Deciding on first PAM

[watchgeek41]

Hey everyone! I don’t mean for this to sound like a “who has the best sub” post, but I’m looking to buy my first PAM and could use some advice. Most of my experience has been with Rolex, my modded TC V6 and Yachtmaster have been my dailies for years. I’ve had a few IWC reps as well. I plan on adding a PAM and the new ZF Tudor 58 to my collection.

From what I’ve read, it seems like the PAM111 is a solid first PAM, reliable and gen-like. I’m trying to decide between the V12 PAM111 or the new PAM1312. I’m assuming the V12 (or V11) PAM is the more accurate one, as the 1312 is new. The 1312 is also the P9010 that’s automatic with date, vs the manual wind 6497. I’m guessing the 6497 is more reliable, but I’ve got to do some more research. I do like the non polished case on the 1312. I’d like a 42mm but it seems like the best reps are 44mm.

Any comments on either watch would be appreciated! Go easy on me, I’m new to Panerai.

Thanks,
luk

 

[Michoua]

Pam111 was the first of my four Panerai so i may not be neutral...
Pam 111 is really a classic and maybe the best Panerai rep. That said...my advice is to take the watch you prefer ...

 

[KOT1917]

I would start with 127. But if 47mm is not yours (although I do not believe that this watch does not look pretty on someone), decide whether you will wind up the watch or not, and take either the automatic model from vsf or 6497.

The choice is large, and everything has its pros and cons, but if we talk about 44mm 6497, then 000/005 is a good option. Also 390 is a chance not to be missed.

If you go not emotionally, but technically, define automatic or 6497, if automatic, then what type of case, further with the material, and as a result the choice will be narrowed.

 

[rcom440]

Go for 111. 005 would be also a solid choice.

 

[rcom440]

I would start with 127. But if 47mm is not yours (although I do not believe that this watch does not look pretty on someone), decide whether you will wind up the watch or not, and take either the automatic model from vsf or 6497.

The choice is large, and everything has its pros and cons, but if we talk about 44mm 6497, then 000/005 is a good option. Also 390 is a chance not to be missed.

I think 127 could be too big for him as his first panerai. I think he should start with 44, get used to it and then eventually go for 127 Fiddy.

 

[KOT1917]

I think 127 could be too big for him as his first panerai. I think he should start with 44, get used to it and then eventually go for 127 Fiddy.

Well, yes, maybe I got excited, switching from rolex to 127 may scare away ... :yes:

 

[watchgeek41]

Thanks for the recommendations! I like the 005 over the 000, as I like the second hand. From what I can tell, the 005 is just the 111 but with painted vs sandwich dial?

As for a 42mm, is the VS 904 any good? Or would I be better sticking with a 005 or 111. I hate to describe it this way, but I want the best “out of the box” PAM. I’ve read a lot on here and couldn’t find a definitive answer, most point to the 111. This is going to probably be my only PAM. I’d also prefer a matte or brush finish, but almost all the recommended versions are polished.

Thanks again!




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[Michoua]

I think 127 could be too big for him as his first panerai. I think he should start with 44, get used to it and then eventually go for 127 Fiddy.

Pam 127 is my fourth ...
Pam111 44mm then Radiomir 47mm , custom Nata's Pam 47mm and finally Pam 127...
Increasing the size step by step was a factor of my choice... Well the Nata's is thicker than the 127 but i couldn't resist...

 

[Michoua]

Thanks for the recommendations! I like the 005 over the 000, as I like the second hand. From what I can tell, the 005 is just the 111 but with painted vs sandwich dial?

As for a 42mm, is the VS 904 any good? Or would I be better sticking with a 005 or 111. I hate to describe it this way, but I want the best “out of the box” PAM. I’ve read a lot on here and couldn’t find a definitive answer, most point to the 111. This is going to probably be my only PAM. I’d also prefer a matte or brush finish, but almost all the recommended versions are polished.

Thanks again!




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Well there is also another big difference between 000 and 111 , it's the caseback, solid for 000 and display for the 111.

 

[KOT1917]

In comparison 005 - 111, as it was indicated, the difference is in the backcase, which deprives movt., However, sandwich 111 is more accurate than sausage 005, although not everyone sees it.
Also, 005 has the notorious logo on the dial.

If you need a brush, not polish, then 312, 1312 and other automatic pam. This is a different watch, a different character. Considering that as we can see the thickness of 1312 is correct, and there is a solid backcase, there is an option that this is a very good rep if you put up with a blue second hand. But, so far there are no reviews from the owners.

