First Panerai 111 or 312?

[dhiltonlittle]

I'm really torn between which way to go here.

I have tried on the 111 and found it fit really well but have never worn a 312. I'm heading in to try one on in the next few days and I'm sure that will make the decision easier.

My main question is concerning the movement. Has anyone had any issues with the 312 or prefer one over the other? I'm not as worried about being auto or not. More about the performance/durability.

I appreciate any thoughts.

[Auto16610]

I like both. I have the 111 and never had a 312. I saw a gentleman in Napa wearing a 312 and it looked great. I am sure you know the 312 sits higher on the wrist than the 111. When you see the 312 try it on and if you like the fit, I would say go for it. The 111 would be considered more "historic" if that matters to you. The 312 has a 3 day reserve but if you wear it is should go on until you don't. And the 111 is only 52 hours on a wind. If you like bigger watches then the 312 gets my vote. Oh, haven't heard of any defects with the 312 movement.

I like this thread on the 312. It sure looks sweet in the pics!
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=115110

Also..is a date important to you?

[malik713]

I asked the same question about 3 weeks ago. Do a search for the 9000 movement.

If you can afford the price difference, get the 312. It has a better looking case, longer power reserve, and an alligator strap.

I had a 112, similar to the 111, and while it was a great entry to Panerai, the 312 was my Grail.




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[mfer]

Just buy the one you think looks better. Myself, 111 fan.

[Mastergreenhand]

I've had both. The 312 is a beauty. But the case is very thick. I'd choose the 111 over the 312 because I like the way the case fits better. It's slimmer and manual wind. You have to try on the 312 to see if the case shape and size works for you.

[mikelcch]

I once had a 312 as it had what I wanted - 1950s case, sandwich dial, seconds hand, sapphire caseback, 3days PR, date and in-house movement. But it was a thick watch and thought I would have no issue with that. However, it was relegated to become a weekend watch and soon I fell out of love with it. And off it went.

I missed having a PAM so I was looking at the likes of 000, 005, 510, 560. Found a 000 (wears similar to the 111) at the AD and without hesitation I knew I had to have it after trying it on. It wears so much more comfortable and balanced compared to the 312. I'm not too bothered with the ETA movement, it's reliable and can be easier on the pocket when due for service.

[beachbum]

I'm a big fan of old school Panerai so 111 for me all day

[kilyung]

I've had both with no issues at all. The 111 is easier to service (and I even serviced it myself a few times) being an ETA movement. I could discern no disadvantage to it being an ebauche. The 312 is fantastic but slightly top heavy. I'd recommend going with the 111.

[Cru Jones]

111 for me. Great looks and case with a rock solid movement.

Even more specific, I'd hunt down a 111G for the sausage dial (instead of sandwich) and more detailed movement.

[Lordofrolex]

Either one is great. Comes down to case and price.

[Psmith]

Both are great, but I would give the nod to the 111.
If you want the strap quick-change feature, then choose the 312.

[1William]

I prefer the 111.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Psmith

If you want the strap quick-change feature, then choose the 312.

that's a good point. i LOVE this feature on my 164 - nothing like changing straps in 15 seconds.

[nick c]

As everyone said both are great best thing go try them both to see which fit better on your wrist good luck

[stockae92]

you really have try it on to decide. if you have never tried on a 1950 44mm case, you may want to do that before you decide.

I have 44mm Luminor case (i.e 111) and also find them to fit well and comfortable. And I've tried on the 312 / 359 at an AD and found that the case felt very tall, top heavy, large, just never felt quite right. I think it also got something to do with wrist size and shape.

I love the 111, just I wanted a little something-something more, so I went with the 510. The newer 8-day variants of the 44mm Luminor actually felt and look quite different from the older case.

If you want automatic and a date, then there are still 104 or 164 to choose from.

[dhiltonlittle]

Thanks for all of the thoughts.

I went in today and tried on quite a few.

I definitely see now what everyone says about the feel of the 312. I couldn't decide if that was a good thing or a bad thing so I left empty handed to do some more thinking. A beautiful watch but a little more on the wrist then the 111.

I also made the mistake of trying on a 422 and have been thinking about it ever since. Even though it's much larger, something about it just felt right and was very comfortable.

[Joearch]

111 or if you liked the 422 try a 372. I have been thru a number of Panerai and always land back on a Luminor case.

[alexlt730512]

111 for sure

[B. Doggy]

I've owned both and the 111 remains in the rotation. 312 had to go.

[uscmatt99]

If the 312 weight puts you off, you can try a 351. Different color scheme, but the titanium case makes it wear quite a bit lighter, case is otherwise the same as a 312.

[beachbum]

111

[bigmikebee]

if you dont want to wind, go 312

[lacroix]

I like the base Panerais, they're classics, reasonable to service, and quick resale should you decide upgrade down the road. Again, both are beautiful but my pick is the 111. You should also consider/try the PAM 005.

[Urosfan]

111 for sure