Has anybody downsized to 42mm?

[p_mcgee]

My 44mm PAM 233 only comes out of the safe every couple of weeks. I had a 40mm PAM 48 for 8 years until my wife claimed it. For the past 6 years I've had a succession of 44mm Luminors (177->390->112->233). 233 is a great reference but now I'm not sure after all this time whether I'm burned out on the brand or just the size of the watch.

Enter the 42mm Radiomir 1940 PAM 574. I like the look (aside from the green strap which I'd switch out immediately) & the thinner profile seems perfect. Spring bars on a PAM still seem odd to me, but unlike the little screws on the base models I can swap out the strap without scratching the lugs. I've never been a fan of the tan lume of the 512-- my 390 was a quick flip for that reason.

I'll post a pic when I get a chance. Has anybody else downsized? How did it work out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SubMarine]

No

[arcadelt]

I have downsized, but to 40mm. My first Panerai was a 069 and I later added a 116. I have decided to downsize all "biggies" in my collection, and the 116 will soon go too. I will, however, be fully restoring and keeping the 069. I would buy Panerai again, and like you it would be a 42mm. I like that 574 (even the green strap) and also the 655, but there are some older 42mm Panerais that look good too.

[p_mcgee]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

No

Very enlightening- way to get that post count up!

[mps354]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

My 44mm PAM 233 only comes out of the safe every couple of weeks. I had a 40mm PAM 48 for 8 years until my wife claimed it. For the past 6 years I've had a succession of 44mm Luminors (177->390->112->233). 233 is a great reference but now I'm not sure after all this time whether I'm burned out on the brand or just the size of the watch.

Enter the 42mm Radiomir 1940 PAM 574. I like the look (aside from the green strap which I'd switch out immediately) & the thinner profile seems perfect. Spring bars on a PAM still seem odd to me, but unlike the little screws on the base models I can swap out the strap without scratching the lugs. I've never been a fan of the tan lume of the 512-- my 390 was a quick flip for that reason.

I'll post a pic when I get a chance. Has anybody else downsized? How did it work out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just picked up a 574 last week (switched out the green, waiting for other straps to arrive). I can't speak to downsizing, as this is the largest watch I've owned (have a 42mm speedmaster, but this wears larger). I find it very comfortable due to its slim profile, and I love the sandwich dial (I might prefer the darker Lume on the 512, but didn't come across one of those). In a nutshell, can't talk to downsizing as its my first Panerai, but I think it wears comfortably and I've gotten more compliments on it the last several days than I have with any other watch over the last several years. The seconds reset to zero is a nice addition imo

[andy66db]

I had a 320 44mm and downsized that to a 392 42mm. I have quite small wrists (6.5"), so the 392 was a better fit than the 320, but still quite top heavy. I recently traded my 392 for a 233, which, apart from the fact it's an amazing looking watch, sits on the wrist far more comfortably than both the 320 and the 392. So it's 44mm for me, but only a particular 44mm watch.

[locutus49]

IT is all about the wrist size. Oversized watches on small wrists are a trend. Watches that fit a large wrist are here to stay. IMO

[rebel_1]

I've had a 351, 112, 233 & 512. After flipping all of these (the 512 I ended up "gifting", I was planning on replacing with a 513), I now have a 512 for the second time. I hated to part with my any / all of them, but I just couldn't deal with the size of the 44mm case. I was also concerned about the movement in the 233. When I first got into this obsession, I was a big Breitling fan. As I progressed, I ended up more of a Rolex / Patek fan. I've now flipped all but one large (over 42mm) watches.

BTW, I know what you mean about the lume color on the 512. I don't understand why they can't have the patina lume actually glow the same color as the paint.

I can say that I'm really enjoying my 512. I plan on keeping this one for a while.

[nigelUK]

I've been through (still going through) exactly the same as you. . .

Have owned several 44mm . . 000, 112, 114, 176, 177, 240, and a couple of 45mm rads. Let all these go and ended up with the 47mm 372 a couple of years back. What a watch, absolutely awesome & beautiful and quintessential Panerai, thought I'd have it/wear it forever. BUT . . the size has gradually tired on me.

Contrary to what someone else has said . . I believe extra large (anything over 42mm imo) watches are now out of vogue. I can see a shift back to smaller watches 34/36/39mm being 'trendy' (hate the word) and 40/42mm being acceptable

Small is the new big ...imho

I have been looking at either a Pam 512, Black Bay 36, Explorer 1 (36 or 39) or OP39 . . .as my next acquisition.

[nigelUK]

Originally Posted by nigelUK

I've been through (still going through) exactly the same as you. . .

Have owned several 44mm . . 000, 112, 114, 176, 177, 240, and a couple of 45mm rads. Let all these go and ended up with the 47mm 372 a couple of years back. What a watch, absolutely awesome & beautiful and quintessential Panerai, thought I'd have it/wear it forever. BUT . . the size has gradually tired on me.

Contrary to what someone else has said . . I believe extra large (anything over 42mm imo) watches are now out of vogue. I can see a shift back to smaller watches 34/36/39mm being 'trendy' (hate the word) and 40/42mm being acceptable

Small is the new big ...imho

I have been looking at either a Pam 512, Black Bay 36, Explorer 1 (36 or 39) or OP39 . . .as my next acquisition.

.... and in answer to your actual question ! .. YES I have downsized. The 372 sadly sits in a safe & I have not taken the SubC 114060 off my wrist for a long time. It's perfect in size, proportion & heft & doesn't pick up dings & scratches off every minor bump & scrape I get into, behind a desk. Don't get me wrong, I love the vintage look but would opt for a 1680 or 5513 if I had the ££££

[ap1]

I'm a 42 guy for PAMs. I've owned 44/42/40s from panerai. There may actually be some truth to the above comment about a 44 sitting better on a small wrist but lug overhang and still appears too large to me. This new 1392 feels great for me now.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by ap1

I'm a 42 guy for PAMs. I've owned 44/42/40s from panerai. There may actually be some truth to the above comment about a 44 sitting better on a small wrist but lug overhang and still appears too large to me. This new 1392 feels great for me now.

Think the 44mm pams are the iconic size but like you I barley wear my Pam because of the size. It's just a little to big.

[fullcourt]

Have not....have 2 44's and 2 47's.

I've always like the 512, but I have the daytona if I need to 'dress up'.

[kaiserphoenix]

I love my 233 but i also agree that it is not quite as comfortable to wear daily as say a Rolex. I am stuck in a predicament because a smaller panerai would be ideal but is not ideal at the same time.