Panerai Experts, help this Pam newbie out.

[EdChoi]

I'm normally in the AP forum, first post on the Panerai side, looking into picking up a Pam.

Something about the radiomir case strikes me, it almost looks like a retro television set, call me crazy, but I'd like to tinker with one.

The one that struck me was I think called the 190? Radiomir case, sandwich dial, pink gold hands I believe. Apparently is that hard to get?

The 8 day movement is not a huge deal for me.

In terms of the aspects mentioned above, (case, dial color and hands) are there any other Radiomirs that are similar to that?

Thanks in advance.

Ed

[nick c]

190 is very nice can't go wrong

[mfer]

The JLC movement is money! That is one reason the 190 is so coveted. The dial layout is so nice as well. That TV case is sooooo nice as well. I'm a self admitted cushion case junkie, so I'm biased.

Also, the 190 isn't a current production model, so only secondary market are available. It isn't "hard" to get either. Just can't get it at an AD/Boutique.

I would suggest it strongly, but what do you mean by "tinker"? Not a super simple movement to play with (take apart)

Other options that are simple and nice...
210/183/380/232/249 (I have a 210 also)

Here's a couple cushions to hold you over....
The 210 has after market hands on it btw, the OEM ones are black.

[Wristmaster]

You sir, have a great taste. 190 is indeed one of the best looking rad. If this is your first PAM, you should consider some luminors too, if you alrdy like the 190, a 390 will complement it nicely.

[Cru Jones]

just to add to what mik said, you could also consider going RG (the 231). for me, that metal goes really well with the RAD case.

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by mfer

The JLC movement is money! That is one reason the 190 is so coveted. The dial layout is so nice as well. That TV case is sooooo nice as well. I'm a self admitted cushion case junkie, so I'm biased.

Also, the 190 isn't a current production model, so only secondary market are available. It isn't "hard" to get either. Just can't get it at an AD/Boutique.

I would suggest it strongly, but what do you mean by "tinker"? Not a super simple movement to play with (take apart)

Other options that are simple and nice...
210/183/380/232/249 (I have a 210 also)

Here's a couple cushions to hold you over....
The 210 has after market hands on it btw, the OEM ones are black.

Mik covered all the bases...

Start with a base model just my 2 cents... owning a Panerai is an acquired taste. I have met people who bought expensive panerai and then they realized that its not for them... if you buy base then its safe to resell later on. Try a 000 005 111 112 176 177.

WARNING:

If you do fell in love with a Panerai... it may be hazardous to your wallet... the watch is just a start... wait till you get addicted to straps...

[ocwatching]

HUGE fan of the 190..probably my only real keeper in my crazy watch hobby...

really like mine on a croc as a semi dress piece...with an awesome movement...

[Psmith]

The 190 is a beaut, and with that lovely JLC movement...

But if the movement is not a big deal for you then the 210 is a good choice (I actually prefer the OEM black hands)

[EdChoi]

Thanks guys for the replies, for some reason the gold hands really speak to me.

The search is on for a 190 or a 232!

What I meant by tinkering is changing straps etc.. I've noticed it's a pain to tinker with my APs so I want a watch that has more strap options available, apparently Panerai is the way to go.

I have a brand new 292 O serial on its way available for trade if any of you guys are interesting in parting with your 190s heh heh

[MYK]

If you like the radiomir, I would start with a 380. IMHO the most underrated PAM out there.

[MrJ320]

190 is awesome, definitely one of my favourite Rad. I also love the Cali dial on the Rad, so would suggest looking at that too if they're not too big for you. The 249 is definitely the classic and LE (from 2006), but the 424 and 448 are also very nice (new for 2012).

Cheers,
James

[EdChoi]

Originally Posted by MrJ320

190 is awesome, definitely one of my favourite Rad. I also love the Cali dial on the Rad, so would suggest looking at that too if they're not too big for you. The 249 is definitely the classic and LE (from 2006), but the 424 and 448 are also very nice (new for 2012).

Cheers,
James

Ooh the 424 is very nice as well, for some reason I need pink gold hands.

Does anyone know when that will be available? Are those types only available at boutiques and not ADs?

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by EdChoi

Ooh the 424 is very nice as well, for some reason I need pink gold hands.

Does anyone know when that will be available? Are those types only available at boutiques and not ADs?

424 and 425 both available at ADs
448 and 449 are boutique only SEs

IMHO

449>448>425>424 in the new releases...

all of these should hit in the fall...

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by EdChoi

Ooh the 424 is very nice as well, for some reason I need pink gold hands.

I know what you mean, gold hands on a PAM is just amazing. I really wish my 233 has gold hands as well!

Cheers,
James

[mpmesq]

Originally Posted by EdChoi

What I meant by tinkering is changing straps etc.. I've noticed it's a pain to tinker with my APs so I want a watch that has more strap options available, apparently Panerai is the way to go.

Changing the straps on a PAM 190 will be quite a bit trickier than on a luminor. It takes some practice not to scratch the case.

[rulessapt]

Easy to change the straps on a Radiomir.
You do need to buy a 1.4mm screwdriver though.

i have a 210 with the gold hand conversion and it's a good thing.
Of course I kept the black hands. it's an easy thing for a watchmaker to change.

cheers
richard

[Ristretto]

all of the ones mentioned above are great, wg hands are even better in the dial.