Panerai vs Bell & Ross

[Spice_Weasel]

Despite having a couple of decent watches, I'm hankering after something really big. I can't stretch to an AP ROO T3 or an IWC Big Pilots Watch but I am considering either a Bell & Ross BR01-92 (steel, black dial) which I prefer over the BR01-96 date version OR a Panerai Luminor Marina (something like a PAM111, 113 or 164).

From reading the threads on here it seems that some of you own/have owned the above and I'd appreciate your views.

I have tried both but I'm a little worried I may be underwhelmed by the B&R in the long run despite the impact of the 46mm case and the novelty of its shape/design etc. In addition, it has an ETA 2892 movement which is somewhat of a bog-standard movement. The PAM113 (the model I tried) I really liked but can't seem to work out which way to go.

Am I better going for the Panerai? Views please!!

[sparkyhx]

Its my understanding Panerai also use ETA movements - execpt in a few higher end ones

Edited by sparkyhx on Wednesday 21st May 09:02

[Spice_Weasel]

IIRC, the PAM177 is a manual wind that has a Unitas base movement whereas the PAM164 is an automatic which (I think) uses an ETA base. I need to check my Wristwatch Annual later today to confirm this.

That aside, I'm interested in people's ownership experiences - good, bad, is it a keeper etc. I guess my worry is I might get bored of the B&R.

[ross-456]

I had a PAM104 for just under a year (last year). Probably the best looking watch I've ever owned and the size was one of the reasons it appealed in the first place.

However, it was the size that became one of the reasons I sold it. I wore it most days but found it could easily get caught on surfaces due to how high it sat on my wrist. TBH that's probably the only negative point but if you're only going to wear it for 'best' then I guess you're OK. Would certainly have a Pan over a B&R any day.

[Spice_Weasel]

Thanks. It will be non-work wear only so evenings out and weekends. I wear my Omega SMP for work as it is client-friendly/ not too showy (I sell to public sector) and it fits under a double cuff so is mostly hidden. My Fortis B-42 chrono is pretty big (7750 movement so quite a tall watch) so I can appreciate the need to be careful when wearing it.

FWIW, Mrs Weasel does not like the B&R and a mate has just described it as "ugly".

[WTD]

another vote for the Panerai, the B&R IMHO (of course) looks really naff.

[darreni]

I wear a pam 176(the Ti base)everyday, stunning watch, soo simple & no clutter.
I like the look of B&R, but they are just too big for me.

IMHO, the panerai will still look great years down the road, not so sure about the B&R.

[maddernj]

I have a PAM005 that I wear day to day. the only draw back is that it won't fit under a cuff with cuff links. oh and its prone to the odd knock. I have mine serviced + polished recently and it was £380. If i wanted a new glass case it would have been £600. Still love it to bits though..

[Spice_Weasel]

darreni said:

I wear a pam 176(the Ti base)everyday, stunning watch, soo simple & no clutter.
I like the look of B&R, but they are just too big for me.

IMHO, the panerai will still look great years down the road, not so sure about the B&R.

I think that is my worry - the B&R could date very quickly and lose its appeal.

[mcgus]

darreni said:

I wear a pam 176(the Ti base)everyday, stunning watch, soo simple & no clutter.
I like the look of B&R, but they are just too big for me.

IMHO, the panerai will still look great years down the road, not so sure about the B&R.

Snap! me too. Love it. Also got a JLC Reverso Grand Taille and an Omega Speedy. I wear the Pam for weekends/evenings.

[Fisher]

Panerai - A way to spend thousands on a 300 pound watch.

B&R - Well, yeah, I want to wear a flight deck on my wrist.

Ugly, cheap watches.

Just my opinion.

Edited by Fisher on Thursday 22 May 05:17

[anonymous-user]

Spice_Weasel said:

IIRC, the PAM177 is a manual wind that has a Unitas base movement whereas the PAM164 is an automatic which (I think) uses an ETA base. I need to check my Wristwatch Annual later today to confirm this.

That aside, I'm interested in people's ownership experiences - good, bad, is it a keeper etc. I guess my worry is I might get bored of the B&R.

Aren't Unitas owned by ETA now anyway.

[Winton]

They are but the movement is based on an old Unitas manual wind and not the ETA 2892 series automatics. I bought a PAM177 and, although a handsome and beautifully built watch, it was very large on the wrist and I couldn't live with a movement (in a 3k watch) that you can pick up for less than a hundred quid.

B&R (IMHO) make very well put together watches but they either appeal to you or they don't. And I'm afraid I fall into the latter category. Keep the pennies in the bank and save up for the AP ROO or the IWC BP - classic watches, with superb movements.

[Spice_Weasel]

Well I have discounted the B&R. I think my unease was well-founded. Beyond the visual impact, my fears that I would be underwhelmed in the long run are proving to be right. I may still get a Panerai as a reward assuming my next deal comes in!

Thanks for all your views.

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

^^^^^^^^^ thats what I did last week!

[Asterix]

I'd never looked at B&R before but I was in a jewellers getting the missus something yesterday and they were the ADs for B&R.

Unfortunately, they didn't have the big chunky ones but they had a lovely dive watch - oil filled and you could view the dial from nearly a flat angle thanks to the light refraction. Really liked it.

Here's a pic

[vandereydt]

Hi
I bought myself a Panerai PAM0164 today, must admit it is a big, BIG watch.

But somehow it s got something in the design I really like.

Mind you next one will be a IWC (doppelchronograph or the FA Jones)

Good luck
ROnny