Going gen Panerai, is it worth it?

[erekose]

I had a similar question as you and had settled on not bothering for a while. I have 30+ Pam reps and enjoy them all.

This said I picked up a gen 372 about 2 months ago and have NO regrets. For me gen is different and when I examine it it feels different. Emotional connection is important...after all if not for that we would only own Gshocks or Timex.



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[LuminorReptar]

I think it depends on the model you want , like most others have said. There's definitely a tangible difference between all gen's and reps even if they're super-rep level, its just a question of how much value you put on those subtle differences that only you will be able to tell.

I recently picked up the PAM682 and I really fell in love with that model. The case size and the submersible aesthetic are just perfect. It's a very wearable watch for me.

However, I have a lot of issues with all the inaccuracies of the rep, and at the price point ($8,000) for gen , it actually is very tempting on this model...

Just my $0.02 .. (also, fingers crossed the rep factories turn the 682 into a super rep soon)

 

[mskwatch]

If you have the money it makes sense to buy a complicated GEN if you like it, for example a 233 or a 270. Plain hours/minutes Pams are repped well. Not even 12H GMT complication has been repped.

 

[Robert11]

I think it depends on the model you want , like most others have said. There's definitely a tangible difference between all gen's and reps even if they're super-rep level, its just a question of how much value you put on those subtle differences that only you will be able to tell.

I recently picked up the PAM682 and I really fell in love with that model. The case size and the submersible aesthetic are just perfect. It's a very wearable watch for me.

However, I have a lot of issues with all the inaccuracies of the rep, and at the price point ($8,000) for gen , it actually is very tempting on this model...

Just my $0.02 .. (also, fingers crossed the rep factories turn the 682 into a super rep soon)

Just curious which inaccuracies on the 682 do you feel are worth paying an additional $7650 for? Both factories make an excellent rep.


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[d4m.test]

A lot of rep pams look so much like the gens, in my opinion you would be a fool doing so

Unless the particular model youre looking for is not available or not close to the gen, dont do it to yourself lol

 

[mysterio]

I had a similar question as you and had settled on not bothering for a while. I have 30+ Pam reps and enjoy them all.

This said I picked up a gen 372 about 2 months ago and have NO regrets. For me gen is different and when I examine it it feels different. Emotional connection is important...after all if not for that we would only own Gshocks or Timex.



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Hey not fair. I have an emotional connection to my Dee and Ricky White. I can clearly recall when I picked it up. A guy was already there bragging so very obnoxiously I might add to his wife that he reserved the GA-110FC-1 and -2 which were a limited release (at the time anyway). I was very nonchalant when I entered and the store clerk knew what I came there for. The guy gave me a smug look as he was handling the two Gs, thinking he was so cool and I just said "I'd like to pick up my watch." I can still imagine his eyes bulging out of their sockets when the clerk handed me the trademark box for the DnR. Then his jaw falling to the floor when he saw the even more limited Evangelion Purple G on my wrist. Didn't know a plastic watch could shut up a guy so quickly. Priceless. :lmao:

If you have the money it makes sense to buy a complicated GEN if you like it, for example a 233 or a 270. Plain hours/minutes Pams are repped well. Not even 12H GMT complication has been repped.

Maybe you meant Now instead of Not?

Yes, there is a slight palpable difference but I would dare say, it probably mostly comes from the knowledge that what you are getting is the genuine article. For a large majority, though, without this advantage, they'd probably see no difference between a super rep and the gen. Personally, I would only spring for a gen PAM if it had features that would most likely not be replicated in my lifetime (can't say what the future holds). But then such watches would be way out of my budget because of those features. So I'm perfectly fine with my reps.

 

[jonathanw]

Rep or gen ?


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[macarone]

Rep or gen ?


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Eirher your at ad and plastic is on or it just landed in your mailbox an hour ago[emoji848]mmm this must be the whole point of this thread lol.


Don't Mind Me, I'm here for complications!

 

[mysterio]

Rep or gen ?


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Gen PAM.

 

[mskwatch]

Yes, there is a slight palpable difference but I would dare say, it probably mostly comes from the knowledge that what you are getting is the genuine article. For a large majority, though, without this advantage, they'd probably see no difference between a super rep and the gen. Personally, I would only spring for a gen PAM if it had features that would most likely not be replicated in my lifetime (can't say what the future holds). But then such watches would be way out of my budget because of those features. So I'm perfectly fine with my reps.

exactly mysterio, damn autocorrect do you think a 233/270 is feasible in the near future? we've seen reps with working p/r, gmt, 8 days p/r

 

[shelby1501]

Only gen PAM I would buy is 233. Otuers just aren't worth it.

As for the 372 mentioned by OP, I got Noob one for like $150-200, got a closed caseback and Gunny Caitlin strap and I couldn't be happier. Closed cb gives it that vintage look and feel and I just love it.

