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PAM518 as a first Panerai?

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CoffeeandCars

Active Member
26/5/17
275
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Hi Guys - Another newbie here,

After failing to source a Roger Dubuis I fell in love with (all TD's can't get hold of them anymore it seems despite having stock on their websites) I've been really getting into Pam's and am ready to take the plunge on one.

At first, I had my heart set on a 580... until I found out that the flyback was faux and being used as a second hand!
PAM2015102301-01_enl.JPG


So after more looking I'm pretty settled on the 518 - from my eye, it looks like a fantastic rep, rather unique and has a working Chrono which is always good fun!

6e0835fa8167f99534a76dcaff02b5a4.image.750x502.jpg

http://kuvarsit01.com/panerai/radiomir/kw-pam518-radiomir-1940-chronograph-best-edition../

Anyway, Just wondered if you had any advice or if they're any glaring errors that I've missed etc?
(Not that anyone I'm usually around knows what Panerai is, nevermind being able to spot it's a rep but it's always good to know)
 
N

nalomb

Be Excellent
6/8/12
3,563
627
113
Its an awesome piece and I love mine. My only comments would be the movement is not even close and this is a $50k watch. Kudos if you can pull it off ...
 
C

CoffeeandCars

Active Member
26/5/17
275
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M

mysterio

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This watch, although not a super rep because of the flaws mentioned, still looks great and would certainly blow any el cheapo rep with a quartz movement out of the water. If you like the style, then the investment is certainly more palatable than the 50K of the gen. Post pictures when you get it. ;)
 
C

CoffeeandCars

Active Member
26/5/17
275
15
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Okay, thanks for the feedback. What makes something a super rep? Being indistinguishable from gen at even very close inspection? All I can see on the 518 is the Chrono buttons are a little bit longer and typeface kerning is slightly off:

89b5251b-5911-45b9-aa21-593fb7b9f60c
3UXzvZY.jpg


Whenever I spot a nice watch, I can barely ever get close enough to see what brand it is - let along spot tiny type spacing issues :laugh: and it'd be even harder if I didn't have a photo of the gen side by side
 
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mysterio

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adamcccc said:
Okay, thanks for the feedback. What makes something a super rep? Being indistinguishable from gen at even very close inspection? All I can see on the 518 is the Chrono buttons are a little bit longer and typeface kerning is slightly off:

89b5251b-5911-45b9-aa21-593fb7b9f60c
3UXzvZY.jpg


Whenever I spot a nice watch, I can barely ever get close enough to see what brand it is - let along spot tiny type spacing issues :laugh: and it'd be even harder if I didn't have a photo of the gen side by side
Click to expand...

We classify super reps as:
SUPER REPS – reps very close to the gen in materials, external look (even in side by side comparison), and reliable

So with that definition, since you yourself can spot the differences with a side by side comparison, it is, by definition, not a super rep. However, we only do this to be completely systematic in classifying reps. No subjectivity involved. Clear example, you won't see it when it's on your wrist, realistically speaking. But that's your opinion. Some have sharper eyes and can pick off the flaws even at that distance. Plus the movement is nowhere near looking like the gen movement (I have a pet peeve with the horrible PANERAI text on the back).

So if it passes the simple requirement it's a super rep. If not, then it is downgraded.

But the most important thing to take away from all of this is, how do YOU feel about the watch? If YOU like it and YOU want to buy it, then no amount of convincing from anyone else, including myself, should prevent YOU from getting the watch. ;)
 
J

Juraj_G

Renowned Member
24/9/16
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I was looking at the 518 / 520 as well, anyway, as i buy reps 95% only of watches, i can eventually afford in real, i decided to go for 288. Similar look, but super rep classification. And black dial, makes it more versatile. Thats my view


Sent from my iPhone using RWI
 
M

mysterio

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Juraj_G said:
I was looking at the 518 / 520 as well, anyway, as i buy reps 95% only of watches, i can eventually afford in real, i decided to go for 288. Similar look, but super rep classification. And black dial, makes it more versatile. Thats my view


Sent from my iPhone using RWI
Click to expand...

Nice which factory and which TD did you get it from?
 
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Juraj_G

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mysterio said:
Nice which factory and which TD did you get it from?
Click to expand...

Ordered H-Fac, A7750, from Sead, this weekend. A bit expensive, as they come only with the gen croc strap now, but IMO, its definitely worth it. Wanted to go M2M, seems to be too good for forum members to part with it [emoji4]


Sent from the RWI mobile app
 
M

mysterio

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Juraj_G said:
Ordered H-Fac, A7750, from Sead, this weekend. A bit expensive, as they come only with the gen croc strap now, but IMO, its definitely worth it. Wanted to go M2M, seems to be too good for forum members to part with it [emoji4]


Sent from the RWI mobile app
Click to expand...

H-fac is the best version. Congrats. How much did you have to spend with the gen croc strap in toto?
 
J

Juraj_G

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Thanks. Well, it was 369 plus the “automated” triangle, which is 20 USD. Will be with me approx. in 3-4 weeks or so which doesnt matter that much as it is not really a summer watch, so all good


Sent from my iPhone using RWI
 
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Juraj_G

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Forgot to mention, according to Sead, ATM, there is only the H-Fac available. The ST version with incorrect pushers (and all the other mistakes) seems to be out of the market now.


Sent from my iPhone using RWI
 
M

mysterio

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Juraj_G said:
Forgot to mention, according to Sead, ATM, there is only the H-Fac available. The ST version with incorrect pushers (and all the other mistakes) seems to be out of the market now.


Sent from my iPhone using RWI
Click to expand...

That's certainly nice to know. They'll probably sell that to off-forum folk who aren't as anal as us. We are the watch equivalent of pixel peepers for photographers. :lmao:
 
C

CoffeeandCars

Active Member
26/5/17
275
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Thanks for the answers :) - If I had just the pictures to go off then I'd probably leave it but the video really shows it off for me, so I'll get one ordered this evening

 
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