40mm PAM....Bad Choice???

[edge591]

I'm looking at a white faced watch and my choices are slim.
Rolex has the Explorer II and Panerai has the 113 or the smaller 40mm version, 49 I believe. One is manual and one is automatic, one has a date and the other none but it's the size that I am most concerned about.
I have various watches (rolex and Omega) ranging from 40mm to 45.5mm and I really don't want another big watch.

If I buy the 40mm will it be a mistake? How does the 40mm PAM 49 compare to a Rolex Explorer II at 40mm? Does the PAM look bigger or smaller without the bezel etc...?

I don't have a PAM dealer here where I live so I have to base part of my decision on pictures. If you have them then please send them along with your thoughts.

[TswaneNguni]

Buying any PAM can hardly be described as a mistake.However,I would stress buying a 44,not a 40.This is a common question from the first time PAM buyer.Most of my fellow members on this forum will also tell you to go for a 44 rather.They wear very well on the wrist.

A white dial PAM ... my wife wears a 113 and it looks great on her.For myself a black dial on a PAM looks better.A 113 can be a second PAM,an alternative, but not the first one.

Here is what I suggest .... 111 (005,000,112) or if you need a date a 104/312 or 233.You simply cannot go wrong on any of those.All GREAT choices !! Good luck !!

[Carlo Miguel]

the best thing with a pam is that your not restricted to one bracelet or strap as compared to rolex explorer....

But i suggest you get a 44mm....

[Matrim604]

If you prefer a 40mm PAM then it's not a mistake. That said however, if you're the kind of person that likes to flip watches, you'll probably have a much tougher time unloading a 40mm PAM since the vast majority of Panerai fans seem to prefer the 44mm.

[Psmith]

44mm no doubt


Cheers

[B. Doggy]

Take it from a guy that owned a 40mm Panerai. I flipped it after only a few months and I now have a 44mm watch that I love! PAM's are meant to be large watches and it is a part of their DNA. Good luck!

[morgman]

I would go for the 44mm unless you have super small wrists.

I actually like the 113 and 114 a lot. You can also try the 251 (off-white chrono with date.) There is also a slightly older white-dialed Daylight chrono model that looks great if you go the used route.

My wife has the 40mm white dialed pam and loves it. I have tried it on (as I love all things panerai!) but it honestly didn't work like the larger ones.

[edge591]

Originally Posted by morgman

I would go for the 44mm unless you have super small wrists.

I actually like the 113 and 114 a lot. You can also try the 251 (off-white chrono with date.) There is also a slightly older white-dialed Daylight chrono model that looks great if you go the used route.

My wife has the 40mm white dialed pam and loves it. I have tried it on (as I love all things panerai!) but it honestly didn't work like the larger ones.

Is the 113 white or off-white?

[morgman]

Originally Posted by edge591

Is the 113 white or off-white?

113 & 114 are white.

[jcatral14]

It's only a mistake if YOU don't like it

[bodybump]

IMO 44 is the size know for panerai...and i would not buy a 40mm panerai...but thats just me...some people still wants the 40mm size..because it fits them prefectly....have you ever tried them on??

[Nicky G]

How big is your wrist? At 6.5" on a BIG day, I went with 40mm and feel REALLY good about it. I don't care about the flipping argument, as I don't plan to flip any of my watches, ESPECIALLY my PAM 48.

Try both on, buy what YOU like more!

[Trurolexer]

40 is nice, but 44 is PERFECT!!!

[edge591]

Originally Posted by Nicky G

How big is your wrist? At 6.5" on a BIG day, I went with 40mm and feel REALLY good about it. I don't care about the flipping argument, as I don't plan to flip any of my watches, ESPECIALLY my PAM 48.

Try both on, buy what YOU like more!

7.25" I have a Omega PO Chrono that is 45.5mm and it fits fine so my wrists can handle the big watches. The PAM 49 has the date which I like and the 113 does not. So, what to do.....???

[Nicky G]

Originally Posted by edge591

7.25" I have a Omega PO Chrono that is 45.5mm and it fits fine so my wrists can handle the big watches. The PAM 49 has the date which I like and the 113 does not. So, what to do.....???

I see. Well, to be honest I think the 44mm would probably suit you better, however, the 40mm certainly won't look "odd" by any means, either!

There isn't a 44mm version of the 49? Huh, who knew. (I'm a Panerai noob, so I didn't!)

