Panerai GMT

[Bisquitlips]

OK, I am very interested in a Panerai GMT. Any advice on these model guys?

Now I have to begin to look at the different models / versions / etc. I am seeing no less than 14 models and about 6 of them I can in no wise afford. 30K +!

My first question: Are there different movements in these watches? If so, what are my choices. I don't think I need an alarm.

2nd question: The 40mm appeals to me because its size is closer to the Rolex Sub's size, but I am picking up that it does not hold its resale value well. There also may not be as many of the very nice ammo leather straps available for this size. Am I correct on these suppositions?

If you can point me to a link that shows this info, I will be glad to do the research without troubling all of you too much.



Richard

[brainbizz]

I will defer on the movements; however, in regards to the watches it depends on how much is to much. The 233 can't be beat but is around 13K USD but has the first in house movement and will always be a favorite. If you close your eyes and think Panerai it is the one you will visualize most likely definitely has the DNA of Panerai. 088 another favorite but some feel to cluttered and swatch movement. There are others but these are 2 favorites. I would agree that resale on 40's would most likely be rough but doesnt matter if you do not sell it. I would try a 44 on before you purchase a 40. You might be suprised by how it sits but my strongest advise would be never try one on and try to forget you ever heard of the brand.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by brainbizz

I will defer on the movements; however, in regards to the watches it depends on how much is to much. The 233 can't be beat but is around 13K USD but has the first in house movement and will always be a favorite. If you close your eyes and think Panerai it is the one you will visualize most likely definitely has the DNA of Panerai. 088 another favorite but some feel to cluttered and swatch movement. There are others but these are 2 favorites. I would agree that resale on 40's would most likely be rough but doesnt matter if you do not sell it. I would try a 44 on before you purchase a 40. You might be suprised by how it sits but my strongest advise would be never try one on and try to forget you ever heard of the brand.

Thank you for the great info BB. This is the kind of stuff I was needing to know.

So is the Swatch movement not considered as good as the ETA or V movements? Sheesh...... Complete Nube at this!!

You also mention that the 88 may be considered too cluttered. But as I look at it, it doesn't seem any more cluttered than some of the others to my newbie eyes.

And would you mind explaining to me what a "Swan Neck" is on a Panerai. I have looked at the cases on these and don't see what they are talking about.

Thanks again!

[Trurolexer]

For GMT model, please try 88.

[WatchTimes]

Id LOVE the 8 day.
I just saw the prototype of the all Black 8 Day
It was amazing, even the gears were done in the Black PVD.

The Panerai GMT seems to appeal to me the most.
I dont know which one though without paying the money for the 8 day.
I do not like the silver sub dial on the 88 and I don't want the metal bracelet
on the 297. The 244 is nice BUT as B said, the 40 mm has no resale and is
hard to sell.

[asadtiger]

I dont know the model number, but a radiomir GMT without alarm and that has two crowns is ,IMHO, the most beautiful of the GMTs in the world :) I think without alatm model has been discontinued but even if you can find it second hand, try getting it..its very very classy.

[Trurolexer]

233 is my Grail of Grail Watch!!!

But the price is not for me, sorry.

[brainbizz]

It is my understanding that it,088, is a Valjoux 7750 base movement modified OPVIII caliber but I may be wrong. It seems to work well and for the 88. The swan neck refers to the regulator in the OPX mvmt. That would be about the extent of my knowledge. Some people feel the the watches are to expensive for the cheaper movements but they work well for me and if that is an issue buy one with their in house movement.

[brainbizz]

I also believe that eta and valjoux are swatch movements.

[mfer]

Richard-

So glad you are getting into Panerai. These are truly wondrous watches.

Have you seen these in the metal yet, or just pics?
You have an AD, I'm sure you already know, but here it is (taken from Panerai)

Tivol
Panerai and Ferrari Authorized Dealer
Country Club Plaza, 220 Nichols Road
64112 Kansas City
Phone: 001 816 531 5800

I would suggest going there. No Panerai dealer ever has a large collection, so what I would suggest is focusing on what CASE you want to get. There are three types:
Luminor
Radiomir
Submersible

Once you determine a case, there are several options for sizes in GMT.
A note you would see is that Radiomir cases fit smaller than Luminor and Subs even though they are bigger. The are much thinner and compliment my wrist shape better.

