The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 11 November 2018, 07:44 PM   #1
Rafabond
"TRF" Member
 
Rafabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Watch: Rolex, Tudor, etc
Posts: 580
Pam372, plexi vs sapphire

If you had the opportunity to buy a Pam372 in plexi version or sapphire version, at the same price, which one would you choose?
Rafabond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 November 2018, 08:03 PM   #2
Cru Jones
2024 Pledge Member
 
Cru Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 34,376
Plexi - that’s what a 372 is supposed to be. I think Panerai should have given it a new number with the switch to sapphire (still a very nice watch, just not a “372” IMO).
Cru Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 November 2018, 10:51 PM   #3
nick c
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 26,846
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
Plexi - that’s what a 372 is supposed to be. I think Panerai should have given it a new number with the switch to sapphire (still a very nice watch, just not a “372” IMO).
I agree
nick c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 November 2018, 11:41 PM   #4
brandrea
2024 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 73,101
Out of custiosity is there any difference between the two visually speaking
brandrea is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12 November 2018, 12:06 AM   #5
HDHNTER
"TRF" Member
 
HDHNTER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Real Name: Allen
Location: SC
Posts: 2,766
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
Plexi - that’s what a 372 is supposed to be. I think Panerai should have given it a new number with the switch to sapphire (still a very nice watch, just not a “372” IMO).
Spot on.
__________________
Instagram @HDHNTER
HDHNTER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 November 2018, 06:41 AM   #6
Sublovin
"TRF" Member
 
Sublovin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Watch: Lots
Posts: 4,349
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
Out of custiosity is there any difference between the two visually speaking
Yes. Some describe it as “warmth” with plexi and I agree. Plexi has a unique vintage look that can’t be replicated with Sapphire.
Sublovin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2018, 05:50 AM   #7
fullcourt
"TRF" Member
 
fullcourt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: dp
Location: chicago, usa
Watch: panerai
Posts: 2,369
plexi
__________________
dp
just living the dream
chicago, usa

chgo_risti on IG
fullcourt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2018, 07:42 AM   #8
stockae92
"TRF" Member
 
stockae92's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Socal
Posts: 4,872
I vote for plexi.

My complain is why can't they put that in something like a 000. :)
__________________
135
├┼┼╕
246 R
stockae92 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 06:33 AM   #9
Vaxe
"TRF" Member
 
Vaxe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 2,122
I had a choice when I bought mine and picked the plexi.
Same price, so value-wise the sapphire makes more sense, but the plexi has a nice warmth and doesn’t have the edge white ring.
Vaxe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 12:45 PM   #10
G M Francis
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 173
Ditto. Plexi
G M Francis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 01:37 PM   #11
mfer
"TRF" Member
 
mfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Real Name: Mik
Location: USA
Posts: 13,723
You super careful with your watches or wear without care?

I’m a wear without care and would go plexi. Some watches look better with age and a 372 is one that looks better worn.
__________________
member#3242
mfer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 01:47 PM   #12
nick c
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 26,846
IMG_9752.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
nick c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 07:35 PM   #13
Ruud Van Driver
"TRF" Member
 
Ruud Van Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: Chopped Liver
Location: S. Wales Valleys
Watch: Mickey Mouse
Posts: 9,924
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
Out of custiosity is there any difference between the two visually speaking
Here you go, Brian. Check it out and see what you think:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=505132
__________________
116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737

"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott
Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Ruud Van Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 07:57 PM   #14
Ruud Van Driver
"TRF" Member
 
Ruud Van Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: Chopped Liver
Location: S. Wales Valleys
Watch: Mickey Mouse
Posts: 9,924
I have to stray away from the mainstream here and say I would most likely go sapphire. I lay awake at night frothing at the mouth and obsessing over scratches so the plexi would drive me bonkers. However, I really do understand the allure of the plexi because it's how the 372 is supposed to be.

