BNIB 104K or preloved 88J

[buz-lh]

Hi guys, I need some advice. I may have my 16613 sold and am thinking about a Pam. I've put a 5k limit on my spending so the question is; a bnib 104K with all the goodies at 4900 or a J series 88, sold new November '07 with all boxes, original croc strap, and two additional straps at 4850. Or, is there another suggestion for me to consider. This will be my first baby step into the world of Pams and I want to make the right choice and I know you guys will give me good advice. Thanks in advance.

[Trurolexer]

Buz, better you go for 104 IMHO.

[buz-lh]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Buz, better you go for 104 IMHO.

Thanks TR, what are the reasons? New vs. preowned or is there something else I need to know?

[argee1977]

If the 88 comes with its boxes, certificates and is in mint condition then don't worry about it being a year old.

This choice comes down to some basic things, do you like the look of the 104 or 88 more and of course, do you need a GMT function?

Since the GMT is actually slightly cheaper this kind of negates that argument as you're not paying extra for it, so basically, do you like the look of the 88 or 104, both are pretty similar in everything else, but the 88 has the GMT function, it will also hold its value slightly better.

[GBJIV]

Originally Posted by argee1977

If the 88 comes with its boxes, certificates and is in mint condition then don't worry about it being a year old.

This choice comes down to some basic things, do you like the look of the 104 or 88 more and of course, do you need a GMT function?

Since the GMT is actually slightly cheaper this kind of negates that argument as you're not paying extra for it, so basically, do you like the look of the 88 or 104, both are pretty similar in everything else, but the 88 has the GMT function, it will also hold its value slightly better.

Argee 1977 - if you don't go "K" do you still get the cool "quick change" for strap? When did the quick change start. Mike, mentioned it on a thread the other day - man that sounds good. My 177 is screws and it's dicey as I have already had issues with one of the screws and as Mike said - you can slip off which would scratch the case (Did that to my Omega Speedy... ouch....)

[GBJIV]

Originally Posted by GBJIV

Argee 1977 - if you don't go "K" do you still get the cool "quick change" for strap? When did the quick change start. Mike, mentioned it on a thread the other day - man that sounds good. My 177 is screws and it's dicey as I have already had issues with one of the screws and as Mike said - you can slip off which would scratch the case (Did that to my Omega Speedy... ouch....)

This was related to the 88.

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by GBJIV

Argee 1977 - if you don't go "K" do you still get the cool "quick change" for strap? When did the quick change start. Mike, mentioned it on a thread the other day - man that sounds good. My 177 is screws and it's dicey as I have already had issues with one of the screws and as Mike said - you can slip off which would scratch the case (Did that to my Omega Speedy... ouch....)

Some J series watches have it, not sure how many so you'd have to check, it is on all k series luminors though.

[buz-lh]

Originally Posted by argee1977

If the 88 comes with its boxes, certificates and is in mint condition then don't worry about it being a year old.

This choice comes down to some basic things, do you like the look of the 104 or 88 more and of course, do you need a GMT function?

Since the GMT is actually slightly cheaper this kind of negates that argument as you're not paying extra for it, so basically, do you like the look of the 88 or 104, both are pretty similar in everything else, but the 88 has the GMT function, it will also hold its value slightly better.

Ryan, that's the info I'm looking for. I do travel between time zones on a weekly basis so the GMT function will get used. I was wondering about down the road if I decide that the Pam's not for me which would be easier to sell. The 104 has to me a beautiful well balanced look on the dial and I think I like the look a bit better than the 88, but would probably be just as happy with either. Thanks,

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

Ryan, that's the info I'm looking for. I do travel between time zones on a weekly basis so the GMT function will get used. I was wondering about down the road if I decide that the Pam's not for me which would be easier to sell. The 104 has to me a beautiful well balanced look on the dial and I think I like the look a bit better than the 88, but would probably be just as happy with either. Thanks,

Then whatever choice is a winner, and you seem swayed towards the 104 which has universal appeal and is pretty much how a panerai should look.

Now the bad news, the choosing of the actual watch is the easy bit, you're about to move into the wonderful world of straps once you make the purchase

[Trurolexer]

5k for brand new 104 is a GREAT DEAL IMO.

[ohsixx]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

5k for brand new 104 is a GREAT DEAL IMO.

The lowest I have seen is $5200.

[TswaneNguni]

104

[GBJIV]

I think Both are great... for me 88.

[toph]

i like both alot. As a first Panerai go for the brand new 104

[buz-lh]

Whoa Mike, lume shot is awesome. I like the lume on the 24 hour track.

[GBJIV]

Wow, that is the lume shot of all lume shots!

[buz-lh]

That lume shot just made my decision more difficult. Ryan, you're right. I haven't even sold the 16613 yet but I've already been looking at different straps.