Thinking of moving across to the PAMside

[cmaster]

So, I've been thinking about buying a PAM for a while now and have finally decided its time to pull the trigger on something new. I asked a question a while ago as to why there is a seeming allure towards PAMs - the answer was that they're an understated design classic. So I knew this would be next for me.

The question is what to go for.

I've always been a rolex (YM, Explorer and GMT II) and omega (seamasters - particularly PO) person but more recently have come round to the classic design of PAMs.
I prefer a watch with a visible date - its just one of those personal things I guess. I also tend to avoid too many subdials/chronos. I find they clutter a watch face and often they just pack up!

With all that in mind and bearing in mind the bewildering array of designs: As a start, which is the absolute classic PAM to own?

I'm interested in images, costs etc to get my head around what I'm looking at before I set sail on the TD journey to find one!

I have no doubt this is a classic newbie question, so i apologise for that in advance ans also that I could spend the next 1-2 years searching through topics that discuss which factory is producing the best versions right now. I'm just interested to know what is out there in the market and what the general thoughts are as to what's best as a 'go to' PAM.

Thank you (and please don't flame me for asking!)

 

[nicktan182]

So, I've been thinking about buying a PAM for a while now and have finally decided its time to pull the trigger on something new. I asked a question a while ago as to why there is a seeming allure towards PAMs - the answer was that they're an understated design classic. So I knew this would be next for me.

The question is what to go for.

I've always been a rolex (YM, Explorer and GMT II) and omega (seamasters - particularly PO) person but more recently have come round to the classic design of PAMs.
I prefer a watch with a visible date - its just one of those personal things I guess. I also tend to avoid too many subdials/chronos. I find they clutter a watch face and often they just pack up!

With all that in mind and bearing in mind the bewildering array of designs: As a start, which is the absolute classic PAM to own?

I'm interested in images, costs etc to get my head around what I'm looking at before I set sail on the TD journey to find one!

I have no doubt this is a classic newbie question, so i apologise for that in advance ans also that I could spend the next 1-2 years searching through topics that discuss which factory is producing the best versions right now. I'm just interested to know what is out there in the market and what the general thoughts are as to what's best as a 'go to' PAM.

Thank you (and please don't flame me for asking!)

welcome to the dark side! haha anyways, if you're looking to get a really good pam rep with a date function, you can go for the pam 312/351/359/388/505 made by KW. those are some of the best around. there are some fantastic classic pam reps that do not have a date function, like the 111/112/005/390/372 by noob, no date but really really nice reps. just read through the pam guide by Ale: http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=107365

it's my, and im sure most of the members' first stop regarding pams and when we need help finding out features and the quality of certain pam reps before deciding which to buy. oh and most of these reps will run you about 300USD including shipping. anyway i hope this helps, good luck!

 

[Norrie]

Start with a KW 312 in my opinion. Classic and a beautiful piece.

 

[Livehard362]

I agree 312 is a great start. I would go with the SEAGULL (ST) movement. It's closer to gen. bonus it's cheaper and a little more reliable than the A7750. That almost never happens.

 

[Elegy]

You've done the right thing to ask for a bit of guidance. For the past week I've been reading topics on PAM's, checking out wrist shots, comparing dealer prices and reading reviews on forums. So far I've come to understand that the amount of great reps is IMMENSE. And also that there are a few classics that will do great in every PAM collection, which as above mentioned the 312 is part of. Clean, classic and super good quality. I'm actually about to order one from KW. I believe you can't go wrong with the models that Nicktan182 says.

 

[cmaster]

Great advice guys - thanks. That looks pretty well exactly what I had in mind.
I'll try to track down a 312 with the ST movement. Especially if you get more bang for your buck on that watch!

 

[d4m.test]

As You like Seamasters the PAM 243 is a 44mm submersible and super-rep with date for about $300. Anyway You probably will get both sooner or later Welcome to the Pamside.

 

[Livehard362]

Check toro

http://www.torobravos2014.com/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=312&product_id=1054

 

[cmaster]

As You like Seamasters the PAM 243 is a 44mm submersible and super-rep with date for about $300. Anyway You probably will get both sooner or later Welcome to the Pamside.

It's a good call! I'm most likely to buy both: and then some more...

 

[Elegy]

if you like dark: http://www.kuvarsit.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=32291

 

[carlton]

With date, 104, 312, 359.

