panerai watch questions - Page 2

Sinn and Bell & Ross New Officer line are a couple types that I like.

However, if it's a *large* "tool" watch you want, I believe you'd be hard press to find something more "original" and "classic" in terms of large watches than a panerai.

Yes there was the IWC portugese, but that's far dressier.

I can see the argument against large watches too, but that's not what you're asking about.

Ive owned a bakers dozen of panerais. Aesthetically, i really like them. id recommend the 112, basic black dial, hand wind, leather strap. There isnt many watches that look similar until you get to really cheap hommages.

Need some advice about buying a Panerai in London.

I've decided I'd like the PAM 338 model, which is the Radiomir 42mm titanium finish. The only lead I have is in Selfridges, where they have two on order (one of the two being reserved) at a price of GBP 5300.

The trouble is (and all credit to the seller's honesty), they (a) don't know when Panerai will release the watches and (b) they require a GBP 1000 deposit to even get a look in.

So I am faced with a prospect of having GBP 1000 tied up for a slim (perhaps non-existent) chance of getting the watch (obviously if it doesn't materialise then at some point I get the deposit back).

I have asked in Wempe and Watches of Switzerland but they seemed even less hope ful of getting anything.

Anyone know of any other sources?

Tool watch = watch that serves a purpose first beyond mere aesthetics. i.e., a diver watch serves it's function as a watch for a diver first, and a watch for aesthetics second.

Get a 112! I picked one up used off of paneristi.com a while ago and saved a lot over buying new. I highly recommend a panerai as they can be dressed up and down and every which way depending on the strap.

If you have to get a panerai look for a PAM 001 or PAM 002 (44mm diameter), circa 1997 to 2001. A PAM 069 or 070 (40mm), circa 2000 to 2001), also works if that will be your only watch.

Thirded!

My first Panerai was a 112 and the open caseback for the movement is just mezmerizing...I was tempted to actually wear it upside down

I highly recommend either a 111 or a 112 - the resale values aren't bad either.

But Panerai's ARE Rolexes! Ok..... well back then at least. Rolex made the movement for Panerai's until they branched off and made everything in-house. (or mostly?)

actually, rolex only made the movements in the original divers back in the 30s and 40s. when they were re-introduced, they used ETA and Valjoux movements. Theyve used those until recent years when they first introduced full in house movements in 2007 or 2008ish. Most of their movements are in house now, with a few historic models using the ETAs.

Nothing says "I'm a tosser" better than having a Panerai strapped to your wrist.

Even more so if you're lanky and the watch is the heaviest thing you will lift.

Looks good on me though

^ That's right - no need for curls.