Movements? Don't worry. They are good. The inhouse movements are pricey for a starter PAM. I'll get one one day (I hope) but I'm very happy with my COSC 6497 Movement. Here is a post I had before regarding Panerai movements to base movements.

Panerai to Base Movement Reference <<<<<<clicky

The MOST popular GMTs in Panerai are...
88, 233

Some of my favorites...
244-40mm Lum polished
063-44mm Lum One year run, center second hand (very sought after)
023-44mm Lum numbers on the bezel, center second hand

184-42mm Rad, double crowns, internal rotating bezel, jlc base movement!!!!!!
242-45mm Rad, same as 184 (stunning)

You asked about swan neck regulators. Basically it is a movement add on that allows the watch to be regulated with regards to timing/escapement to make the watch operate within COSC standards. My 111 operates well within specs!!!!

Good luck and keep asking questions!!!!

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by mfer

Richard-

So glad you are getting into Panerai. These are truly wondrous watches.

Have you seen these in the metal yet, or just pics?
You have an AD, I'm sure you already know, but here it is (taken from Panerai)

Tivol
Panerai and Ferrari Authorized Dealer
Country Club Plaza, 220 Nichols Road
64112 Kansas City
Phone: 001 816 531 5800

I would suggest going there. No Panerai dealer ever has a large collection, so what I would suggest is focusing on what CASE you want to get. There are three types:
Luminor
Radiomir
Submersible

Once you determine a case, there are several options for sizes in GMT.
A note you would see is that Radiomir cases fit smaller than Luminor and Subs even though they are bigger. The are much thinner and compliment my wrist shape better.

Movements? Don't worry. They are good. The inhouse movements are pricey for a starter PAM. I'll get one one day (I hope) but I'm very happy with my COSC 6497 Movement. Here is a post I had before regarding Panerai movements to base movements.

Panerai to Base Movement Reference <<<<<<clicky

The MOST popular GMTs in Panerai are...
88, 233

Some of my favorites...
244-40mm Lum polished
063-44mm Lum One year run, center second hand (very sought after)
023-44mm Lum numbers on the bezel, center second hand

184-42mm Rad, double crowns, internal rotating bezel, jlc base movement!!!!!!
242-45mm Rad, same as 184 (stunning)

You asked about swan neck regulators. Basically it is a movement add on that allows the watch to be regulated with regards to timing/escapement to make the watch operate within COSC standards. My 111 operates well within specs!!!!

Good luck and keep asking questions!!!!

Mik,

Thanks for the great advice. Again, this is the type of recommendations that I need.

Going by Tivol today and try a couple on.

[mike]

Originally Posted by brainbizz

It is my understanding that it,088, is a Valjoux 7750 base movement modified OPVIII caliber but I may be wrong. It seems to work well and for the 88. The swan neck refers to the regulator in the OPX mvmt. That would be about the extent of my knowledge. Some people feel the the watches are to expensive for the cheaper movements but they work well for me and if that is an issue buy one with their in house movement.

Spot on. The Val 7750 is a real workhorse.

[WatchTimes]

Bisquit
Please let us know what you think...
I am in the same boat as you are right now.

[Teofilo]

Sounds like you are in the same boat as most of us when it comes to getting your first Panerai......."how big is too big ?"......the only way to tell is to try a few on. I tried 40mm,42mm,44mm and 45mm and for me the choice was quickly narrowed down to a Radiomir case for comfort and a 42mm case for size/fit. I love the GMT complication, so that was the way to go for me.
I was lucky enough to be able to try on the PAM 184 (42mm) and the 242 (45mm) over several months at my AD in Norwich. The 184 is just a stunning watch and I very nearly got it. However my heart was really set on a 98, so I ask the AD to try to get me one. They carried out what they called a "worldwide AD search" and 8 months later they got in a 98 for me to try. Unfortunately, by the time it arrived the 184 had been sold, so I never had the chance to try them side by side. The 242 was still in the shop however, and I spent a happy hour trying both on repeatedly. I finally settled on the 98, which I should pick up in the spring when I have paid off the remaining balance.

Good luck in finding your dream Panerai GMT. Many models are still freely available at grey dealers, even years after they are discontinued at AD's.

[WatchTimes]

Congrats T
I am not into the Radiomir
Well not for my first PAM at least ;)

[Bisquitlips]

Thanks again for the information all!