Newbie Panerai questions

[fastlaw]

My apologies if these questions have been addressed before...

-Do the automatics or the manuals tend to be more reliable?
-Should I avoid a rep with extra complications for the sake of reliability (eg, the GMT or the power reserve)?
-Has anyone bought a Panerai from WBK? (I would prefer to buy from a US dealer)
-Do the reps with the rose gold cases look decent? (And are they as durable?)
-Is there any Panerai rep in particular that tends to be better than the others or are they all of similar quality?
-Feel free to chime in with any other recommendations...

Thanks for your replies!

 

[COLDI]

I personally think the manual wind 6497 both swiss and asian are very reliable
The less complications the better
No, just find a dealer in china and what you want and make sure its their policy that if its seized they replace it
ANY type of gold will wear off
Better how, in terms of quality or out of the box?

 

[Fiddo]

My apologies if these questions have been addressed before...

-Do the automatics or the manuals tend to be more reliable?
-Should I avoid a rep with extra complications for the sake of reliability (eg, the GMT or the power reserve)?
-Has anyone bought a Panerai from WBK? (I would prefer to buy from a US dealer)
-Do the reps with the rose gold cases look decent? (And are they as durable?)
-Is there any Panerai rep in particular that tends to be better than the others or are they all of similar quality?
-Feel free to chime in with any other recommendations...

Thanks for your replies!

1. The manual wind (6497 movement) is a sturdy movement with less complications. Therefore, it has a better chance of lasting longer. Of course, if you neglect proper maintenance, any movement will fail eventually.
2. Less complications = less chance for issues.
3. Does WBK sell PAMs? Regardless, you should not have any issues purchasing a watch from China etc..
4. Gold plate will wear...just a matter of time. Stick with stainless or even titanium.
5. Better? You mean "buy and wear" without any modifications? Davidsen is a good place to find "buy and wear" PAMs that are very good quality etc..

If you are looking for your first Panerai, I would try a Davidsen 111 or something similar.

Hope this helps!

 

[fastlaw]

Thanks for the replies so far guys...

By "better" I mean something that will run well right out of the box compared to say, eg, some of the other Panerai reps. I don't plan on making any mods to the watch so I want to buy something that will be fairly sturdy.

It sounds like the manual may be the way to go. Anyone disagree?

 

[Fiddo]

Thanks for the replies so far guys...

By "better" I mean something that will run well right out of the box compared to say, eg, some of the other Panerai reps. I don't plan on making any mods to the watch so I want to buy something that will be fairly sturdy.

It sounds like the manual may be the way to go. Anyone disagree?

The manual wind 6497 is a good movement. If you take care of it, it will last. If you want a good one and don't plan on making any mods-
1. How much do you want to spend?
2. Which PAMS do you like?

 

[fastlaw]

The manual wind 6497 is a good movement. If you take care of it, it will last. If you want a good one and don't plan on making any mods-
1. How much do you want to spend?
2. Which PAMS do you like?

-I'd like to spend < $150.
-Unfortunately, I like several different ones and can't make up my mind because many are so similar and I am relying on 2 dimensional pics. I'll probably go with something with a second hand and the date, black face, and a dark brown strap. I prefer autos but it sounds like the 6497 manual is the way to go.

Also, are the rubber straps decent quality or are the leather ones better?

 

[COLDI]

Do you want a big sec hand or secs @ 9 like on the 111?

 

[hooligan]

None of the 6497 powered watches will have a date complication, FYI.

Good quality at sub-$150 may be a tall order (especially if you're after a sapphire crystal).

 

[landwomble]

go to getatwatch. they'll build customs and I've just got a 44mm Luminor case in titanium, Asian decorated 6497, with superlume and a great strap for $150 including UK expedited shipping. Amazing watch, I'm really happy with it.

 

[suzook]

D4M has a wonderful 111 with a saphire crystal for $100.

 

[Drulee]

D4M has a wonderful 111 with a saphire crystal for $100.

Yes, just had a look at from another thread in this section. Very good for the bux.

 

[levelmanroger]

For that money, get the 111 from D4M.
For the "best" out-of-the-box, Davidsan but it will cost 2-3 rimes your budget.
Don't worry about the strap. You will be buying new ones anyway. The standard rep straps are crap. Get a nice TooTall custom, or order a ready-made from Panatime or Bob.
Most importantly... don't forget to post pics lest you be chastised and shunned!!

 

[jhiker]

The standard rep straps are crap.

Not necessarily - the Getat straps are superb....!

 

[fastlaw]

Do you want a big sec hand or secs @ 9 like on the 111?

I haven't seen a Panerai with a big second hand so I guess I'm going with the small one.

Yes, just had a look at from another thread in this section. Very good for the bux.

I am assuming you guys are referring to a member of this forum, Daytona4me, which is fine, but I didn't know he was a trusted seller...

go to getatwatch. they'll build customs and I've just got a 44mm Luminor case in titanium, Asian decorated 6497, with superlume and a great strap for $150 including UK expedited shipping. Amazing watch, I'm really happy with it.

But they're not on the trusted seller list, are they?