First Panerai for a Rolex addict!

[RollyloverLondon]

Guys

I have been a rolex all of my adult life and a part from a brief flirtation with a Cartier santos 100 I have only ever worn a rolex.

I was in a greay dealer store over the weekend and I tried on a panerai daylight 251. What a beauty!

I am a novice when it comes to Panerai so I ask you very wise people to recommend the first Panerai I should own.

[HDHNTER]

So many great choices with Panerai. If a date is important to you I highly recommend the 312 if the thickness isn't too much for your wrist (for some it is). This was my first & it's the most enjoyable watch I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I was also primarily a Rolex guy before Panerai, well I had a UN as well... but mostly Rolex. I now fully consider myself a Panerai guy that just keeps a Sub-C as a backup should I ever need to send the PAM in for service. All of my other Rolexes have been flipped, they just don't do it for me like the PAM & they seem so small now. For me Panerai has taken the watch habit to a whole new level of enjoyment, far more so than Rolex ever could have & I know why. For one, I just prefer the more masculine look of Panerai BUT the real draw is the strap addiction. It allows for the new watch feel/look endlessly & at a very low cost (relative to the price of a new watch that is). The endless variety of options to personalize your piece & truly make it your own is exceptionally appealing. Another cool benefit is you always have the excitement of a new strap coming in the mail from some distant strapmaker in another country & of course the top strapists here in the US.... that for me is just as fun as waiting on a shipment from DAVIDSW but way easier on the wallet, LOL! Yeah, if you can't tell I'm a big fan. The "bracelet only" crowd has no clue how much fun they are missing out on.

My 312 on a vintage 1917 Swiss Ammo strap.

[RollyloverLondon]

Nice 312. I am being drawn to the 111. What are your thoughts?

[HDHNTER]

I would love to own a 111. Definitely a great choice that you will not regret.

[provatocj]

My first Panerai from being a Rolex wearer was a 321. I wear it often and really enjoy it. Strangely, it doesn't wear nearly as big as it looks in photos.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by RollyloverLondon

Nice 312. I am being drawn to the 111. What are your thoughts?

Bear in mind that the 111 does not hack i.e. the hands keep moving when the crown is pulled out to set the time (some people find this off-putting)

[pullmesideways]

111 is a great choice. I was torn between the 111 and 112, ultimately the 112 was the one for me. But it is a personal choice based on what are the most appealing features for you.

Cheers,

Ryan

[slik_234]

Agree with HDHNTER. Panerai has taken me to a new level of enjoyment. I prefer 321 with the 1950 case over 111. it sits perfectly fine on my med size wrist. For me there's no such too big or too thick for Panerai.

[bcacncnc]

Many choices my friend. Give the 000/111/112/210/312/320/233 a look. I started with the 000 and now own also a 233.