JLC NSD vs. PAM 243

[Drwildcat15]

Hello everyone,

First time posting (i also posted this in the Jlc section) but have been reading around a lot lately and have become very interested in watches. As of right now I have a gen Brietling for Bentley that I got as a graduation present, but it's pretty much too big for most situations. I have a PAM 161 rep that I bought about 2 years ago before doing much research, I know it's not a great rep, but it's held up pretty well with no problems. Lastly I just recieved a rep PAM 292 from puretime that I really enjoy, it looks and feels great.

So getting to my dilemma, I'm trying to figure out which of these two watches the JLC NSD or the PAM 243 I should get based on my current watches. I want this watch mainly as a beater/wear around watch and expect to waterproof it so it can be my go anywhere/beach wrist piece. I really like panerai's but am considering a change of pace. If you wouldn't mind, please give your opinion and reasons why. Thank you in advance.

Cheers!!!

 

[peppe1019]

Pam 243, easily one ofthe best reps out there and can be modded to be waterproof..

 

[mysterio]

You would probably get more votes for the PAM243 than the NSD considering the section you're posting in. :lol: The NSD is a nice watch as well. But it is really dependent on your personal style. The two differ in the looks department, IMHO. The PAM243 would fit the bill of beater watch more than the NSD.

And even with the NSD, as with any rep, you have to get it properly waterproofed before you even think of submerging it in water.

 

[Snpr9696]

 

[panermaniac]

I really, really think you should get both. Then you don't have to decide!

I agree with the others, I think the 243 is awesome and a great all round watch. I really like the JLC and it would definitely diversify your collection but I've seen a lot of C&Rs with them. People just don't seem to be as happy with them as they thought they'd be. But, then again, maybe they are just the squeaky wheels.

As I said, get both and sell the one you don't love to me... cheap

 

[gtanak]

I say... Get neither. Get out of the game while you're still ahead.. If u DO end up getting both, sell em Both to me. Cheap

 

[Drwildcat15]

Haha, thanks for the help so far guys. I would get out, but i think im already pretty sucked in, watches are very tantalizing. I plan to start getting gens some day after dental school, but as a college student spending the 7 grand you make over the summer on a single watch somehow doesnt make make the parents too happy. So at least right now they dont get too upset im buying reps.

And i would love to get both, but once again spending $1,000+ on 2 watches and a few straps is a little out of the budget right now:/, especially after getting the 292 last week.

 

[Rick914]

I'm not really big into Pam's. Just my tastes. Will have to say, I've said over and over, the NSD is one of the best out of the box reps out there. The lume rocks! Great bezel. The band is pure genius. A rubber coated steel band that doesn't pull your arm hair, doesn't stick to your wrist if you get sweaty. Hey it's a manly watches, these things will happen. Deployment clasp is really neat and comfy, plus the micro extension. Oh and did I mention, it's got Frign Navy Seal Trident on it, I mean I'm a exarmy guy, but that's cool right there. If by some slim chance you don't get it, you'll always wonder....just like that one girl that got away...yeah you know the one!

 

[Drwildcat15]

Ahh! I like that last review Rick, i want/need more persuasive ones like that. I'm really struggling on my decision here. Initially i was dead set on the 243 but i saw the JLC and began to consider it as i have 2 pams already and the 243 looks relatively similar to my other luminor. But on the other hand, the 292 is black and idk if i want another black watch with a black face.

I also read a lot about the Jlc having problems with the bezel being a little too loose, can anyone give me a straight answer with regards to that. Is it that common, or is it just that the people who have bad ones publicly complain and those with good ones choose not to talk about it?

Lastly, i have read the guide on how to waterproof a rolex, but seeing how i am not a watch expert/mechanic, i am a bit hesitant to try it myself. Would both watches be relatively easy to waterproof and would someone be able to sort of help me out on how to do it?

 

[Rick914]

The NSD bezel on mine isn't as hard to turn as a Sub but it doesn't feel sloppy or loose. It's a tight fit but turns pretty easily, as does the gen. To water proof is pretty straight forward. Grease the case back gasket/o-ring, easy to do, pull the 4 screws and grease. Also the tube o-rings by pulling the stem, easily done if you follow the 2824 stem removal steps. The watches themselves are pretty solidly built. I've pressure tested to 5atm with just that.