 

[erekose]

Hey not fair. I have an emotional connection to my Dee and Ricky White. I can clearly recall when I picked it up. A guy was already there bragging so very obnoxiously I might add to his wife that he reserved the GA-110FC-1 and -2 which were a limited release (at the time anyway). I was very nonchalant when I entered and the store clerk knew what I came there for. The guy gave me a smug look as he was handling the two Gs, thinking he was so cool and I just said "I'd like to pick up my watch." I can still imagine his eyes bulging out of their sockets when the clerk handed me the trademark box for the DnR. Then his jaw falling to the floor when he saw the even more limited Evangelion Purple G on my wrist. Didn't know a plastic watch could shut up a guy so quickly. Priceless. :lmao:



Maybe you meant Now instead of Not?

Yes, there is a slight palpable difference but I would dare say, it probably mostly comes from the knowledge that what you are getting is the genuine article. For a large majority, though, without this advantage, they'd probably see no difference between a super rep and the gen. Personally, I would only spring for a gen PAM if it had features that would most likely not be replicated in my lifetime (can't say what the future holds). But then such watches would be way out of my budget because of those features. So I'm perfectly fine with my reps.

For the record I love my Gshocks as well. [emoji16]

For me personally I feel a bit more "something" for my gens. For many that might not be the case. They will probably have more money in their pocket than I. Pick your poison [emoji41]

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[Major Tom]

I'll throw in a new little bit. I've had a gen PAM104 for over 15 years. It was my first large purchase with my first large bonus! I don't remember exactly how much I paid... but it was retail and in the $7k range (young and money burning a hole in my pocket). Since the popularity has grown, I just checked a Black Friday sale at watchmaxx and you could pick one up at $5200!!

I wouldn't buy gen now for the fact that the brand has somewhat been diluted and I don't think the large volume models will gain value so I'd go rep and buy more!

I feel like Panerai used to be for watch guys "in the know"... now I think anyone that wants to spend $7-9k on a watch has many Rolex alternatives. In my 20s... seemed like everybody and their brother had a black and SS submariner in my industry.... thus PAM104 for me.


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7k bought you a fiddy 15 years ago?! But I hear you, 15 years ago, if noticed, everyone went .... wtf is that on your wrist, the big ben. Those were the days, and then the biebers came in :-0

 

[mysterio]

exactly mysterio, damn autocorrect do you think a 233/270 is feasible in the near future? we've seen reps with working p/r, gmt, 8 days p/r

Well, it would probably be difficult to have both aesthetics and function at the same time. I would much rather go with aesthetics (initially anyway). As the A6497 has the balance wheel @11 like the P.2002 for the PAM233 and the A7750 has one in the same location like the P.2003 on the PAM270 (it needs a rotor so it would need an automatic movement), just custom decorative plates would do, no need for a working PR gauge (and unfortunately for the PAM270, a 24-hr GMT). And since we're going to use a faux PR display, we can fix a glaring dial issue at the same time, that horribly visible window at the gauge. Just fix the needle at some point (maybe at 80% because having it at %100 at any given time would be slightly suspect) and just put the needle on a solid piece of metal painted like the dial. No more open heart window. It's doable if only the factories listened to us more intently.

Just make everything else on the dial perfect. And please nothing like this gen PAM270 (my goodness that date window :lmao: ).

 

[jonathanw]

Gen PAM.

Great eyes Sir ! You're correct. It doesnt look anymore "blingy" or "higher quality" than its rep counterpart!

Eirher your at ad and plastic is on or it just landed in your mailbox an hour ago[emoji848]mmm this must be the whole point of this thread lol.


Don't Mind Me, I'm here for complications!

Yes, thats precisely my point!

 

[d4m.test]

Having owned both a gen and a rep 111 (concurrently), I have to say I wouldn't know the difference between gen and rep if it weren't for this forum and reading some of ALE's guides on the actual differences.

Although I've read others comment on the rubber strap of the reps, I honestly thought there wasn't a big difference.

 

[jonathanw]

Having owned both a gen and a rep 111 (concurrently), I have to say I wouldn't know the difference between gen and rep if it weren't for this forum and reading some of ALE's guides on the actual differences.

Although I've read others comment on the rubber strap of the reps, I honestly thought there wasn't a big difference.

I wish someone would have both a rep and a gen Pam 111 for example and then decase the movement etc and use a high definition laser 3D scanner on both and then compare by a computer program.


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[mysterio]

I wish someone would have both a rep and a gen Pam 111 for example and then decase the movement etc and use a high definition laser 3D scanner on both and then compare by a computer program.


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It's a nice and expensive wish. A high end 3D scanner would cost $3K.

 

[erekose]

I just bought another one (pam055d) so I guess I can reinforce my earlier statement. If you want it and it feels right --- do it.

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[tech]

Only reason to go gen is the SEs or complication movements or even PMetals....I went through so many gens concurrently with the reps...gen PAM140 solid gold case was one of my faves but it eventually got old and I traded it into a WG Daytona panda...had the 252 North Pole gen and 233 gen too...those were special as the rep factories can't get them right.

Had the gen 372 and the rep 372...no reason to get a gen on that model. the rep is just as good. Can't believe I have at this over 10 years...