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Old 3 January 2012, 04:56 AM   #1
Rps
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Need some advice regarding Titanium vs steel panerai

Hi all
I'm debating over a 299 and 296. One a titanium and other a steel. Which would be more durable and less prone to blemishes. Also other pros and cons.
Thank you
RS
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Old 3 January 2012, 11:25 AM   #2
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titanium is harder to mark but also not as easy to remove those marks as SS,getting a refinish on a SS model is a lot easier than titanium, if the marks were to really bother you,it is also lighter but as most Pams are worn on a leather strap the weight of SS was not an issue for me,all watches are going to get marked so if that is a big concern then maybe a Pam is not for you, as they do take a few knocks because of their size,I prefer SS,I prefer the look and as said the weight is not an issue,it really comes down to which you prefer the look off,try and get to see both in the flesh and don't get too caught up in which is harder to mark.
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Old 3 January 2012, 01:13 PM   #3
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I tried both a steel (111) and titanium (177) version of the same watch today and the weight difference seems minimal to me. The titanium looks like more of a tool watch.
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Old 3 January 2012, 01:17 PM   #4
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For a Pam, I would go steel... Just my opinion but like the look better
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Old 3 January 2012, 02:10 PM   #5
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I prefer the look and weight of steel - PAM or otherwise
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Old 3 January 2012, 04:57 PM   #6
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I hv never owned a titanium watch but from what I know I would go with SS as I have seen them look like new after a polish - so in that sense more "durable".
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Old 3 January 2012, 09:50 PM   #7
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I prefer SS PAM. Polished case looks much better than Titanium. IMO
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Old 3 January 2012, 11:30 PM   #8
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Titanium looks mainly unpolished, whereas steel is often polished with Panerai.
It should help with your choice.

But most importantly, the titanium used by Panerai is Grade 2 whereas most of others watch manufactures use Grade 5.
It makes a big difference as Grade 2 is much more prone to scratching that Grade 5, and even more that stainless steel.

So I would recommend you go and choose stainless steel Panerai.

Furthermore, the weight difference is not so noticeable.

;-)
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Old 4 January 2012, 03:07 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laphroaig007 View Post
Titanium looks mainly unpolished, whereas steel is often polished with Panerai.
It should help with your choice.

But most importantly, the titanium used by Panerai is Grade 2 whereas most of others watch manufactures use Grade 5.
It makes a big difference as Grade 2 is much more prone to scratching that Grade 5, and even more that stainless steel.

So I would recommend you go and choose stainless steel Panerai.

Furthermore, the weight difference is not so noticeable.

;-)
To the OP, I think it also depends on what you have in your collection. I generally prefer polished SS but I think the brushed look is also very cool, especially if you already dont have one like it in your collection.

Dont want to hijack the thread but do you mean grade 2 is worse than grade 5?
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Old 4 January 2012, 06:18 AM   #10
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I have a Titanium watch that has been my daily beater for almost twenty years.It has had the glass replaced and numerous straps.I've worn it while bricklaying,commercial cooking,auto repairs,diving etc.etc.
In other words I treated it like crap.I just got my 338 and though I plan to respect this watch so much more,it was a big part of my buying decision going for another Titanium watch.I do not plan on polishing the case as Titanium ages gracefully as I expect the Bronzo will.I think a SS watch when pristine looks amazing,but with even light wear can be diminished.The Gray appearance of Titanium is not for everyone,but the neutral subtle tone suits my personal taste for a multi purpose watch.Happy hunting.
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Old 4 January 2012, 06:38 AM   #11
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Here's some info on Titanium from the Boccia website FWIW:

Titanium Facts

Titanium - where hardness is of the essence

Titanium is lighter and harder than stainless steel. But it is also three times as expensive, despite the fact that the Earth has comparatively large deposits of this metal. However, its extraction is difficult and expensive, because titanium bonds readily with other elements. This means that the material — which is also used for satellites — has to be laboriously separated from rock, sand and clay. The following types of titanium are in use.

Nickel Free

Pure Titanium

Titanium with a purity factor between 99.0 and 99.7%. Minimum residual quantities of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and tungsten are unavoidable during production. Pure titanium is extremely difficult to work.

Beta Titanium (β Titanium)

Alloy of 75% titanium, 15% vanadium and 10% aluminum. This compound is just as light and durable as pure titanium, but is also particularly flexible.

Containing Nickel

Memory Titanium (NT)

Exceptionally flexible alloy of 50% titanium and 50% nickel silver. Used in the manufacture of eyeglasses. Contains nickel.

Titanium C

Electroplated nickel titanium, which can be worked liked conventional steel. That is why this kind of titanium is most common.

BOCCIA TITANIUM wristwatches and jewellery are made exclusively of pure titanium which contains no nickel. This is also true of the crowns, push buttons and clasps.
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Old 4 January 2012, 08:50 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by p_mcgee View Post
I tried both a steel (111) and titanium (177) version of the same watch today and the weight difference seems minimal to me. The titanium looks like more of a tool watch.
x2 did't notice the weight difference. Liked the 111 over the 177 in the flesh, but that's very personal. Both scratch, but in a different way, ads character though, as has been said here in this forum so often (and i agree)
Good luck
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Old 4 January 2012, 02:20 PM   #13
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Thank you to all who replied. Well I made the jump and bought a 296 ( with titanium bracelet).
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Old 4 January 2012, 06:38 PM   #14
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Congrats Ravi!! Be sure, you ad some straps too ;-)
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Old 8 January 2012, 11:16 AM   #15
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Thank you for congrats
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Old 8 January 2012, 04:39 PM   #16
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Easy to brush over scuffs/scratches in Ti with a gray Scotch Brite pad or a SandFlex block. Much easier than using a cape cod cloth on SS.
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Old 8 January 2012, 07:35 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rps View Post
Thank you to all who replied. Well I made the jump and bought a 296 ( with titanium bracelet).
Congratulations! I'm sure you'll love it!

I wore a Ti Citizen Eco-Drive 24/7 for over a decade, it still looks great!

Recently bought my first Panerai, and went for Ti again, haven't regretted it.

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Old 9 January 2012, 03:41 AM   #18
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I own a 176 in Ti & I love it, also own a 380 Radiomir all high polished,gotta give your collection best of both worlds. all boils down to your preference. S/S is alot easier to get scratches out, but on the other hand Ti marks r easily removed w/ a finishing pad made for Ti..Good luck on your decision,but it does'nt end there,next dilema is STRAPS & ALL the options .
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