 

[watchgeek41]

I’m leaning toward the 111. The more I look at the 1312, the more it looks larger due to the more squared corners and the second hand looks too small and out of place compared to the 111. Also I think the 111 has been refined more over the years (v12 or v11) and the 6497 manual wind should be a bit more bulletproof.


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[sukwonee]

I recommend 005 over 111.

The main reason for this (already mentioned by others above) is the closed case back.

I love my 005. The only thing I don't know for sure is which factory currently offers the best version. I personally don't seem to like the XF version from pics (greener color lume and I saw one members Pic that came with sunken CP) but I have never seen one in person.

Mine isn't the best version either but here is a Pic of it. I wear it 2 3 times a week.

 

[watchgeek41]

Thanks for the photos sukwonee! That looks awesome. I’m not too concerned with the open case back, I know the movement probably isn’t very gen-looking, but I’ll never have anyone looking at the back. My main choice would be which is more accurate, the sandwich dial on the 111 or the sausage dial on the 005. As for factory, I believe the noob v11 or v12 are the best right now. I now need to convince myself that a 44mm watch is ok to wear, I don’t have small wrists but I’m used to 40mm watches.


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[sukwonee]

Thanks for the photos sukwonee! That looks awesome. I’m not too concerned with the open case back, I know the movement probably isn’t very gen-looking, but I’ll never have anyone looking at the back. My main choice would be which is more accurate, the sandwich dial on the 111 or the sausage dial on the 005. As for factory, I believe the noob v11 or v12 are the best right now. I now need to convince myself that a 44mm watch is ok to wear, I don’t have small wrists but I’m used to 40mm watches.


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I have a 6.75 inch wrist. I do feel that some of the thicker ammo straps look funny on my wrist with 44mm Pam but I think 44mm Pam looks okay on my wrist with thinner sleeker style strap.

111 is definitely a great choice if you don't mind the open case back. I am also with you that I need my 44mm Pam's to have the second hand. I do not like 000 112 114 for that same reason.

​​​​​

 

[sukwonee]

Thanks for the photos sukwonee! That looks awesome. I’m not too concerned with the open case back, I know the movement probably isn’t very gen-looking, but I’ll never have anyone looking at the back. My main choice would be which is more accurate, the sandwich dial on the 111 or the sausage dial on the 005. As for factory, I believe the noob v11 or v12 are the best right now. I now need to convince myself that a 44mm watch is ok to wear, I don’t have small wrists but I’m used to 40mm watches.


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Sorry I misread. If you don't have small wrist, you will get used to 44mm very fast and without looking ridiculous either lol.

 

[rcom440]

Thanks for the recommendations! I like the 005 over the 000, as I like the second hand. From what I can tell, the 005 is just the 111 but with painted vs sandwich dial?

As for a 42mm, is the VS 904 any good? Or would I be better sticking with a 005 or 111. I hate to describe it this way, but I want the best “out of the box” PAM. I’ve read a lot on here and couldn’t find a definitive answer, most point to the 111. This is going to probably be my only PAM. I’d also prefer a matte or brush finish, but almost all the recommended versions are polished.

Thanks again!



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vsf 904 is a good replica but they have very loud rotor.
It’s panerai due so it’s thinner and in my opinion they look quite feminine.
if you like size of 40mm Rolex SUBs, 44mm pams should look good on your. It will look slightly larger than sub but the thing about panerai watches is they wrap quite nicely on the wrist. They look quite good on smaller wrists too.
go for one of the classics 111 or 005 and put them on some badass strap. I can bet you that eventually you will want to buy another panerai.

 

[Repworld]

pam 0005 trusty QCS https://qcpics.com/index.php/PN005XLE


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[PAM_BOY]

Try a 44mm PAM as rcom440 said a 005, 111 or maybe a 024!
If It's too big switch to Rolex!
Ah, one EXCEPTION: If you have a small wrist and you are a girl > THAN it's definitly cool!

But as always...
Dē gustibus nōn est disputandum!

Ps. Please don't think about
a ''DUE'' it's definitely made for kids! (My opinion)

Miss PAM_BOYs 024

 

[rcom440]

Try a 44mm PAM as rcom440 said a 005, 111 or maybe a 024!
If It's too big switch to Rolex!
Ah, one EXCEPTION: If you have a small wrist and you are a girl > THAN it's definitly cool!

But as always...
Dē gustibus nōn est disputandum!

Ps. Please don't think about
a ''DUE'' it's definitely made for kids! (My opinion)

Miss PAM_BOYs 024

I don’t think he will be able to get 024.

 

[PAM_BOY]

I don’t think he will be able to get 024.

:bigwink: