422 might be a safer option

Originally Posted by brandrea

You're a bad bad man Paul

Who, me? No, never!

[Ruud Van Driver]

Duplicate post

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Okay guys, so I tried on the 422 and I definitely preferred it to the 372. I didn't have a problem with the size, I felt it fit just fine, didn't feel too big. The AD swapped the strap for me since I thought it looked nicer and fit better with the one in the pic than the one it comes with.

BUT I also have recently come across the 690. I love the blue, but I haven't seen one in real life, the AD didn't have one. It's possible I could get one by January or February.

So I'm in a pickle now as to whether I should wait and go for the 690. I've found a dealer who has one and I'm going to go check it out tomorrow but they want above retail for it.

I however do prefer the luminor case, especially for the manual since its much easier to wind.

What do guys think, should I wait for the 690?

The more I look at the 422, it's pretty much a 312 with a brown strap, domed crystal and no date. Ok, there's a manual movement too but it's not as if it's a visible difference. It's a beautiful watch without a shadow of a doubt but wouldn't you prefer something that looks a bit different to your 312?

[nick c]

[QUOTE=Ruud Van Driver;7102288]The more I look at the 422, it's pretty much a 312 with a brown strap, domed crystal and no date. Ok, there's a manual movement too but it's not as if it's a visible difference. It's a beautiful watch without a shadow of a doubt but wouldn't you prefer something that looks a bit different to your 312?[/

[nauticajoe]

Love the 422.

[Minimalist]

Thanks for all the advice guys. It was a tough choice for me. While I was on holiday I went into a lot of AD, as you do, Rolex being one of them.

I went into a Rolex boutique and asked if they had a blnr, they did and showed it to me and then said it's reserved for someone. They shouldn't have bothered showing me really then! I asked if any of the other boutiques would have one and he was adamant that no one has one.

A few days later I went into another AD and asked and as it happens they had a BLNR and I pounced on the opportunity and bought it. I've been wanting to add one to my collection and since they've become so hard to get hold of I thought it'd be a smarter choice for me to get this now....and what made it even more special for me is I bought it on my birthday so the warranty is dated on my birthday :)

Having said that the 422 is still very much on my mind.

And ruud, you make some good points about the 422 vs 312 and to that end I've actually been thinking to trade the 312 and replace it with the 422 as I actually like it better the more I tried it on.

Obligatory wrist shot with some beautiful blue macaw in the background to match!

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Thanks for all the advice guys. It was a tough choice for me. While I was on holiday I went into a lot of AD, as you do, Rolex being one of them.

I went into a Rolex boutique and asked if they had a blnr, they did and showed it to me and then said it's reserved for someone. They shouldn't have bothered showing me really then! I asked if any of the other boutiques would have one and he was adamant that no one has one.

A few days later I went into another AD and asked and as it happens they had a BLNR and I pounced on the opportunity and bought it. I've been wanting to add one to my collection and since they've become so hard to get hold of I thought it'd be a smarter choice for me to get this now....and what made it even more special for me is I bought it on my birthday so the warranty is dated on my birthday :)

Having said that the 422 is still very much on my mind.

And ruud, you make some good points about the 422 vs 312 and to that end I've actually been thinking to trade the 312 and replace it with the 422 as I actually like it better the more I tried it on.

Obligatory wrist shot with some beautiful blue macaw in the background to match!

Congrats on a great pick-up. Even though I'm slightly bored of my BLNR, it's still a great reference

As for the 422 v 312, you might lose a few quid in moving your 312 on but it's no point hanging on to it if you're going to be jonesing for something else every time it sits on your wrist.

[1William]

Congratulations.