40mm or 42mm super or first class reps

[bernY]

Hi, folks,

I have been reading the amazing reference/review guide thread by ALE7575 for a couple of days. My head is hurting.

I have been in love with PAMs for a long time for the classy and clean, uncluttered look.

Super rep choices are plenty in the 44mm case. But I think that'd be too big for me.

I know that Radiomir comes in 42mm cases and that Luminor comes in 40mm.

So, please tell me if there are any 40mm or 42mm super reps or first class reps of ANY Pams. I love the clean looks of the luminors and radiomirs. Do not like chronographs or Mare Nostrum looks.

Thank you,
Bernie

 

[d4m.test]

Panerai are big by definition, 44mm will be fine.

If it helps, one of the best shortlists I´ve ever seen, from Ale
1. Originally Posted by ALE7575
Some clarifications are required

The overall most accurate?
PAM 029 Noob, PAM 292 J Noob

The most accurate in the wrist? (Not in the hand. List increases a lot)
PAM 111-176-177-127-217-029-356-390-088-243 Noob, PAM 292 J noob, PAM 312 KW,PAM 388 KW, PAM 288 H maker

The most gen-like feel appearance?
PAM 417 KW, PAM 388 KW, PAM 312 KW, PAM 346 KW, PAM 359 KW, PAM 505-504 KW, PAM029 Noob, PAM 243 Noob, PAM 390 Noob, PAM 292 J Noob

The nicest one? (this is a taste matter)
PAM 390, PAM 253, PAM 388, PAM 346, PAM 417, PAM 359, PAM 312, PAM 088

I know this is a big list, but I cannot reduce it

ALE

 

[bernY]

yes, I agree PAMs are big "by definition."

I'd be so nice to go to a local store and look at and try on replicas. That will be the day.

Thank you for the list, even though they are 44mm or over.

 

[fire007]

512...

 

[jpohl402]

yes, I agree PAMs are big "by definition."

I'd be so nice to go to a local store and look at and try on replicas. That will be the day.

Thank you for the list, even though they are 44mm or over.

Take a trip to various watch markets like MBK center, Guangzhou markets, etc
I say order yourself a 535Q 42mm though
Gorgeous strap, gorgeous dial, etc. The 44's are indeed big!

 

[bernY]

Fire, thanks!

the 512 is beautiful.

on pure-time it's reviewed/rated very well. It's a V6F 1:1 "Best" edition. What do you all think about it? For $218 that sounds like a great deal. intime has it for $248.

---------------

jpohl,

the 535Q is gorgeous, even though I'm not crazy about the hash pattern on the dial. I love the GMT version. Date is great too. And the strap is gorgeous! Great suggestion! Thanks.
pure-time has it as "PAM535 Q V6F Best Edition Paris Hobnails Dial on Deep Brown Asso Strap P9001"

what do you guys think about it?

 

[bernY]

and yes, if I could walk around Guangzhou, I would. Never been in that part of the world. Would love to.

 

[mysterio]

and yes, if I could walk around Guangzhou, I would. Never been in that part of the world. Would love to.

Not that it would matter, though. The reps that could be found by roaming the streets of the Guangzhou watch market are generally of poor quality (I've had a Chinese friend go there and he could not find the reps we enjoy from the TDs even with the linguistic advantage). And even if you do manage to find the good ones, you won't be getting it any cheaper. Still, if you are going there as part of a tour of China, it's a nice side trip.

Back to the topic, the PAM512 is a very nice rep, I've reviewed it before. It was just too small for me being weaned on the 44mm then the 47mm Luminors/1950s. As for the PAM535, although I have not reviewed it, the single major flaw on the rep is unfortunately, the case, as the gen is polished through and through yet the rep uses a brushed mid case with a polished bezel. It can be remedied though with properly taping up all the other parts except for the mid case and using some cape code and elbow grease to polish the mid case to a nice shine (and if you're friends with a jeweler, maybe apply some rouge for that extra shine). Pity though that you have to go through this unnecessary step instead of being able to enjoy the rep OTB. But if you have the time and the patience, you have another stunner right there.

 

[jpohl402]

Hi, folks,

I have been reading the amazing reference/review guide thread by ALE7575 for a couple of days. My head is hurting.

First, Kudos to you for reading/researching so much Bernie!! Welcome to our community!
Next, from what I know, both 512 and 535 are quite well made! Albeit they are not perfect, there are minor flaws/tells (more so on 535, @mysterio is right) - but depending on how picky you are, both would be good choices overall.
I posted a thread here:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/...received-the-new-535-42mm-on-black-asso-strap

Angus/PureTime's photos of the rep:

Also bear in mind, the 42mm Pams do not get much love from people in either rep or gen land. Demand is lower, not as many are sold. What that equates to are less photos, less reviews, less discussion...
Personally I really dont think you can go wrong with either... Enjoy!!

 

[bernY]

As for the PAM535, although I have not reviewed it, the single major flaw on the rep is unfortunately, the case, as the gen is polished through and through yet the rep uses a brushed mid case with a polished bezel. It can be remedied though with properly taping up all the other parts except for the mid case and using some cape code and elbow grease to polish the mid case to a nice shine (and if you're friends with a jeweler, maybe apply some rouge for that extra shine). Pity though that you have to go through this unnecessary step instead of being able to enjoy the rep OTB. But if you have the time and the patience, you have another stunner right there.

thank you, Mysterio! Great info!

If I end up with the 535 I will search and learn how to make it shine!

 

[bernY]

First, Kudos to you for reading/researching so much Bernie!! Welcome to our community!

Thank you, jpohl. Been here for years but I have the bug again. Great pics of the 535. Thanks

 

[jpohl402]

Welcome, my pleasure!
Enjoy!

 

[edetroit]

I can wear the big Pam's easily (love my Fiddy!) but when it comes to dress watches I usually go for my lovely rose gold Patek.

I thought I'd give my Pateks some competition with a Pam 378. (42mm)

It will only be worn as dress watch but I think it is very well made, beautiful and will get it's first proper outing tomorrow.

 

[bernY]

nice, edetroit.

well, i decided on a 512 for now.

now where to get it from is the next decision. pure-time price is right.

 

[Capt. Obvious]

The 338 is 42mm and aesthetically very accurate, although the rep os made from steel instead of titanium.

 

[Netbis71]

Guys thanks a lot this was info i was lookin for. My first order from tsw i ordered 390n is on the way but im in love with one of Regatta's 253 flyback...but im afraid the chrono 7750 will not last. If i service it annually clean lube will it last as daily watch?

 

[flieger123]

The 512 looks good. Might take a punt and buy it even though it has some serious flaws.

 

[jonsydney]

The 512 is an amazing rep despite the "serious" flaws which are hidden on the backside of the watch whilst it's strapped to your wrist. I think we all need to set the rep geeking out to the side every now and then and enjoy these aesthetically pleasing and well made reps for the toys they are.

 

[THXuk]

512: I had one and sold it on, its great, just the AR (on mine) let it down, once this is improved its great. I changed to the 392, love it.

512 - make sure you get the latest stock version, the old stock still has the blue screws on the movement, the newer stock has been changed to silver per the original.

 

[bernY]

Good info on 512, jonsydney Thanks.