Newbie interested in adding a Panerai

[samson66]

Panerai has caught my eye lately. Considering adding one but I have basically zero knowledge of the brand.

I know that I want something simple, withOUT the crown guards, and I prefer the 12, 3, 6, 9 layout over having various subdials or dates.

This has brought me to the Radiomir collection. Considering the base logo for it's simplicity and entry level price.



Can you give me some thoughts on this reference and maybe some suggestions on where to go from there? I wouldn't mind a date feature but not a deal killer. And I want to keep the price reasonable. I think I like the idea of the 45mm size the best on black or brown leather strap, but again curious to hear some opinions.

Thanks in advance for your guidance fellow enthusiasts

[emtee]

I think it looks great but would also consider a Pre-owned 210 if I was looking for an entry level base Rad.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by emtee

I think it looks great but would also consider a Pre-owned 210 if I was looking for an entry level base Rad.

What would you consider to be a good price on this model pre-owned?

[mailman]

DavidSW has a 754 at a great price.

[DLRIDES]

IMO, as someone fairly new to Panerai, the traditional wire lug case, sandwich dial, manual wind, no date simplicity is hard to beat. Choose wisely and it will be a forever classic watch.

[Cru Jones]

If you don’t mind the snap-on case back, it’s a good one.

[Kevain]

The 753 or 754 are beautiful watches that wouldn't really be better with a date on it. I think the core of these base logo models is that they are simple, like a Rolex Explorer for example.

That simplicity is something I really like, and I do own an Explorer and a PAM380 (basically this one's predecessor with the seconds hand).

Like Cru Jones says: if you don't mind the case back, which they call "driven" but is probably quite similar to a snap on, pushed deeper into the case, you've got a beautiful watch right there.

I wouldn't mind the case back at all. There's no reason that this particular approach would fail much sooner than the screwed in back. Your mileage may vary, but get it tested in reasonable intervals and you're good to go.

This model looks very elegant on a brown or black strap, but given its black & white dial it will take almost any color. I've put mine on red, yellow, green and blue straps, which just make it a bit more colorful. The 45mm wears really well due to the lack of case mounted lugs.

tl;dr: lovely watch, wouldn't hesitate and can be worn on any color of strap.

[armybuck041]

I’ve got a 210 which was essentially the previous generation entry level 45mm Radiomir. Love it.

I had the option between the 210 and the newer one, but ultimately with with the 210. That said, I’d happily take the newer one in a pinch.



I’ve since swapped to gold hands. The watch is brilliant.

[brandrea]

Hi Mike, what a rabbit hole you’re about to enter

If you want to consider going new and 1940s case (straight lugs) 995 is a very nice 45mm option.

To me a sandwich was a must have, it’s just so much more interesting to look at but YMMV. A screw down caseback is also a must for me.

Lastly, don’t rule out the 47mm sizes, they wear better than their size might indicate, the 514 has a date

[samson66]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Very good info. To address some of the questions, the case back (snap vs screw down) doesn't really matter to me. I guess in a perfect world I would always go with screw down but a snap back case would not prevent me from getting it. This watch will not be going swimming and will be used sparingly in a rotation with several other watches.

I looked at that one DavidSW has and it is a very attractive price. The more I look at these examples the more I think I want the simplicity of 12, 3, 6, 9 with no seconds dial. For any other watch I would want a seconds hand, for this one I just think the minimalist approach works best to my eyes.

I think I will keep my eyes out for a good deal pre-owned, although the price new is hard to complain about. I will look for the 210 as well. If anyone has any photos or comments on the 753 specifically I'd love to hear from you.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Hi Mike, what a rabbit hole you’re about to enter

If you want to consider going new and 1940s case (straight lugs) 995 is a very nice 45mm option.

To me a sandwich was a must have, it’s just so much more interesting to look at but YMMV. A screw down caseback is also a must for me.

Lastly, don’t rule out the 47mm sizes, they wear better than their size might indicate, the 514 has a date

You're partially responsible for this Brian, I'm gonna send you a bill I love your Panerai and everytime you post it it gets my mind wandering in the Panerai direction.

I will check out the 995. Which model do you have specifically?

The sandwich is one feature that may prevent me from getting the 753. That design seems like a signature feature of the brand and I have to think a little bit about if I am willing to give that up for the new base logo. Hmmm I need to think on this one I think I need to see one in person, pictures only tell half the story.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by armybuck041

I’ve got a 210 which was essentially the previous generation entry level 45mm Radiomir. Love it.

I had the option between the 210 and the newer one, but ultimately with with the 210. That said, I’d happily take the newer one in a pinch.



I’ve since swapped to gold hands. The watch is brilliant.

That's a beauty. I'm going to have to consider a 210 after seeing your picture. Is the sandwich vs painted dial the only substantial difference between the old and new versions?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

You're partially responsible for this Brian, I'm gonna send you a bill I love your Panerai and everytime you post it it gets my mind wandering in the Panerai direction.



