Gen Pam owners - is it worth it

[thewatching]

If you love watches investing in multiple genuine models is not financially feasible , particularly with new models arriving regularly, the high end Rep market caters for the person who loves to have access to choice at a reasonable price


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This is exactly my dilemma right now. One gen PAM or what, maybe 20 awesome reps?? The quality of my first two reps were so good it's making it much harder to justify at this point.

I will say, for me part of the fun with collecting watches is regularly sharing them–on IG, FB, or whatever–and that instant connection with the broader community. With reps, I'm not able to do that (outside these boards at least), and it kind of diminishes the fun a bit. Anyone else deal with this?


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[snowykim]

Interesting topic since it is for arguably most well repped brand. I was bitten by Pam bug several years ago and went through many reps starting with basic ones from TDs to highly modded ones with gen parts.
Some of my Pam reps I invested well over 1K to look and feel like a gen just to satisfy myself.
Still gen is gen and rep is rep even how Frankenstein it is. Nobody might notice it but your heart knows. Is Pam price ridiculous and will not hold its value compared to Rolex? Yes, I agree.
To me, it is still well worth the money for micro special edition or 2nd handed precious metal historical model. Former you are in special community among at most a couple of hundreds ristis worldwide and latter you won't lose investment if purchased wisely and gen rose gold color of Pam is beyond description. So I acquired 231 and 605. Whenever I see them, I'm so happy and proudly wear them on special occasions. On normal days, I'm fine with my beloved reps beautifully modded by this wonderful community.

 

[Lovepam088]

I own gens in 088 and 111 flavors, and I did before finding the rep game. The 233 pictured below is my current grail and I will probably trade the gen 088 and 111 in towards it and replace with reps (from what I can tell these being super reps would be good candidates to flip) However I'll buy the reps first, and go through them side by side with a fine tooth comb and decide if they really are as good as everyone says before I let the gens go. There are a couple other gen pams on my radar also, like : 0674 = pure s*x ... totally in love with that one right now.

At this point if I were going to buy GEN I would actually ONLY buy Panerai, I'd buy second hand and get a screaming deal.
For me, I just do not like many other brands well enough to consider a gen with one honorable mention being the BP FF Bathyscaphe Chrono Flyback 5200-0130-B52A in ceramised titanium (unfortunately I wouldn't get such a great deal on this one and would really have to be able to justify over $10K to get it on my wrist)

I've had a ton of Panerai gen's. This is my last one, but I'll never sell.

 

[snowykim]

Bottom line, get a hard to rep gen second handed in mint condition, then you will be fine. If I decide to add a 44mm in the future, 233 is definitely on top of the list. Domed glass, 8days PR, gmt and date complications, not bulky on your wrist as non-auto movement, etc just winning combination to me if you are looking for a little bit interesting Pam...

 

[yodog]

Nope. Not worth it. Unless its a special edition purchased second hand. Had a 111 and a 104, both are lame-o.

 

[Bilko]

If you have the spare cash and can afford it yes, you can always sell again to release the cash. One of my gens is worth more than all my reps and am careful what I buy so also make a bit of money, so money in the bank, my gen/rep split is now 90/10 and am happy in the knowledge its good as cash if I want and a gen is a gen, having said that I do get more enjoyment from buying a rep and franken, gensteining the watch as Ive done with my IWC 3717, been around the world getting modded etc and is one of my favourites as I have watched it change into a genstein. Both gen and reps have plus/minus points

 

[philwongnz]

I personally think is the best time to buy gen 2nd pam. I bought most of mine a few yrs ago and I think it went down around 20-30%.

Depending on which model, I think rep might be ideal. I personally own a 233 and a 368 and to my knowledge there ain't any reps which can replicate the movement.

I also own a gen 372 I can't comment on the rep quality as I haven't seen one. But the gen is a very nice piece to have. Is like a Rolex Sub, definitely can go franken or get a TC, but the gen is slightly more refined. And if you wear it often is worth investing.

Best of luck with your search.

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[erekose]

Thanks guys, great replies.

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[shelby1501]

Still gen is gen and rep is rep even how Frankenstein it is. Nobody might notice it but your heart knows.

I think this gives an answer on OP's question and I agree completely. I couldn't justify getting a gen 111 for example but if I had the cash and really loved that watch, then why not to get it. Luckily my grail is Omega SMP which isn't well repped and not so expensive to buy in a gen form and I'm so happy I managed to get it for my colllection.

Because of the above quote I will never have an expensive franken like AP, PAM or Rolex because it costs too much and it still won't be a gen no matter what. Even with all gen parts, I would know it's not a gen and have too much money invested that I woukdn't be happy with it.

 

[d4m.test]

Buy a gen Panerai and never look back, but buy one with some character. I own a few gens that will never be repped well, not because it's impossible, but because the makers will never take the time to capture all of the nuances of the gen; the heavily polished edges, the anodized and hand lumed dials, the perect finish on the movement plates and screws.

Try out an early series tritium. There are some really great bargains out there, especially with the weak Euro.

Now, as a frequent builder of Frankens I have to admit, that once I replace the dial, hands, and CG on rep Panerai with genuine parts, it is indistinguishable from the gen. The case parts now are just too good, especially from makers like noob and SF.

 

[erekose]

- Did not buy as earlier posted -

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[Pam-am]

at the end of the day it really depends if you have the spare cash. pams though really do not hold their value well compared to some other brands, so reselling it would be a pain. lol the pams here are done up pretty well, and i have to say that i own 2 of them. i did end up splashing the cash on a Gen hublot which i do not regret. but I've to admit having cash to spend on a few well done reps could be a better decision over getting a gen. it'll come to a point where you would only want more lol. a well kept 2nd hand pam might be something you can consider

 

[Sparky28]

I've had a ton of Panerai gen's. This is my last one, but I'll never sell.

Beautiful watch


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[PaCoalCracker]

Keep it real.......buy the rep, lol!!

ABSOLUTELY, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL !!

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[PaCoalCracker]

I've had a ton of Panerai gen's. This is my last one, but I'll never sell.

how many do you have? Im looking for a PAM in stainless, black dial/face and stainless bracelet . .. .what would you recommend?? [emoji4]

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[erekose]

Well guys....I went and did it. Just committed to a minty 359 at a local dealer. Pics coming after it arrives! [emoji3]

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Well as fate would have it the 359 got grabbed by another. They also had a 510 which I tried to buy but missed out...bonus season here in Japan.

I take it that the watch gods have spoken..I will be happy with my 31 Pam reps. [emoji3]

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[Dinkis]

I have had several gen. I have prob a hand full of reps. Here's what I would recommend - do your research, buy a couple that suit you that are very close to gen (read Ale's bible) and send them out to be modded. After that just enjoy em and get some different bands. [emoji3][emoji1360]

 

[frankonthemove]

I have to agree with all the comments so far. Ive got gens and plenty of reps and l always felt l wasn't the real deal unless l had a gen, BUT after a recent visit to a watch (pam) specialist who drooled over my rep, of course l kept my mouth shut, l wondered why spend 000's and lm sure we all know the bench value of gens, we simply choose not to pay for tennis and yachting sponsorships. Good reps go far and they tell the time too!! Fancy that
Cheers guys.


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[Jcgul]

I have a gen 233 along with super reps of 111s, 243, 364. I love my gen 233, but the difference is not what you'd expect from a 13k watch versus a 300$ one. A true testament to the craftsmanship of our friends in China

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[Jcgul]

Additionally, my rep 243 is so damn good after I refinished the CG, and with a solid caseback, I have actually convinced myself it's gen lol the 111 is also pretty flawless on the wrist

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