If the watch is a complete full set, it should include a spare plexi crystal, which might sway me towards it.
__________________
116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737

"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott
Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Ruud Van Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 10:23 PM   #15
brandrea
2024 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 73,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver View Post
Here you go, Brian. Check it out and see what you think:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=505132
Thnaks Paul I remember that thread and most of us got it wrong

My only basis for comparison is my 690 and my departed 5513 which was Plexi. I know it’s not an apples to apples as your direct comparison shot, but I always felt there was little difference in the crystals, at least to my eye.

I’d sooner have the benefits of sapphire and the looks of acrylic, which I believe is what you get with domed Panerai crystals
brandrea is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 11:38 PM   #16
1William
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 44,325
I don't like modern watches with the plexiglass. I own the 422 and it is similar to the 372 and is only available with the sapphire crystal. I hear my Panerasti friends talking about the warmth of the crystal and the Panerai DNA and I say, "whatever". The brand is so far away from where it came from that it is not even close. I would buy pre-owned as you will take a beating on the 372 even with a good discount from an AD. Good luck.
1William is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2018, 11:58 PM   #17
Ruud Van Driver
"TRF" Member
 
Ruud Van Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: Chopped Liver
Location: S. Wales Valleys
Watch: Mickey Mouse
Posts: 9,924
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
I don't like modern watches with the plexiglass. I own the 422 and it is similar to the 372 and is only available with the sapphire crystal. I hear my Panerasti friends talking about the warmth of the crystal and the Panerai DNA and I say, "whatever". The brand is so far away from where it came from that it is not even close. I would buy pre-owned as you will take a beating on the 372 even with a good discount from an AD. Good luck.
I don't know enough about the brand to comment on how far it's come from it's origins but them what company has stuck that close to it's roots over such a long period? I would call the move from plexi to sapphire as evolution.

I've been looking and they're not as cheap as I've come to believe after reading lots on here about used PAMs tanking. A used piece is about 30% below MSRP. I'd rather buy new and put my own scratches on it but then I buy with the intention of keeping
__________________
116520 Black, 116610 LVc, 116660 D-Blue, 116610 LNc, 116622 Blue, PAM359, PAM689, PAM737

"Why should you allow an AD to shake you down, just so you can buy a watch" - Grady Philpott
Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Ruud Van Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 December 2018, 01:31 AM   #18
synequano
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 413
Plexi,the watch felt comfier on the wrist as the plexi version have lower center of gravity

If I'm looking for sapphire on 47mm panerai,I'd go with old skool fiddy case with domed sapphire

synequano is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 December 2018, 03:49 AM   #19
Rafabond
"TRF" Member
 
Rafabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Watch: Rolex, Tudor, etc
Posts: 580
at the end it will be with plexi, I bought it from a friend, it is very well preserved and it is with the complete set, it even has the replacement glass unused. tomorrow I will receive it, I have already ordered straps, because the two that it carries do not convince me much. I paid € 4,500, I think it's a good price
Rafabond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 December 2018, 03:51 AM   #20
Ravager135
"TRF" Member
 
Ravager135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 4,109
The plexi crystal just gives the dial more warmth. They do give you a replacement crystal if the original is scratched beyond repair. I have knicked mine and easily buffed out the scuff with toothpaste. One was pretty severe and you can't see anything. You will get micro scuffs and swirls on the plexi crystal, but they do not affect visibility in the least and, if anything, add character to the watch as the case takes on micro scuffs as well.

