Which Panerai?

[MYK]

Today is the day my friends, the day I say goodbye to my GMT IIc and say boun giorno to a Panerai. I'm heading to an AD after work to close the deal, I've been given two offers and I'm still haven't fully decided on which one to go with. I need to wear both watches to make a decision.

Deal #1:

My GMT IIc plus 700$ for a brand new, never seen daylight PAM 104.



Deal #2:

My GMT IIc plus 2000$ for a lightly used PAM 212. Scratchless, everything included.



I think the second deal is right on the money, it's just that I still like the 104's simplicity and the fact that it's brand new.

Any advice?

[Trurolexer]

212 my vote.

[TswaneNguni]

104 ... !!!!

My first PAM and the one that gets the most time on the wrist.Wearing on a orange/red/white stitch Julien Landa,at the moment.

Highly recommended !!!

My favourites ...

104
242
232
127
231
289

203
21
... but for the lucky few !!!

[MYK]

Trurolexer, I like your collection.

TswaneNguni, a photo is worth a thousand word ;)

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by MYK

Trurolexer, I like your collection.

TswaneNguni, a photo is worth a thousand word ;)

Here's some ....

[TswaneNguni]

Amongst some other heavyweights .....

[MYK]

WOW, that was quick and sweet! Is that the 104? I do like the idea of an automatic. Amazing collection you got there. BTW, this will not just be my first Panerai, it will be my only Panerai for a while. I'm also seriously considering resale value, which is the only reason pushing me towards the 212. Well, that and the beautiful Flyback Dial.

Anyway, so far the 104 gets my vote. Wating for more feedback. Thanks guys.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by MYK

WOW, that was quick and sweet! Is that the 104? I do like the idea of an automatic. Amazing collection you got there. BTW, this will not just be my first Panerai, it will be my only Panerai for a while. I'm also seriously considering resale value, which is the only reason pushing me towards the 212. Well, that and the beautiful Flyback Dial.

Anyway, so far the 104 gets my vote. Wating for more feedback. Thanks guys.

Thats not my collection,wish it was !!! Its from a GTG earlier this year.Included in this pic the very rare 203.Had that on my wrist for 3 or minutes.Maybe in my lifetime I wont be so fortuanate to see one again

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Here's some ....

Those straps Buddy...Those straps...

[argee1977]

The 104 and 212 sit differently on the wrist, i think that'll be the biggest point for you, so a test of both would be good, the 212 does sit a bit off the wrist with the domed crystal.

I've had a try of both of these in the shops and i have to say i prefer the luminor marina case over the 1950s, it just feels better to me, but i know a few guys who prefer the feel of the 1950s to the luminor marina, so it really is something that can't really be decided without trying them both on.

[MYK]

BTW does anyone feel that I should shut up and stick to my Ceramic GMT? I got that feedback on a Panerai forum. Ironic?

[moby33]

Originally Posted by MYK

BTW does anyone feel that I should shut up and stick to my Ceramic GMT? I got that feedback on a Panerai forum. Ironic?

That's what I was thinking...but seeing as you didn't put it in your vote, I figured you didn't want to hear anything about it. I'm not a Pan owner, but I like the brand (BTW...I voted for the 212 since I think it's a great looking watch & I like the added features). But...from the sounds of it, it seems this might be an only watch (or at least your main watch that will get a lot of wrist time). With that in mind (and if that is in fact reality), I would stick to the GMT for 2 reasons:

1. Any watch that gets a lot of wrist time should have a bracelet IMO. While I know new straps can be bought once they start to get 'ripe', I just hate always worrying about getting them wet due to the inevitable smell that will develop. Don't even get me started on wearing leather strapped watches in hot/humid conditions on a daily basis...yikes!

2. I realize many will probably disagree with me on this point, but I think the GMT is a more versatile watch. I can't think of any watch that can rival a Rolex SS sport watch when it comes to looking great & at home when wearing a suit at the beach or a suit at the office. To me, I just don't see Pan going hand-in-hand with water sports (again, probably because of the majority that are found on leather bands & the fact that I tend to think of polished cases as more dressy than sport).

At any rate, get/wear what you like...that's all that really matters. Cheers.

[niels74]

im with Ryan, try on your wrist 1st and see how it fits and smiles at ye, the 1950 can indeed sit a bit off the wrist. try it on and see what one smiles at you.. good luck .. writ off the GMT .. dunno thats a pers choise , i tink we all flip watches now and then to get the model you desire that moment... it depends on how ättached"you are to the GMT , these are not hard to obtain again later also.

[Duc-904]

The 212 for me! Stunning watch, tried one on recently and you should have seen the smile on my face!

[miner]

Which one??

The one that makes you smile

Don't matter that I think the 164 beats both the watches you posted. But that's cos I have a 164 and it makes me smile!!

[rpryan55]

Love, love, love that 104. It got my vote.

[Trurolexer]

Almost every Pannies smile at me, Miner...

What should I do?

[mfer]

For me, simple is better.

104.

[Nica64]

Originally Posted by mfer

For me, simple is better.

104.

104 too!!

[argee1977]

Wait a minute, am i reading this right, you have a GMT IIC and they want that plus $700 for a 104, the 104 is a lot cheaper, at worst i'd expect a straight swap, i'd definitely think about asking for a swap on here first and maybe even selling the GMT IIC before getting the Panerai as you're not getting a good deal on the 104.

The 212 isn't a bad deal though, which makes me side with that one over the 104 as it's a better watch and financially it's a much better deal.

[unknown]

111 the same as the first but without the date

A panerai needs to be simple.

2 or 3 hands and that's it

that's all you need









probably my worst pics ever

[TswaneNguni]

Very nice pics,Mr Unknown !!

[JF23]

212 if it were me...

[MYK]

Well, guess what I did? I took none of the advice above, sold my gmt, skipped panerai altogether and got me a sub lv. To answer a thread I started here a while ago, yes I should have a sub. :) thank you all for your very valuable points and at the end you are all right, I should get the one that makes me smile. The gmt was simply too flashy for my taste. :)

[JF23]

Congrats on the LV. Love the versatility of being able to swap out the bezel insert for black as well.

[MYK]

Yeah that's actually what sold me the watch. I just I couldn't go without a rolex. Its my security blanket, my next watch will definately be a panerai, this time I'm saving up for one.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by MYK

Yeah that's actually what sold me the watch. I just I couldn't go without a rolex. Its my security blanket, my next watch will definately be a panerai, this time I'm saving up for one.

Smart man. I'm like you...while I know I'll probably buy a Pan someday, it won't be at the expense of my Rolex...definitely an addition watch as opposed to a substitution IMO. Congrats on the LV...it's a great choice!

[mfer]

You know, I read your post two quickly. Don't trade your IIc for it. Just take your time and save some more. The IIc is quite a watch. My FAV Rolex at the moment.

[Ruff]

I think they are two totally different pieces each with its own character. Only you can decide which one suits you. That being said, if you can't have both then my vote is for the 212

[Ruff]

never mind, did't read the whole thread, congrats on the LV