What makes PAMS so desired, so sought after?

[applez]

What makes PAMS so desired, so sought after, so hot in the marketplace? Is it all about the styling? Is it the size?

I am wondering if there is something beyond the styling that makes PAMS so desirable.

Generally speaking, they have a oversize diameter, some/all hand wound, extra thick, a bit bulky, basic dial, and 0, 1 or 2 (1950s) complications. And in the wild the gens are very pricey.

At first glance of seeing a PAM I was thinking a bit like 'that looks weird', but now I'm starting to better appreciate them and might end up with a rep.

 

[shelby1501]

Interesting to read.

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=174346

When you end up with one of them there is no return. Be careful.

 

[rhp1462]

When you end up with one of them there is no return. Be careful.

TRUF.
When I started here I didn't understand it either. That's the only brand I have been buying lately.

 

[centrum]

If you do not understand the popularity of Panerai, then I would suggest to stay away from it and not try to understand it. Because if you find it appealing, than you will spend $$$ on many Panerai reps. I never liked Panerai watches in the beginning and now I have had six now.

 

[shelby1501]

TRUF.
When I started here I didn't understand it either. That's the only brand I been buying lately.

Me neither. I started to search about them because I saw everyone likes them. Wasn't that active around here and started to get back every day because Panerai love and all of that because the thread I linked above and after that all the stickies and many more thread around PAM section. That's why I said, be careful. Because I wasn't and look what happened.

 

[ukbondraider]

I find them ugly but have bought a 346 which will arrive in a few days. I thought I will at least give them a go. Im now debating whether I should have got the new all black ceramic one recently released.

I find the number font child like and dislike crown guard not to mention the plain similar style across models.

However, maybe I will turn. Time will tell.

 

[d4m.test]

Several of the very best reps are PAM´s. The lume is fantastic. It´s very easy to read the time. The handwound movements are reliable, it´s a classic ritual to open the crown-guard lever and to wind them - like in old times - or like with a classic car You have a procedure to follow, not everything is automatic and that can be fun. You have different styles like the modern or 1950´s casing, there are beautiful modified vintage ones.
Spending lots of moneys with straps and changing straps of course is another part of the fun. In stressful times the dial is calming, I don´t need a date (any more) but I love to see that small seconds at 9 slowly turning. Start reading about vintage PAM´s and the history behind them, about divers and WWII, about the connection with Rolex in the early beginnings and if You think it´s fun than get one.

 

[Fiddo]

I can see the dial and tell what time it is without my glasses.

 

[applez]

Good feedback here. Great link about PAMS. So perhaps while reps are like coke, PAM reps are like crack . And I like lots of lume. That's exactly what I'm missing from most of my watches...too much poor Chinese lume. Some are placed on hair-width sized strips. My $100 Seikos have much much better lume. There are so many PAM sales, which could be interpreted in numerous ways.

 

[shelby1501]

Several of the very best reps are PAM´s. The lume is fantastic. It´s very easy to read the time. The handwound movements are reliable, it´s a classic ritual to open the crown-guard lever and to wind them - like in old times - or like with a classic car You have a procedure to follow, not everything is automatic and that can be fun. You have different styles like the modern or 1950´s casing, there are beautiful modified vintage ones.
Spending lots of moneys with straps and changing straps of course is another part of the fun. In stressful times the dial is calming, I don´t need a date (any more) but I love to see that small seconds at 9 slowly turning. Start reading about vintage PAM´s and the history behind them, about divers and WWII, about the connection with Rolex in the early beginnings and if You think it´s fun than get one.

Great write up bud! Sums it up nicely.

 

[rhaykal]

For me, I never cared for them when I saw them at ADs. But when ingot in to the rep game I ordered a 111 as it was considered a "super-rep". After wearing it I realized it felt great on the wrist and I started to admire their simplicity. After reading about the history and DNA of the brand I really started to fall in love with them. I own way too many now......many of which are vintage builds. If you haven't gotten a Pam rep, be careful when you do. It's a slippery slope for your bank account.

 

[feloniousmonk]

Because how many luxury watches can you do this with?

 

[69-watch]

If you do not understand the popularity of Panerai, then I would suggest to stay away from it and not try to understand it. Because if you find it appealing, than you will spend $$$ on many Panerai reps. I never liked Panerai watches in the beginning and now I have had six now.

Ditto the above.
Not sure how I got hooked, but I also have 6 HhmmMMmm sounds like a conspiracy to buy PAMS!hwell:

 

[69-watch]

Because how many luxury watches can you do this with?

How was that done? By you? it looks awsome!

 

[feloniousmonk]

How was that done? By you? it looks awsome!

Thanks mate! Funny you should ask...

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=199366

 

[Cheesemonger]

To me they have a nice, simple elegant style. Plus you can get a unique custom PAM piece built as there are a couple modders that do great builds on this style of watch. I have strayed to other rep brands, but am now hooked on custom PAM builds.

 

[umaso]

I never understood it either. Always looked like a big cheap watch to me.

BUT my first is incoming.... and I'm a little scared I'm going to want more... and more.... and more...

 

[Cromag]

+1 on all of the above for me too.

And you doubters with incoming PAMs are F00ked! Get your wallets ready because it's about to get real... Expensive! [emoji83][emoji83][emoji83]

 

[hotwheels]

I love PAMs simple yet refined look. The simple easy-to-read dial makes it seem like just another whatever watch but it's details and the understanding of PAMs history and watchmaking makes it even more valuable.
Another fun note to add, in my opinion, PAMs are the best watches to play around with on different straps. And we all can agree, just a simple strap change will transform the look of any watch.

 

[Sirlordcomic]

What makes PAMS so desired, so sought after, so hot in the marketplace? Is it all about the styling? Is it the size?

I am wondering if there is something beyond the styling that makes PAMS so desirable.

Generally speaking, they have a oversize diameter, some/all hand wound, extra thick, a bit bulky, basic dial, and 0, 1 or 2 (1950s) complications. And in the wild the gens are very pricey.

At first glance of seeing a PAM I was thinking a bit like 'that looks weird', but now I'm starting to better appreciate them and might end up with a rep.

My quick perspective being new to watches...I saw a PAM over the Summer in a store, along with other used watches. It looked strange (way too big), but now I think it might have been a 47mm with CG.

Now, I own a few 44mm Luminors and one is the 564 which folks have argued is on sale now because it is not popular.

To my virgin eye, the PAM appeal is just a natural beauty. Especially the 564 or any Ti series has a subtle, dressy style without being too blingy/shiny. The curves on these PAMs are just ultra-suave...there is for sure some golden ratio going on.

Like I said, I am new to watches but the PAMs jumped out with a natural appeal - most AP and Hublot I get bewildered by, just my humble opinion.