Some questions about PAM351

[zenico]

Hi there, I'm quite new to the Panerai section and would like to get some help. Have been lurking around RWI for a few months and got myself a HBB 2 months back as my first rep, totally happy with it. But recently I've developed some interest in the PAMs! ALE's Reference PAM Review Guide was extremely helpful for learning the differences between all the PAMs that looks so similar to each other for a newbie.

I'm looking at the PAM351! May I have some opinions if this is a good piece to pick up as a first PAM? I think I like the contrasting brushed and polished look on the watch, but am not sure how it will look like IRL as I'm judging from pictures and stuff. After reading ALE's guide, I realized there have been several versions of this model. Just want to clarify, is the KW-V6F V3 Q-series the best one out there since it has a decorated Seagull non-inverted movement that is both cheaper and more reliable? Are there any rumors/announcements that a new version is coming soon or is it safe to just purchase one now?

Another one that roused my interest is the PAM605! The dial just looks amazing but I'm scared 47mm is too big for my wrist! Is the 3mm difference between the 351 and 605 very significant?

I'm planning to purchase from Sora from ShineWatch, and am hoping if it comes with the brown asso strap. If it does not come with the asso strap or could not be changed, may I know where I could get hold of this strap and how much would one normally cost? Also, would you recommend that I buy through wholesale or just buy it normally?

Thank you very much!

 

[SOKN]

The PAM351 (v6f) was my first PAM as well. Bought it a month ago. A decision I do not regret. With the brown dial and gold hand, Its simply one of the most beautiful pams. Went with v6f/kw because of the slightly better placement of the balance wheel and being the only available 351. During the sourcing process, both intime and puretime told me that the ZF was out of stock and they don't know when it will be back in stock.
Note sure what movement is preferred. Depends on who you ask around here. The rotor is a bit noisy on the seagull though, but not annoyingly.

 

[lmmo]

Don't get fooled between 44mm vs. 47mm. My wrist measures 17cm meaning that Luminor 44mm are perfect.

However if I want to wear something bigger the Fiddy on its 47mm case wears much better than a Luminor 1950 44mm like the PAM351.

The PAM351 is very thick and didn't look nice in my wrist (tried it in a Officine Panerai boutique).

So if you are not sure start with a Luminor 44mm and then grow from there.

Just my two cents.

 

[AuroraCycler]

Just an FYI the titanium scratches super easily. It can be fixed on the brushed surfaces with some scotchbrite but the bezel is another story. It is a great looking watch though.

 

[zenico]

Thanks for the input! Didn't know titanium scratch so easily, always assumed they were stronger than ss. Since the titanium scratch so easily, can the bezel be switched with a PAM359's ss bezel? I'm more worried about the polished part than the brushed parts for scratches, since scratches on the brushed surfaces won't be as obvious I assume!

For the brown asso strap, what if Sora couldn't source it for me, where would I be able to get one of those? Also recently, I came across a denim strap which looks absolutely amazing! Any ideas where it could be acquired? Do you also think it will look good on the PAM351?

 

[kilowattore]

I saw that denim strap already, but I can't recall the maker.
Malio has something similar, Tunx as well, and I think Bakeka makes a denim strap too.

Sora should have no problem sourcing an asso, the rep factories literally put them on every single PAM they release. Anyway Chimaera straps sells them on ebay.

I would not worry too much about scratches. Just be normally careful and try not to stumble your arm on everything :lol:

 

[AuroraCycler]

I wouldn't switch the bezel as the titanium is a bit more gray than the SS. Scratches give a watch character and will happen. Get them polished out when you get the watch serviced if they bother you. Make sure that the strap buckle is titanium on that strap so that it matches the head.

 

[zenico]

Ahh, I found the exact same Denim strap on Tunx's blog, just realised straps actually cost some money lol. But the blog post has been dated since 2012, do you guys know if he's still working straps?

@AuroraCycler, Alright thanks for the info! Hmm, hadn't thought about the buckle but if I purchase a strap from let's say Tunx or any other strap dealer, will it come with a titanium buckle? It it doesn't, how do I go about obtaining one? The buckles are not exchangeable like the straps are right?

 

[AuroraCycler]

I will check and see if my Ti buckle has springbars in it to allow it to be changed onto other straps. And straps will run from about $40-$300 (if you want to get into gen straps or exotics.)

If you get a 351 it should come with a Ti buckle. Any other aftermarket straps though will mot likely be stainless.

 

[kilowattore]

You just need to buy a strap in 24/22 and put your rep Ti buckle to the new strap. Simples.

 

[matthew90]

I find the 351 to be a little dressier than the Bettarini cases and feels something more of a Suit-watch than a say 116 with similar aspects. It's absolutely your call as to which one you want to proceed with. Nonetheless, I find 351 very appealing but just very versatile in terms of wearing say with jeans. Just my opinion though!