Pam, once in, never out. Think wisely.............:thinking:

 

[nofitstate]

299o

Classic Pam look, 44mm so not to big, SS bracelet which you'll be used to wearing based on your other reps, and to top it off it's a super rep.

 

[Simonbolivar]

Nothing against the other suggestions... But I was in the same boat about 18 mos ago. The 177 is another great option. It is titanium and smaller/lighter than the 1950 case (312,243). This makes for an easier transition from Rolex, as your first Pam.

Be warned however... It is a slippery slope.

 

[revhrd]

Great sound advice, I'd like to add the possibility of another date function pam...

Pam 388 A different case than the pans mentioned a it seems to wear with a lower profile, which may help in a dress shirt attire. The bracelet is a nice feature of the Pams but where it shines where other have tried and failed is the sheer amount of strap options available OEM and aftermarket.


Once you start, your collection will never be the same. Good Luck

 

[ALE7575]

If you like PAMs you will not stop in just one watch.

Then no problems about a first choice, there are a lot of interesting reps in PAM world

You would need to choose the type of watch you are looking for: chrono, simple design, GMT, Submersible, dressing, sporty, etc.

You can start consulting PAM GUIDE Section B to choose the type of PAm you like
Then see PAM GUIDE Section A to see the features and evaluation of all reps.
"Reference PAM REVIEW-GUIDE" - Replica Search, Identification, Evaluation & Selection
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/reference-pam-review-107365?t=107365

I would recommend you specially to study the following list ordered by types:
RECOMMENDED PAM REPS

Luminor Base
PAM 390 Noob

Luminor Marina
PAM 417-416-411 KW
PAM 111 Noob V3

GMT
PAM 088 Noob O-series
PAM 029 Noob V2
PAM 297 Noob O-series

Titanium
PAM 177-176 Noob

Black DLC
PAM 026 Noob

White dial
PAM 113 H maker or better new Noob version

Special Series
PAM 417-411-416 KW

Automatic
PAM 104 Noob O-series
PAM 299 Noob O-series

Power Reserve
PAM 057 DSN
PAM 027 DSN

LUMINOR 1950
PAM 312 KW
PAM 127 Noob
PAM 359 KW

CHRONOS
PAM 253 H maker
PAM 356 Noob
PAM 326 Noob

SUB
PAM 243 Noob
PAM 364 Noob (pending final evaluation)

Then concentrate your choice in some few models and ask again here

This is just my taste but there are more PAM reps
Good luck
ALRE

 

[Livehard362]

Nice list ALE.

 

[cmaster]

ALE that is extremely helpful and now I have my list down to 1 after some considerable research!

I think I will keep it simple to start with.
My list is: 176/177 (current favourite as doesn't look too shiny with the brushed look, sandwich face which I think is unusual, has a display case back, brown strap, its a 44mm and doesn't have the odd looking pig on the face)
I do like the 390 and maybe that could be a future contender, likewise the 411 as I have a particular love of Florence and I'm not adverse to the second dial @9 as it breaks up the face yet maintains an symmetry oddly. I really like the look of a PVD but that isn't the spec right now - but will be on the wish list for future.
I've given up on the date idea - i think it's non essential for my first PAM.
Now all I have to do is find a TD who has a 176/177 available. Ryan is normally my go to guy unless anyone has any other specific recommendations for this particular watch.

 

[letterboxmind]

The 390 is a great starter piece. The simplicity of the dial and the gold hands mix well with the tobacco-ish dial. OP, trust us on this, you will never stop at 1 pam!

 

[cmaster]

Look what arrived today!

I'm in love with them both. They're on the large side for me as I'm a signed up member of the skinny wrist club. But certainly the more slim 176 work very well and the 386 just looks so cool and classy.
The quality is amazing, solid and crisp. Fantastic lume too.
I can immediately understand the appeal of the design. I never understood why you guys on here we're banging on and on about them. I asked a while ago what the pull was. I now get it and like a lot of the finer things it's very hard to pinpoint. I think it's partly due to the difference from other brands, the striking design and general look and feel of the watches. I'm sold.

Thanks so much for the help, and for starting my journey towards pennilessness and pam addiction!!!

Now, I think I need some more straps
The brown one is superb out of the box and the rubber strap has surprised me too. But one can never have too many I guess and it does make these fellas infinitely customisable.

I'm a very happy chap

 

[carlton]

Congrats, beautiful watches and thanks for sharing. You have now sign up to another new club which most likely to be a highly addicted one.......