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312 or 111, what would you pick?

Dinkis

Active Member
Certified
23/8/15
452
46
28
Michigan, USA
Thank you all for your suggestions. I have decided. I currently have an Revue Thommen Diver with date that sits 16.6cm thick on my wrist. So I just went ahead and bought myself a PAM111. I've been a member on here for over 4 years and this is my first ever rep. Thank you all, especially the PAM oracle that is ALE for the stellar work. Roll on the QC.

Speaking of which couple of things I would like to wonder aloud about: This is not a rant, but just want to see what people think/know.

1. I got my RT Diver for around the same price I am now paying for the PAM. However, the RT diver is water resistant to 300m and has an ETA2824 beating inside without a whistle since I bought it 5 years ago. I've never dived with it, but have worn it in the shower, swam in pools walked around in the rain etc and it's held up without a bother. Now, if a Swiss company that employs less than 50 people can manage that feat and sell their watch for €350, I struggle to understand why manufacturers in China are unable to make watches with bomb proof movements and excellent water resistance. IT's not just limited to RTs; Grovana and all the other entry level Swiss makers sell their watches for less than the price of reps (albeit them being homages) with excellent water resistance and good Swiss movements. I don't think the fact that the different parts are manufactured by different people is a good explanation (at least in the case of water resistance). I don't know who makes the Asian movements, but they would have churned out enough of these to be able to know what they are doing wrong or apply some quality control. I have worn my watch since i've had it without ever wondering if it would stop working. However excited i am about the PAM, I don't think i would wear it with the same confidence. So what's the reason?

2. As this is my first rep and my attention to detail (or the lack thereof) is something i struggle with, I am sure that i would do a hash job on the QC. I will miss something. I know i will. And i will also pick that up again when i read the forum and suddenly it would be the one thing that i can't look past! Tempted as i am, I don't think posting QC pics are the right way to go about it going 'does this look alright?'. So, a lot of the really passionate people here know what the flaws are and what to look out for in each rep. Would it make sense to put together a model specific QC checklist? Of course, the checklist would/should only note things that you need to watch out for (say issues with crystal, lugs etc) and not stuff like dirt on the straps on dents on the case. This would stop guys (perhaps!) from posting QCs in threads. I know that there are reviews and PAM guides, but those are detailed reviews of the rep and in many instances, issues are spread over multiple threads. Suggestions?

Again, thank you all and really appreciate the support and excellent work.

Totally good questions. I agree. I have an Archimede that has ETA and it cost me $350 and it's brilliant. Same with my Seiko diver with Japanese movement that is bond proof and cost me $200. Good luck with your 111. I'm sure it will be great. Just get some proper straps


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pancorjackhammer

I'm Pretty Popular
21/12/15
1,551
350
83
For 111 QC:
I am planning to get a new one because the lug holes on mine are drilled in an asymmetric way - one of the holes is almost past the lug edge...
Other things to watch is how flush the crown guard is against the case and if the pin on it looks ok - including the lever and lever angle. I think the dial and dial orientation is typically fine but would not hurt to check. Check for lume application on the hands too.
Case back - check for any missing screws or any blemishes.
 

cobratom

Getting To Know The Place
14/6/10
35
2
8
Cheers pancor, will do. I suppose things like lug holes would be near impossible to pick up on unless you manually inspect it. Excited now!

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Varan

Getting To Know The Place
17/8/15
22
0
0
What do you thinks for 111? Noob or KW? Which exactly version?

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cobratom

Getting To Know The Place
14/6/10
35
2
8
I'm going for the noob as it appears to have most things right than the others. Ultimately, it boils down to personal choice I suppose. I am yet to handle a high class rep myself, so hoping to be (pleasantly) surprised.

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Rx4Time

Supporter, Panerai lover
Patron
Certified
31/3/16
11,787
10,036
113
CONUS
Noob 111. Very good quality and accuracy! Movement is simple and reliable.