Just buy a good rep m2m bettarini case, be it 111, 005, 176, 177, or maybe something more fun. And you will understand that there are a lot of different interesting things that guys have been discussing for 15 years...
(well, I'm literally a couple)
In your opinion, being that the earlier PAM 005/111 had the unitas 6497 decorated/modified by Panerai, do you think a genuine Panerai is really worth the premium over a good rep that you franken? I could possibly pick up a gen PAM OPix movement for like $1000 and put it in a PAM 111 or 005 rep and have a pretty decent setup it seems for less than $1,500. Add another $500-600 for a dial and hands and now it is even more legitimate. My only concern with reps is the waterproofing as you said earlier, some imperfections make it difficult to guarantee a proper water resistance. I like the Panerai history/heritage so paying a genuine premium does hold some weight to say its a gen product. But functionality and just to wear and beat on and enjoy, a franken rep may be better as well.