I will check out the 995. Which model do you have specifically?



The sandwich is one feature that may prevent me from getting the 753. That design seems like a signature feature of the brand and I have to think a little bit about if I am willing to give that up for the new base logo. Hmmm I need to think on this one I think I need to see one in person, pictures only tell half the story.

I'm just paying it forward ... Cru is responsible for this ... Pam690.

47mm and fits my 7" wrist perfectly which is why I suggest you go try a few on and see what works

I do like the wire lug Rads as well and have been thinking about adding one. Im trying to resist the 931

20201219_111302.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by brandrea

to me a sandwich was a must have, it’s just so much more interesting to look at but ymmv. A screw down caseback is also a must for me.

Lastly, don’t rule out the 47mm sizes

this

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm just paying it forward ... Cru is responsible for this ... Pam690.

47mm and fits my 7" wrist perfectly which is why I suggest you go try a few on and see what works

I do like the wire lug Rads as well and have been thinking about adding one. Im trying to resist the 931

Attachment 1195436

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

Awesome watch! I sort of want the wire lugs just because they are unique feature of a unique watch.

Thanks to this thread I'm probably down to the 753 vs the 210

210's running about $800-$1000 more pre-owned vs the 753's

So is it worth $800+ to get the screwed down display caseback and sandwich dial? Any other differences?

What about an ETA movement vs the 753's in-house movement?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Awesome watch! I sort of want the wire lugs just because they are unique feature of a unique watch.

Thanks to this thread I'm probably down to the 753 vs the 210

210's running about $800-$1000 more pre-owned vs the 753's

So is it worth $800+ to get the screwed down display caseback and sandwich dial? Any other differences?

What about an ETA movement vs the 753's in-house movement?

Tough call Mike, but for me the sandwich dial seals it.

I’m not as fussed about the ETA movement. It’d be the 210 for me between these two

EDIT: I agree with you on the wire lugs ... there’s something charming about them indeed

[mikkoi]

Hi Mike,

If you like wire lugs, then there is 232 also. Brown dial, 47mm and gold hands.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[turpe]

Not to add yet another option to the table, but if 47mm and wire lugs is on your radar, I think that the 720 is a very ‘pure’ expression of the Radiomir.

https://www.panerai.com/us/en/collec...io---47mm.html

[opawlows]

Originally Posted by armybuck041

I’ve got a 210 which was essentially the previous generation entry level 45mm Radiomir. Love it.

I had the option between the 210 and the newer one, but ultimately with with the 210. That said, I’d happily take the newer one in a pinch.



I’ve since swapped to gold hands. The watch is brilliant.

Love this configuration! I would like to add a 210 with the hands swapped to gold as well this year.

Do you mind if I send you a PM asking about it?

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by brandrea

To me a sandwich was a must have, it’s just so much more interesting to look at but YMMV. A screw down caseback is also a must for me.

Lastly, don’t rule out the 47mm sizes, they wear better than their size might indicate

This ^

As I advise all pam newbies, go see em in person and try on as many models as possible.

Have fun!

My 47mm radiomir

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

This ^

As I advise all pam newbies, go see em in person and try on as many models as possible.

Have fun!

My 47mm radiomir

Looking good brother

[Cru Jones]

Some other great wire lug options floated in this thread, from the 210 (with or without gold hand mod) to the stunning and classic 232.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm just paying it forward ... Cru is responsible for this ... Pam690.

So sorry about that!!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Some other great wire lug options floated in this thread, from the 210 (with or without gold hand mod) to the stunning and classic 232.






So sorry about that!!

Mike, of course Cru is right ... the 232 is an all time classic and worth looking at

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by samson66

So is it worth $800+ to get the screwed down display caseback and sandwich dial?

IMO, absolutely !

[Joearch]

210 looks great on a croc.

[samson66]

Great info all around gents. I will be on the lookout for a 210 but in the meantime will try to get out to an AD to try a few on including the 753. I am very curious how a 47 fits. The number makes it sound huge but from the pictures it doesn't seem to wear that way.

Not many AD's near me, only one in my state about 1hr+ away. My regular AD does not carry the brand unfortunately.

[Goin2drt]

I am by no means a Panerai aficionado. I own a 312.

Here are my opinions.
1. Panerai's wear big. TRY THEM ON. Do not go by the MM size.
2. Sandwhich dials are awesome especially in person.
3. Be ready to BUY straps. This is the best part about PAM is the ability to EASILY change straps quickly.

Shop around. These prices are all over the board. Do not be afraid to check authenticwatches.com or jomashop for these. I would not suggest for maybe other brands like Rolex but Panerai I would.

[Sublovin]

Good choice. My first Panerai was a Radiomir....I would go with the classic 210. This was my first and I eventually upgraded that to a 232 which I still own and consider one of the best Panerai of all time.