First rep - it's got to be a Pammy but which?

[includemeout]

Hi all

I've lurked here a while, read through the Panerai guides, read plenty of threads, read watch and dealer reviews but still feel a bit overwhelmed by the volume of information available. Buying your first rep seems like navigating a bit of a minefield.

I have several gen classic/vintage dress watches: Longines Flagship, Jaeger Master, Max Bill auto/chrono... you get the idea, simple faces, sub-40" diameter. Always wanted a Panerai but not enough that I'd pay gen prices, so I've decided to find a decent rep or super rep to see how I like it. I'm inclined to go with a Radiomir but not dead set on that. Ideally the face would be as clean as possible, no date if I can help it, but I could compromise as I'd prefer a good super rep with date or small seconds rather than a clean face on a sub-par rep. I do really like the all black ceramic 438 despite the face being a bit fussy. I was about to pull the trigger on that watch from intime.co but I emailed the guy a couple times about the differences between the two models on the website, no response, got spooked so didn't pursue it.

Any suggestions? Would really appreciate any guidance - hopefully the thread will end with a wrist shot!

I'm UK-based btw, if that makes a difference to suggestions.

Cheers

 

[dave2889]

Hello mate! I'm also a UK based collector!

I recently took delivery of a PAM292. It's a beautiful watch and I love it - Pic below. It's a nice size, doesn't wear too big on my smallish wrists and more importantly it's not too thick in case depth like I find some PAMs can be.

Check it out!

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[includemeout]

Hey Dave, that's really nice and would suit my smaller wrist, hadn't come across the 292 until now. Do you know what factory? HF? intime have this:
http://www.intime.co/panerai/1830-pam292j-1-1-hf-latest-version-on-black-leather-strap.html

But I'm a bit reluctant to send them money as I sent a couple emails weeks ago and got nothing back.

 

[dave2889]

The version I have is from the KW. If you read ALE's PAM guide in the Pam section stickies, you'll see it's the best version. The TD I used is Lucy @ Truetime, but she's away right now. You could try Puretime or Torobravo too - both have sterling reputations! Hope that helps!

 

[includemeout]

Cheers Dave. It's a toss up between the 292 and the 42mm 512 at the moment... and then to decide the TD. Would the TD send QC pictures as a matter of course before shipping? Or should I request?

 

[Bozz]

Hello mate! I'm also a UK based collector!

I recently took delivery of a PAM292. It's a beautiful watch and I love it - Pic below. It's a nice size, doesn't wear too big on my smallish wrists and more importantly it's not too thick in case depth like I find some PAMs can be.

Check it out!

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This dial is simply stunning! My compliments mate.

 

[dave2889]

Many thanks bozz! It's a pleasure to wear!

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[rocketdogbert]

I picked up a 622 from Sead (Supermirrors) last week, wears large though





Sead often has UK stock, always worth checking his forum, really great guy to deal with, very honest and quick.

 

[includemeout]

Cheers Bert, beautiful watch and I love the 605 as well. Looking at the 512 because I decided anything bigger than 42mm is going to wear too big. I just sent Sead email and he already replied.

 

[vicad]

Here is a pic of the 512 I received last week.

Hope it can help you.

 

[Thefishy75]

I recently purchased from InTime and the transaction was fantastic. QC pictures were sent after payment was received, at which point I was able to look them over and say yes/no. Good luck! The TD's here are trusted for a reason, they don't want to risk their reputation and business by screwing over someone for 400 bucks. It is in their best interest to help make a sale go as smoothly as possible.

 

[dave2889]

Includemeout - it depends on your dealer as to they're QC process, but I think most send you QC pics without you having to ask. Some also hold the watch running for a few days to confirm it works properly too!


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[includemeout]

Thanks again for the advice. Just waiting for the Chinese holiday period for the 512 to be shipped out, but I was interested to see on the QC pictures that there are no blue screws on the movement contrary to older reviews of the 512. Still flipped 180deg of course.

 

[includemeout]

Noob alert. My 512 arrived, it's beautiful.

I'm not sure about the crown, should I be going anti-clockwise until it can't go any further and then clockwise to wind? It will unwind anti-clockwise indefinitely and it also feels pretty scratchy. Not what I'm used to with a manual wind.

 

[dave2889]

I've just ordered a new strap for my PAM as pictured above. Once it's here a couple of weeks (custom order) this will be one of the sexiest watches I own!

As a rule wind it 30-40 turn clockwise. Don't wind it until it won't wind any further. You run the risk of over winding it and/or damaging the movement.


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[includemeout]

I've just ordered a new strap for my PAM as pictured above. Once it's here a couple of weeks (custom order) this will be one of the sexiest watches I own!

As a rule wind it 30-40 turn clockwise. Don't wind it until it won't wind any further. You run the risk of over winding it and/or damaging the movement.


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I'll keep my eye on the wrist shot thread for pictures when your strap arrives. Where did you order it?

Sadly the spring on the crown stem on the 512 was broken when the watch arrived so it wouldn't wind, sending it back to HK for a replacement. Otherwise very nice, the lume on the hands and dial are a bit different but it doesn't bother me, wears nice and small.

292 next, or a Bell & Ross Vintage.

 

[dave2889]

That's a shame it was DOA, hope you get a replacement soon!

Strap is being made by a fantastic strap maker from Poland. http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=262738

See some of his work there. I've gone for black upper and a dark grey underside. Can't wait for it to arrive. Will show wrist shots


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[dave2889]

Here are some other examples of the guy's work - his straps look fantastic!

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[Hawker789]

Hi all

I've lurked here a while, read through the Panerai guides, read plenty of threads, read watch and dealer reviews but still feel a bit overwhelmed by the volume of information available. Buying your first rep seems like navigating a bit of a minefield.

I have several gen classic/vintage dress watches: Longines Flagship, Jaeger Master, Max Bill auto/chrono... you get the idea, simple faces, sub-40" diameter. Always wanted a Panerai but not enough that I'd pay gen prices, so I've decided to find a decent rep or super rep to see how I like it. I'm inclined to go with a Radiomir but not dead set on that. Ideally the face would be as clean as possible, no date if I can help it, but I could compromise as I'd prefer a good super rep with date or small seconds rather than a clean face on a sub-par rep. I do really like the all black ceramic 438 despite the face being a bit fussy. I was about to pull the trigger on that watch from intime.co but I emailed the guy a couple times about the differences between the two models on the website, no response, got spooked so didn't pursue it.

Any suggestions? Would really appreciate any guidance - hopefully the thread will end with a wrist shot!

I'm UK-based btw, if that makes a difference to suggestions.

Cheers

I love ceramic PAM's and have had both the 438 and the 292. I'll probably buy another 292 shortly as its a great watch. I loved the 438 but the open caseback was a downside for me but it really is a stunning piece. I'd recommend both.


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