The other big difference (and people can correct me here if I am wrong), is that the plexi models come on a 26/26 strap. The strap doesn't taper and is wide throughout. The newer 372 with the sapphire crystal comes on a 27/22 strap which tapers. This isn't a big issue from a functional standpoint as you can put any 26mm strap on the 372. The buckle though on the 26/26 strap models is large. I also prefer the ranger strap that came on the older plexi model over the asso strap that comes on it now. This is purely cosmetic.
Ravager135 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 5 December 2018, 03:00 PM   #21
blacke90
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: USA
Watch: AP||Panerai||Rolex
Posts: 759
Are they both the same shape? Or is the plexi more of a dome shape?
blacke90 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2018, 12:01 AM   #22
Rafabond
"TRF" Member
 
Rafabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Watch: Rolex, Tudor, etc
Posts: 580
My 372 plexi

Rafabond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2018, 01:50 AM   #23
Rafabond
"TRF" Member
 
Rafabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Watch: Rolex, Tudor, etc
Posts: 580
Rafabond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 December 2018, 06:04 PM   #24
ragnk
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: United States
Posts: 76
The Pam372 Plexi is perfect, That's what I would go for.
ragnk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 May 2019, 11:44 PM   #25
Zanderwestcoast
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Canada
Posts: 9
I recently purchased a 372 with plexi. I have never compared it directly beside a sapphire model. I’m curious for anyone that has compared them side by side, what is this perceived warmth that is often described? Is this “warmth” a slight tint that darkens the dial or changes the colour slightly? In the side by side picture in the link in post #13 they appear pretty darn close to my eyes. But as it’s a photo and the light could be effecting the two dials differently I’d rather here from people who have compared the two dials side by side.
Zanderwestcoast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 May 2019, 09:40 PM   #26
erik asher
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: New York
Posts: 273
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zanderwestcoast View Post
I recently purchased a 372 with plexi. I have never compared it directly beside a sapphire model. I’m curious for anyone that has compared them side by side, what is this perceived warmth that is often described? Is this “warmth” a slight tint that darkens the dial or changes the colour slightly? In the side by side picture in the link in post #13 they appear pretty darn close to my eyes. But as it’s a photo and the light could be effecting the two dials differently I’d rather here from people who have compared the two dials side by side.
I have had both in my hand, and worn both. I also on a 372 PLEXI. There are a number of differences. The PLEXI feels warmer to the touch than the sapphire. It just gives a different feeling to touch. The sapphire is a heavier watch. The sapphire also leaves more of a shadow ring on the dial. When you look at both in direct sunlight, the dials look different.
erik asher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 May 2019, 03:01 AM   #27
synequano
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 413
I do notice the added weight (and height) on the sapphire version,however one noticeable thing is greater crystal distortion on sapphire version in comparison to the plexi version

I like how the plexi plays with the light,it sort of soften the reflection of bright light in comparison to the sapphire



synequano is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 May 2019, 03:43 AM   #28
Sublovin
"TRF" Member
 
Sublovin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Watch: Lots
Posts: 4,349
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
Plexi - that’s what a 372 is supposed to be. I think Panerai should have given it a new number with the switch to sapphire (still a very nice watch, just not a “372” IMO).
Agree with this. Same reason I like the Omega Speedmaster with the hesalite.
__________________
DSSD is the king of all Rolex
Sublovin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 May 2019, 12:02 PM   #29
Zanderwestcoast
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Canada
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by erik asher View Post
I have had both in my hand, and worn both. I also on a 372 PLEXI. There are a number of differences. The PLEXI feels warmer to the touch than the sapphire. It just gives a different feeling to touch. The sapphire is a heavier watch. The sapphire also leaves more of a shadow ring on the dial. When you look at both in direct sunlight, the dials look different.
Cool. I really like the way the dial colour slightly changes in different lighting from a dark matte tope black colour to almost dark green grey in brighter sunlight. I'm not sure if thats the dial itself rather than the glass. If the sapphire would not do that then I feel better about having a plexiglass dial.
Zanderwestcoast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 May 2019, 06:45 PM   #30
erik asher
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: New York
Posts: 273
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zanderwestcoast View Post
Cool. I really like the way the dial colour slightly changes in different lighting from a dark matte tope black colour to almost dark green grey in brighter sunlight. I'm not sure if thats the dial itself rather than the glass. If the sapphire would not do that then I feel better about having a plexiglass dial.
I can’t say for sure but the sapphire definitely changes the lighting in the dial
erik asher is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.