Bit of advice on Panerai

[andyc11]

Having lusted after Panerai for a while, looking to buy with a budget of around £4K. I've not got Arnie size wrists so the 44/45mm would swamp me I feel. Really like the look of the PAM00048, which at 40mm would be ok.

I'm doing plenty of research but given the large number of models, any key points/tips for me to consider please?

[jimboddb]

Great choice, love Pams but I'm similarly challenged in the wrist department.

At the end of day taste is personal but the smaller watches don't hold their value like the classics.

[anonymous-user]

Make sure you try a few on - some of them sit really well and don't appear as large you would think once they are on the wrist

[Pupp]

The others have beaten me to it... if the 048 calls to you then that's the one, but my advice is try some bigger ones too and make no assumptions on what might work for you.

I spent half a day doing just that with a (very) experienced Panerai specialist and had the same fears about an over-big watch on not the hugest wrist (19cm despite me being over 6'2")... we started off with smaller models (probably including the 048 although I cannot say that for sure but I do like the classic Luminor form so likely), and there was a lot of tutting.

When a 44mm went on, and despite my instinctive misgivings, the reaction was 'yes, yes, yes...' - tested with a couple of other random customers who happened to call in whilst this was occurring. He was passionate about the watches, knew his stuff, and clearly enjoyed the exercise so I trusted his advice... (I actually set off to try and buy a Sinn!)

Can honestly say no-one has ever suggested the watch is over-big (nor have they either for a subsequent 47mm Radiomir); every comment has been wholly appreciative. I think the designs are clever in that although no getting away from the fact they are relatively large pieces, the look on the wrist is still comfortable. Have never considered mine to 'get in the way' at all, either.

Beyond that, I have seen it reported that 40mm models are less easily moved on come sale time (not an issue if it's a keeper), and think the 048 might not be a Panerai in-house movement if that matters at all (maybe later ones are, so check).

Regardless, absolutely no regrets about going this route and always look forward to wearing one of mine (spending a fortune on straps 'though!)

Post up whatever you go for and enjoy!

[andyc11]

Thanks all, some great advice there - would probably have dismissed the larger diameter outright but will certainly try now. Movement is important, but hopefully will be a keeper so not overly concerned with re-sale. Will post up if I can make a decision, part of me keeps thinking a GMT II is an option but have to admit, Rolexes are not my 'thing' really and after something not quite so obvious if that makes sense.

[Pupp]

Have a look in the Black Bay Bronze thread

[detee]

I would look at the 40 MM Panerai for sure but try the Pam 512, I bought one and it sits very nicely. Where are you based?

[andyc11]

detee said:

I would look at the 40 MM Panerai for sure but try the Pam 512, I bought one and it sits very nicely. Where are you based?

Thanks, need to try some on - based in Manchester so plenty of choices local.

[detee]

Andy, I went through the same, I had a 40 MM and it was quite thick and kept catching it. The one I suggested is nice and thin and very nice. Just got me thinking why I don't wear it more!

[ChrisPackit]

I'm also Manchester based, and had a similar predicament to you. Im well built but have quite slim wrists, but the 44mm Luminor Marina just looked right. FYI, I got around 5% off at David M Robinsons in St Annes Square...

Cheers

[CardShark]

I may be stating the obvious however when trying something on make sure that you get a 3rd person perspective of the watch by looking at it in a mirror when being worn, it will give you a different idea as to how large a watch wears. Panerais generally have large cases with short lugs, it's the short lug length that helps when being worn on a smaller wrist.

[nikaiyo2]

Have you tried on a 44mm Pam? They do not wear as big as the numbers suggest, to me the 40mm cases look "midsize," and a little bit... not right.

Personally a Panerai should have 2 hands no more, so would be looking for a used

PAM0
PAM2
PAM112
PAM176
PAM219
PAM390

[bobbybee]

detee said:

I would look at the 40 MM Panerai for sure but try the Pam 512, I bought one and it sits very nicely. Where are you based?

The PAM00512 is 42mm, but the lug design and the flatter Radiomir case with the manual wind movement does make it sit comfortably. You do lose the quick change strap system for drilled lugs though.

[MOBB]

Mines a PAM312 and ticked all of the boxes for me.

I think the diameter is fine with the 44mm versions, the thickness is more challenging sometimes when wearing shirt cuffs etc

When I tried mine on for the first time, I actually thought it looked smaller than 44mm

Love it to bits and still haven't seen anything I'd change it for, apart from maybe a Dornbluth Regulator

[Armitage.Shanks]

40mm PAMs do not have a good resale as most go for 44mm. Whilst the large watch is in vogue Panerai are large watches in their own right so I think the market will still prefer 44+mm whilst favouring the 40mm for females.

Again though it's personal choice. I've got a PAM196 Daylight but want to move into the GMT PAM421 Radiomir rose gold as (to me) like the PAM289 they look the dog's gonads. But as ever you never get your money back with gold options which is fine by me as I'm buying it for me not the next person.

This guy sums it up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB-6v_CDXfc