Need help picking my first...

[sbessel]

Greetings,

I am very interested in getting my first Panerai.

I spent some time in San Diego Tourneau, enough to know that I want one and that the 44mm will fit well, but not enough to pick a model.

What I want is an automatic, titanium preferred, the signature crown 'thingy' , deployant band, exhibition case back, sandwich dial (I think that is what it is) The face as simple as possible. No extra functions needed.
Preferably with a black strap, I am just not a 'brown guy' nor rubber for that matter...

Is there such a model? Or is there a model close I could be looking for?

I figured I would try purchasing from one of the sellers here, but I am so confused as the model number designations.

I would greatly appreciate any pointers or list of models to be on the lookout for.


I love this face and model here:


Thanks!

[CarFreak]

That is a PAM 312 - great starter Panerai.

If you're interested, I am looking to sell mine.

[sbessel]

Originally Posted by CarFreak

That is a PAM 312 - great starter Panerai.

If you're interested, I am looking to sell mine.

The one above said it was a 351... But I am interested, although the 'starter' comment has me concerned.

[CarFreak]

Originally Posted by sbessel

The one above said it was a 351... But I am interested, although the 'starter' comment has me concerned.

You're right, 351 has the charcoal dial...312 has a black dial.

Starter = addiction will begin

I started with a PAM 356, then PAM 312 and now PAM 233

[texex91]

351 is good--not as heavy as 312. Jump right in and get a 372

[megagem]

also consider the 176

[kilyung]

351
Titanium, automatic, display back, sandwich. Meets all your needs.

[toulouse]

I'd say the 351 is a GREAT choice. There is no wrong 'entry' Pam. And a 312 or a 351 certainly wouldn't be considered 'entry level,' imo. They're in-house movements, automatic, 44mm, and have the quick change for easy strap changes. 351 has gold hands and tobacco brown sandwich dial. The 312 is black dial with silver hands. 351 is titanium. The 176 is about as basic as you can get with titanium, but it's not automatic. Don't worry about the color of the straps, part of the fun and addiction to Panerai is the multitude of looks you get with different strap changes. You'll find no shortage of straps, either oem or aftermarket to suit your taste. Anyway, good luck.

[Milgauss J]

Based on your criteria, the 351 is money. I don't own it because I ended up getting a 359. But it was a tough choice. It came down to the 351/312/359. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those!

Someone mentioned the 372. It is quite a price jump but such a pure beautiful watch. If you can swing it, definitely check it out and try them all on if you can.

Enjoy the search!

[Wristmaster]

You will want a manual panerai.. More DNA they say...

You can go for lumior case such as 000 111 005 112
If you're more into 1950's case the selection will be 233 372

Bear in mind that manual PAM in 50's case will get deeper in your pocket than the autos..
:)

[Cru Jones]

most automatic titaniums come with brown dials, so, they tend to go better with brown straps. the 25 is a titanium sub with black dial, but, it's not a sandwich.

if you don't "need" an automatic, you could get a 176 or 177 in titanium with black dial.

regarding strap choice, even if the "standard" strap is brown, you can ask the AD/boutique to switch with another strap, no problem.

good luck with the hunt!