PAM1294 Radiomir Quaranta -- VSF factory vs factory TTF

[marcsp2675]

Wondering if anyone can provide some insight on the differences.

The TTF version is $388: https://puretimewatch.io/pam1294-ra...-black-dial-on-black-leather-strap-a7750.html
The VSF version is $358: https://puretimewatch.io/pam1294-ra...n-black-dial-on-black-leather-strap-p900.html

The cost difference is not a deciding factor, just the quality of the watch/rep. I'v had some VSF reps over the years and have been happy with them. It's been a while since I've be back active and am unfamiliar with the TTF factory -- are they new(er)? I have read some concerns about the +2mm thickness of the VSF. Can find info on the TFF.

There is an amazing comparison thread of the PAM 1314 comparing a gen vs VSF vs TTF. Looks like the TTF was the clear winner. https://forum.replica-watch.info/th...gen-vs-ttf-comprehensive-comparison.10942548/

I suspect I can't go wrong with either, just wanted to see if there were any opinions out there.

Thanks!

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[JayBee0815]

Both are much too thick. The Gen has 10,15mm. And the slim shape is the unique selling point in the Panerai lineup. This is an elegant watch - almost a dress watch. Both Reps have movements that are far too thick - the VSF has the usual Clone movement, the TTF a 7750, so the Reps are completely different watches.
Now everyone has to know for themselves what they want. For me, this is such a blatant flaw that both Reps are completely off my radar.

 

[marcsp2675]

Both are much too thick. The Gen has 10,15mm. And the slim shape is the unique selling point in the Panerai lineup. This is an elegant watch - almost a dress watch. Both Reps have movements that are far too thick - the VSF has the usual Clone movement, the TTF a 7750, so the Reps are completely different watches.
Now everyone has to know for themselves what they want. For me, this is such a blatant flaw that both Reps are completely off my radar.

Hi JayBee,

Thank you. Funny you mention the height ... I've been looking at other 45mm Radiomirs (388, 183, 380) and they are all 45mm x15+. I'm looking for something that will wear smaller than my PAM 111. So, while the 1294 isn't accurate, it might just be what I'm looking for from the perspective of a smaller radiomir -- a 40x13 compared to the larger 45x16 (388).

 

[pam63C]

I concur with the Supreme Leader, the 1294 is too thick for a supposedly elegant watch.

Do note that a 40x13 wears differently from a 45x16.

I have a PAM 190 (45x15mm) and it sits well on my 16.5cm wrist but a 40mm Planet Ocean at 14mm thick is like an Oreo on the wrist, top heavy and unbalanced.

Having said so, the 40x13mm PAM 1294 may suits you well. If you decided to get the TTF, do post a review.

 

[pam63C]

On your question regarding the differences between the TTF and the VSF.

I will take the TTF without a doubt. The lume on the hands and hour markers of the VSF is too light and an instant tell. On the gen, it is a dark vintage faux-patina and the TTF is closer to gen. Also, I prefer a standard replaceable A7750 than a customised VSF movement since the watch has a solid caseback.

 

[marcsp2675]

Hmmm. Thank you PAM63C for this comment:

"Do note that a 40x13 wears differently from a 45x16. I have a PAM 190 (45x15mm) and it sits well on my 16.5cm wrist but a 40mm Planet Ocean at 14mm thick is like an Oreo on the wrist, top heavy and unbalanced."

That kinda did it for me. If the balance is going to be off, maybe I look for a PAM 388, which is more or less the same watch but in a 45x16.5. Plus, I think is a more authentic Panerai.

 

[Hesekiel]

Related . . . the heydays of Panerai are arguably over. Panerai watches were historically always 47mm and one even 60mm in diameter. When Hollywood put Panerai on the map, pretty much between 1994ish and the following years, 44mm Panerais became fashionable and much more wearable for the average Joe.

Now that the demand for bigger sized watches has declined and most customers are happy in the 40-to-42mm territory, myself included, Panerais strategy is to offer smaller watches as well, but I'm not sure that this will fly, as it takes away what makes a Panerai a Panerai. I can only speak for myself, but I wouldn't wear a smaller-than-44mm Panerai . . . ever. Not a bad thing, 'cause wearing a PAM rarely makes every time even more memorable.

In addition, I cherish the Panerai days where the Rolex/Cortebert 618 and ETAs were the movements of choice. Wearing a 382 with the decorated 7750 is stressful, and having one with the replica P movements scares the living daylight out of me. It's like driving my Ferrari with low oil pressure, always concerned that I won't make it home . . .

 

[JayBee0815]

Now that the demand for bigger sized watches has declined and most customers are happy in the 40-to-42mm territory, myself included, Panerais strategy is to offer smaller watches as well, but I'm not sure that this will fly, as it takes away what makes a Panerai a Panerai.

100% ACK. However, it should also be added that the Asian market is the only growth market for luxury watches today. And Asians often have narrower wrists than Europeans and Americans. And that's okay. If I had 14.5 cm wrists, I would also be happy with 40 or 42 cm Panerais. But for the rest of the world, these watches don't wear the way a Panerai should. I have tried the 42 myself. They just look and feel "wrong" to me.

In addition, I cherish the Panerai days where the Rolex/Cortebert 618 and ETAs were the movements of choice. Wearing a 382 with the decorated 7750 is stressful, and having one with the replica P movements scares the living daylight out of me. It's like driving my Ferrari with low oil pressure, always concerned that I won't make it home . . .

I have to disagree with you on this point. The replica clone movements are already very good and, above all, very robust - only this "flying hour" is real pain in the ass ;-)
But yes, the old Movements had more character. But they are no longer up to date.