Disappointed...

[kazn]

Finally bought my first gen Pam, and after having it for about a week, I got to tell you folks, stay with the Reps!

So my first gen was a 119, this is quite an unexpected buy but one came up with the right price- For those unfamiliar 119 is a small 40mm blue dialed Luminor made in early 2000s with OP3 movements (ETA 7750 based)

I've always wanted a 40mm pam (small wrist here, 44mm almost looks clocky), plus the date function is useful, and blue dial is always nice for a change! - plus not many good reps are available for this model. The watch was from 2002 (E series), came with box and papers...etc and the owner had it since new. It was serviced by Panerai 1 year ago (cost few hundred dollars) and it came back with:

- Tiny scratch off the dial on the edge (although not very obvious -you had to look closely to see this)
- Dusts on the inside of the crystal - now I am not talking about something you have to see through a loupe- you can visibly see about 3 specs of fine featherly dust on the inside of the crystal from 20 cm away! - This never happen to any reps I've got.
- Watch now runs 10 seconds slow (original watch came with COSC certificate)

These were of course reflected on the sales price, and the owner is just reluctant to send it back again to get things done properly. I know I can get these fixed by my local watch maker for maybe $100 or less.

So after wearing it for a week and compared to my Noob 111 and a Vac modded 177, here is what I find:
- the metal work on the reps are just as nice (can't tell the difference)
- Operation wise gen and reps felt the same (crown / lever)
- The lume is actually better on the reps! (lol) - Yes I know the 44mm sandwich is suppose to glow brighter - but the lume on the gen aren't even that consistent! You can tell the lume on the 12 marker is not as even as the 6 marker- doesn't happen with reps.
- Rep keeps better time.

Will I ever buy another gen? Perhaps, but with newer models / new movements that can't be serviced by independent watch makers, on top of crappy Panerai services (which there are lots of stories online) - this is a hard call. Also with each new rep costing less than a service this is a no brainer.

When I first got into Pam reps I always wonder if it is worth getting gen. Now that I have I can tell all new pam rep lovers - Buy reps! They are awesome

Have a good day!

 

[kanok14]

Thanks for sharing mate.. Pam reps are very well rep

 

[lmmo]

Agree that it's very difficult to justify paying gen prices for Panerai considering the quality of the reps and the somehow poor quality of Panerai service.

For me it's better to invest your gen money on something more exotic and not replicated (ALS, GO, etc.), or at least something bullet proof (like Rolex).

 

[peterpl]

I would never buy a gen panerai ever - even the ones with more complex movements.

For Panerai stay with reps 100%

 

[Tucker]

Interesting thread. Thanks for sharing OP.

 

[JGinBoston]

Good perspective man. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Bizznes101]

I've had more gens than reps (that is changing as the darkside calls me) Closest I came to having same rep as gen was a Breit Avenger, got the newest HF Seawolf and the quality is right up there. I may never buy another gen- super reps these days are just too good at 1/10th the cost.

 

[d4m.test]

Most of the gen experience is the luxury feeling of the AD boutique, the salesman telling You how good and wonderful it is and listening to the heirloom story while having a coffee or champaign, the freebies You get along, like a cataloque and a branded plastic bag. Than of course the unboxing and flashy, shining feel of brand new, the security of having a warranty on it for the first couple of Years and knowing it´s 200 meters waterproof otb.
Objectively it´s all fireworks and smoke, after some years of use it´s got scratches, unsafe to take into water, in need of a service which is being delayed. I´ll grant an exception to Rolex as they stand well the test of time as they age.

 

[kazn]

I must say that I am more than happy to buy gen Rolex over the reps. Gen Rolexes are just great watches backed up by good service- I still have 3 modern sports Rolex and will always keep them.

To be honest I think pam really should be around the price of brand like Sinn- Or less given how much innovation they put in there. And they need to sort their service out- even Chinese illegal factory is doing a better job !

 

[straycat]

I've had way more gens than reps and currently having 3 gens the 392, 005 & 569. I'm very dissapointed by the 569 refinement. For the watch that costs $12K the 569 is just terribly under-refined (way too much play in the bezel, movement noise...etc) I've been extremely happy with the 392 & 005 though. The 392 is just so exquisite and my 005 is a bulletproof mofo that has seen all kinds of actions. With the Panerai I think it's a mixed bag really. Would I buy another gen? hell yeah but with such sour taste in my mouth from the 569 I'll have to make sure that I make a really wise decision. But for Rolex? gens any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[kazn]

That is exactly my sentiment. I think there is a love and hate thing with Panerai. With the price they are charging we would expect Rolex or even Omega level of quality, but the fact is this is about as good as a Hamilton or worse. Such a waste given they have got this unique niche. Seems like all they care is quick profit these days...

If Panerai can be priced accordingly (either improve their service / quality- or drop the price to 2-3 k mark) I would be more than happy to get all gens.

For now reps is the way to go!

I've had way more gens than reps and currently having 3 gens the 392, 005 & 569. I'm very dissapointed by the 569 refinement. For the watch that costs $12K the 569 is just terribly under-refined (way too much play in the bezel, movement noise...etc) I've been extremely happy with the 392 & 005 though. The 392 is just so exquisite and my 005 is a bulletproof mofo that has seen all kinds of actions. With the Panerai I think it's a mixed bag really. Would I buy another gen? hell yeah but with such sour taste in my mouth from the 569 I'll have to make sure that I make a really wise decision. But for Rolex? gens any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[elusive1]

I've had way more gens than reps and currently having 3 gens the 392, 005 & 569. I'm very dissapointed by the 569 refinement. For the watch that costs $12K the 569 is just terribly under-refined (way too much play in the bezel, movement noise...etc) I've been extremely happy with the 392 & 005 though. The 392 is just so exquisite and my 005 is a bulletproof mofo that has seen all kinds of actions. With the Panerai I think it's a mixed bag really. Would I buy another gen? hell yeah but with such sour taste in my mouth from the 569 I'll have to make sure that I make a really wise decision. But for Rolex? gens any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Agreed here. I have a Gen 422 which I love, but rarely wear. Pam and AP reps get all the wrist time these days!!!

 

[Knifemaker]

I have Gen and Rep Pam's. I wear the Rep's almost exclusively.

Knife

 

[HeavenStorm]

Im happy with my gen and i wear it almost everyday. No experience on service but heard a lot of scary story. Hopefully all goes well when its time.