Buying a Panerai

[baz1950]

Linked to another thread, i'm thinking of moving away from Rolex and unlike some of you guys i don't collect, i just wear one watch exclusively, though currently have two.
Having got used to a date bubble on my GMT and the Tachymetre facility on the Daytona, the Panerai 00236 has to be the logical model but the titanium 00161 also appeals as does the simplicity of the 00050/51 models. As i like bracelets not straps, i've narrowed the Panerai selections to these three options.
The Titanium body on the 161 really appeals but i've never had a strong but lightweight watch of this type before.
Anyone offer user/wearer opinions on these models from experience?
Any good dealer recommendations in the south would be handy and appreciated please

[darreni]

Try paneristi.com, they have a very active trading section.

[Watch-Collector]

Well just a heads up , maybe take a look at a Chopard or a Breit??
The Miglia Chrono models are quite cool ....

Panerai I do agree they are strong in the market as of now and you cant go too wrong , but a good deal on a most models is hard to come by!
Watchcollector

[vandereydt]

Hi There,

Bought myself a PAM 0164 this week, they are indeed big

Bought a used one, one year old, mint condition.

From the change I might buy a Breitling SUper OCean Heritage 46 and then start saving up for a IWC

enjoy

Ronny

[baz1950]

Thanks for the input, i'll keep looking.

[filaborg]

Buy a Pam 88 and stick a bracelet on it....i don't think Panerai make the 161 anymore....the 88 is an easy model to source...

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

I bought an 88 on Friday - love it

[michael_JCWS]

I bought mine from wempe in london (old bond street), very good selection there is also watches of switzerland that have them, might have to order the one you want though

[maddernj]

I bought my 005 from paneristi.com...Top place with the bonus that most quote in $

[Webber3]

michael_JCWS said:

I bought mine from wempe in london (old bond street), very good selection there is also watches of switzerland that have them, might have to order the one you want though

Wempe must be one of the most up market places to buy a watch in London. I was almost expecting it to be appointment only when they opened the door for me.

[baz1950]

After much research and digging, i've located a PAM 104 and a 164 ex stock in the UK. I know it's entry level so 'poor mans'? but i really fancy the total simplicity of the 112 as well, this can be had inside a week! A little surprised to be quoted a cool £800 for a metal bracelet and not sure how to justify that in addition to the watch or indeed the watch at all.
There are a number here who rubbish the Panerai and indeed the Rolex's i own. I'm my own man and believe in quality but wonder whether a return to inexpensive Seiko's et al, is the better way to go
Given simplicity and ease of viewing for my aging eyes is the main criteria, who's got an opinion on these three Panerai, better yet anyone own and wear regularly any of these?

[F1sh]

Baz, as you say. So long as you like it, thats all that matters.

Danny

[baz1950]

Well, went to examine several Panerai and frankly, not sure what to make of them
Seem to be well made and i like 'chunky' but the buckle on the standard straps seemed very sort of 'toy town' so as you might imagine, i didn't buy one.
Found this instead and when compared to the Daytona it is so much easier to read for my aging eyes. Quite content now and with me specs on, i have day and date as well

[lowdrag]

I was reading through the post and thought "I must recommend the Spitfire Chrono" when I see you bought it! Congratulations! As an ageing fella myself it was exactly the same eyesight problems that led me to the IWC and I've not regretted it for one minute. In good daylight any watch is legible but this is particularly easy to read at night, which my Breitlings weren't. If I have one complaint compared to the Breitlings it is the adjustment of the bracelet which is by taking out a link with no fine adjustment by pin holes in the clasp. A bit crude I find.

[baz1950]

Ah a fellow visually challenged sufferer and a like minded person it seems. 48 hours into Spitfire ownership now and i think it will be a long term relationship with IWC. I agree on your point about bracelet adjustment, that is a bit mean in the design and i need to get used to the release button instead of the fold over Rolex clasp.
I can view it easily whilst driving and in most levels of lighting, quite a revelation really!
If i can move on the Daytona for sensible money, i may just buy a Panerai as well but it will have to be on a bracelet or deployant, i couldn't cope with the buckle on that strap