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Tactical Panerai? Suggestions?

ebd597

Getting To Know The Place
14/1/15
23
0
0
Love the simple, streamlined look of these watches but need The experts to make some model recommendations. I am a Bell and Ross guy making a switch, or rather, an addition. I need something tactical / subdued and would love to hear some of your suggestions. By default, I'm looking at all black ceramic but I am trying to broaden my horizons. I'm not looking for something really flashy or shiny. Think military style, phantom, swat, firearms etc. if I were to go stainless, I would prefer a brushed stainless as opposed to mirror stainless.

This will also likely be a daily beater so I will have to do some mods to make it more water resistant and as durable as possible (a first for me). This is going to be a fun project. May turn out to be some kind of Franken.

Photos of your ideas encouraged. With the complete understanding that I am buying a rep, I would appreciate any hints on what to look out for with these watches when it comes to durability and longevity. Any models, builds or versions that I should avoid or have proven problematic? Looking forward to learning from those that know.
 

shelby1501

Mythical Poster
Supporter
Certified
18/10/11
7,768
432
83
If you want ceramic, your best bet would be 441/438 but for military style I would suggest Submersible model, 243, 389, 187, 364... ;)
 

J_North

Getting To Know The Place
14/1/15
91
3
8
I think a PAM 508 would be just perfect. It has that all black spec ops look and it's ceramic so it'll last you.
 

ebd597

Getting To Know The Place
14/1/15
23
0
0
Thanks guys! Looking at photos now. I'd love to understand the numbering system. But, like Glock, there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason.
 

ryllz

Renowned Member
10/9/12
666
7
18
you can always et the watch you like and have them PVD'DLCd.. heres a couple of mine..

Pam 243 custom DLC in Gunny strap

2pt4ioh.jpg


Pam 390 in a PVD case and OEM Accordion Strap

10i5tgz.jpg
 

ryllz

Renowned Member
10/9/12
666
7
18
this is another 390 in a brownish DLC... (yeah ive got 2 lol.. one blackout posted above and this..)

rsvfnt.jpg
 
D

d4m.test

Guest
For tough You need the cg protectors so if it drops on a stone it´s safe, they are balanced to always drop to that side. TD rated to 100 meter wp so it´s easy to Silicon grease and seal off, PAM KW386 titanium, would not advise the similar looking 504 Radiomir 4 You. Best part is it´s good to swim with used it throughout last summer in the ocean.
pam_0143-1024_zps8dd51b26.jpg

IMG_1658_zpsaf57c7b0.jpg

pam386_0211-1024_zps9d076965.jpg

Pam6208861cr_zpsdc72e72d.jpg
 

ebd597

Getting To Know The Place
14/1/15
23
0
0
That 243 is sharp. What was the cost for the pvd coating? Waterproof enough for swimming? How's the lume?
 

ryllz

Renowned Member
10/9/12
666
7
18
yup .. no problem on the water proofing.. swim with it often as i live in Cali without issues.. its my most favorite daily wear out of the collection.. Lume is great too! DLC was done by kroexist .. i believe he is out of the game now though.. you can also contact neckyzips.. he does Gorilla DLC/PVD services.. coating will normally run you anywhere from $400 to $500ish...
 

Q5?

Legendary Member
Advisor
29/3/09
15,272
10
38
I've got one of these coming from Toro.

PAM390 DLC
7zDxT.jpg
 

Hawker789

I'm Pretty Popular
Certified
4/5/13
1,145
25
48
Thought not black id vote 243 - if it just be ceramic, you can't go wrong with the 438
cf3ba5d6ed6384acc85168e4e4a44e8e.jpg



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pukka

Known Member
8/1/15
162
0
16
The 438 is definitely my next rep. It's so versatile - looks great with the ceramic bracelet or a rubber, and if you want to smarten it up, put it on an asso.

Thought not black id vote 243 - if it just be ceramic, you can't go wrong with the 438

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JMMC

Active Member
30/11/14
330
1
18
You like B&R, so you love big watches.
Menbers already gave to you nice options, so I'm going to offer a different alternative.

What about the look of "the expendables 3"?
PAM389 , dark tones, light weight titanium case, big dial 47mm, its high quality and confortable rubber strap.
You want to give your 389 some action?. Then I´d go for the Seagull movement 21600bph, recheck waterproofing by adding silicone grease to all gaskets and joints, also be sure fix/attach firmly everything inside (movement to dial, and movement+dial to the case, i.e. plastic bolts super-glued in position, yeah those bolts may move/drift), thus you can have a nice tool watch.
On the negative side, titanium cases are not by far as scratch-proof as ceramic.

A "big" nice caramic alternative go for a pearl updated version of PAM 508.
However, at the moment, PAM 508 is only offered based on A7750 28800bph movement.
That´s a big fault. You´d like, you should try to avoid to choose a watch based on clone A7750. That movement is not made for "combat-action" ;-)

As you may have noticed, nothing is 100% perfect on rep world.
Good luck with your choice.

Not a PAM, however you may like to check (nice tactical option, real swiss movement)...
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=209035