[B. Doggy]

Man, I hope this thread convinces you to go 44mm. If you're a watch guy and appreciate history, buying a 40mm PAM would be considered a sin. Take your time with the decision. Good luck and buy what you LOVE!!

[Nicky G]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

Man, I hope this thread convinces you to go 44mm. If you're a watch guy and appreciate history, buying a 40mm PAM would be considered a sin. Take your time with the decision. Good luck and buy what you LOVE!!

OK, I'm not trying to start anything here, but comments like this I think are over the top. A sin? I think wearing watches that are WAY TOO BIG for you is a sin. Now, that means a 44mm is perfectly fine for some folks, and, again in my opinion, totally ridiculous for others. I'd rather get a watch that fits than "the real deal" (whatever THAT means, regarding current Panerais compared with the original models).

Only real men wear 44mm or something?

In this poster's case 44mm certainly seems like a good option, but for many of us 40mm is where it's at.

40mm and proud PAM owner here!!!

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by edge591

7.25" I have a Omega PO Chrono that is 45.5mm and it fits fine so my wrists can handle the big watches. The PAM 49 has the date which I like and the 113 does not. So, what to do.....???

...buy a 104/312 or 233.

[TonyD]

44mm is the typical and historic size for a PAM. I've spoken to my AD about this is he claims that nearly 100% of people who buy 40mm regret is very quickly.

I ended up with a 251 Daylight which has a cream color face. I love it because it goes with a lot of different color straps, ie baby blue, bright green etc that don't look great with a black face.

A black face with a simple dial is on my list though.

[Timber Loftis]

I chose a 40mm Pam, and I am very happy with it. I have tried on several 44 mm Pams and personally I just don't like them on my wrist. In my opinion a watch should be easily readable and easily wearable, and the 44 mm tips too far into the too heavy/ not wearable range for me. They're gorgeous, but not for me.

So, I would encourage you to do what I did and buck the trend. Just because the 44 mm size is the most popular, that doesn't make it the best. My 40 mm goes great with jeans but is perfectly at home in a suit, where it fits nicely under the sleeve.

Good luck.

[generic0]

I'm another 40mm owner (model 50 with bracelet) and I love it.

I have a 6" wrist, though. So 44 is really truly too big for moi.

[sale2day]

if you have a small wrists go with 40 mm

[ocwatching]

what size is your wrist? I have 6.8" wrist and 44mm works (IMHO)...
but I do agree...any larger would look funny on me...

good luck in your choice

[rr-nyc]

I went though the same dilema buying my first Panerai. I ended up buying a PAM 125 (40mm) but after 3 months debating whether i should have bought a 44mm, i gave in and bought a PAM 171 and never looked back. The 40mm just doesnt have the same presence

[johnswatch]

The 40mm wears much largr due to the crown guard which isn't included in the measurements.

44mm is more historic? I thought the original Marina Militare watches were 47mm in diameter?

[Pep04]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

I chose a 40mm Pam, and I am very happy with it. I have tried on several 44 mm Pams and personally I just don't like them on my wrist. In my opinion a watch should be easily readable and easily wearable, and the 44 mm tips too far into the too heavy/ not wearable range for me. They're gorgeous, but not for me.

So, I would encourage you to do what I did and buck the trend. Just because the 44 mm size is the most popular, that doesn't make it the best. My 40 mm goes great with jeans but is perfectly at home in a suit, where it fits nicely under the sleeve.

Good luck.

I have a 244. I love the fact that it fits my wrist perfectly. I was the 88 now, but just because I want a 44mm, but wouldn't want to part with my 244

[obscura101]

I recently pulled the trigger on the 88 after trying both the 88 and 244 on back and forth for a week. In the end, the 244 looked too average. I mean 40MM is the size of my sea-dweller. I have small wrists btw. I'm down to the last hole on the Panerai strap but it looks fine.

[stevenrobinson]

nt.

Originally Posted by Psmith

44mm no doubt


Cheers

[stockae92]

i went to my local AD and tried on both 40mm (it was a chrono, i forgot which one) and 44mm PAM (24 and 25). i have to say 40mm has a more "regular/normal" fit but it didn't feel right for me. it felt small for a PAM. i agree that PAM meant to be big :)

[Joey_V]

It just feels small for a Pam. The 44 fits me but any larger for a Luminor case and I'm out.