Just as an introduction, this is among my first posts. I've been an avid reader for the last few weeks and am now in possession of 3 reps that had been part of my bucket list: Pam 177, PP jumbo Aquanaut, and a Breitling SOSF (white dial). I guess this a bit of cross-posting, but for some reason I decided to share my thoughts on these 3 beauties in the PP forum:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/new-range-aquanauts-113393p2
I posted there, because I had the more negative to say about the PP rep technically than the others. I repost here, because I realize the after acquiring these 3 reps the Pam 177 and the PP (despite its flaws) really sing to me. The Breitling is an excellent rep, but I had a sense of "been there, done that" with my previous gen experience.
After posting, I realized that I should have probably posted here as well. I needed to post here because I extoll my amazement at my first Pam and how it differs from every other watch I've owned. Here is my redacted post from the PP forum:
"I post here because although the PP aquanaut is a very nice watch... it is not in the same rep-league as the others. Don't get me wrong: the case is nice, the dial is nice, even the bracelet is quite good. The let-downs are the numbers (not as thick as gen), the lume (weak compared to the SOSF and the pam), and the clasp that feels like a weak link (pun intended) on the rubber strap (the clasp on the SS strap seems very good). Obviously, the movement is totally different than gen (to be expected) but the crown engraving was less precise than I was expecting based on photos. Consider this a mini review based on comparing 3 completely different rep watches.
To be clear, on the wrist the PP Aquanaut looks great, runs great, and is a real bargain at its price point. I'm obviously new at this rep-game and nearly all of these minor "flaws" were evident before I pulled the trigger. No real regrets, but of the 3 watches that I picked up, the PP clearly has the most "fake" vibe, but I doubt that 1 person in 10,000 would be able to identify it as a rep unless I was at a an AD or a PP aficionado get-together. Of course, I'm not out to fool anyone but to experience the look and feel of watches that I'd never dare purchase (side effects of a midwestern upbringing).
From that "experiential" point of view, the pam and the PP "sing" to me far more than the Breitling (despite its excellent quality as a rep). I've owned a bunch of gens that are really not that different from the SOSF in theme and execution. Not sure why I bought it except I've always been intrigued by the Breitling brand. Again, I'm not dumping on the SOSF as a rep, just as a poor choice on my behalf (It is stellar as a rep in almost every respect).
Despite its flaws, the PP (and the nearly perfect pam 177) are two watches that "push the envelope" of my prior horological experience and each really brings a smile to my face--but alas, the pam pushes my "11" button. After resisting the pam fad for so many years, I'm finally beginning to understand why Panerai fans get squirming half-chubs when talking about their watches. It is truly a different watch-wearing experience (and I'm still wearing a rep rubber strap and haven't begun the strap-nirvana journey). I like my aquanaut, but I'm lovin' my pam."
Thanks for indulging a long-winded second (re)post.
Ale and many, many others have made this the go-to place for pam knowledge. kudos! As my subject line says, "I'm smitten". I'm now looking at the 292J Noob, and the 29 Noob. I'm amazed at the quality of the rubber strap of the 177, but am beginning to dip my toe into the aftermarket strap temptorium. Too much fun. Thank you.
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/new-range-aquanauts-113393p2
I posted there, because I had the more negative to say about the PP rep technically than the others. I repost here, because I realize the after acquiring these 3 reps the Pam 177 and the PP (despite its flaws) really sing to me. The Breitling is an excellent rep, but I had a sense of "been there, done that" with my previous gen experience.
After posting, I realized that I should have probably posted here as well. I needed to post here because I extoll my amazement at my first Pam and how it differs from every other watch I've owned. Here is my redacted post from the PP forum:
"I post here because although the PP aquanaut is a very nice watch... it is not in the same rep-league as the others. Don't get me wrong: the case is nice, the dial is nice, even the bracelet is quite good. The let-downs are the numbers (not as thick as gen), the lume (weak compared to the SOSF and the pam), and the clasp that feels like a weak link (pun intended) on the rubber strap (the clasp on the SS strap seems very good). Obviously, the movement is totally different than gen (to be expected) but the crown engraving was less precise than I was expecting based on photos. Consider this a mini review based on comparing 3 completely different rep watches.
To be clear, on the wrist the PP Aquanaut looks great, runs great, and is a real bargain at its price point. I'm obviously new at this rep-game and nearly all of these minor "flaws" were evident before I pulled the trigger. No real regrets, but of the 3 watches that I picked up, the PP clearly has the most "fake" vibe, but I doubt that 1 person in 10,000 would be able to identify it as a rep unless I was at a an AD or a PP aficionado get-together. Of course, I'm not out to fool anyone but to experience the look and feel of watches that I'd never dare purchase (side effects of a midwestern upbringing).
From that "experiential" point of view, the pam and the PP "sing" to me far more than the Breitling (despite its excellent quality as a rep). I've owned a bunch of gens that are really not that different from the SOSF in theme and execution. Not sure why I bought it except I've always been intrigued by the Breitling brand. Again, I'm not dumping on the SOSF as a rep, just as a poor choice on my behalf (It is stellar as a rep in almost every respect).
Despite its flaws, the PP (and the nearly perfect pam 177) are two watches that "push the envelope" of my prior horological experience and each really brings a smile to my face--but alas, the pam pushes my "11" button. After resisting the pam fad for so many years, I'm finally beginning to understand why Panerai fans get squirming half-chubs when talking about their watches. It is truly a different watch-wearing experience (and I'm still wearing a rep rubber strap and haven't begun the strap-nirvana journey). I like my aquanaut, but I'm lovin' my pam."
Thanks for indulging a long-winded second (re)post.
Ale and many, many others have made this the go-to place for pam knowledge. kudos! As my subject line says, "I'm smitten". I'm now looking at the 292J Noob, and the 29 Noob. I'm amazed at the quality of the rubber strap of the 177, but am beginning to dip my toe into the aftermarket strap temptorium. Too much fun. Thank you.
