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Old 2 May 2017, 03:34 PM   #1
jackal981
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First Panerai suggestion

Hi ! Currently I am looking to buy my first Panerai. Any suggestion what is the absolute best buy for around $7.5k ? I am buying pre-owned and currently is eyeing the 389 Submersible but I would like to ask fellow Paneristi their opinions. Thanks

I also would prefer the Luminor because of their signature crown guard as opposed to Radiomir
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Old 2 May 2017, 03:37 PM   #2
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I would like something to be unique and identifiable hence my interest in the 389 as opposed to other models (they all look the same to me)
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Old 2 May 2017, 03:49 PM   #3
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422


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Old 2 May 2017, 04:19 PM   #4
jed11
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422


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My vote as well



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Old 2 May 2017, 09:12 PM   #5
1William
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I like the 389 and have tried it on several times but have not pulled the trigger as I think the watch is somewhat top heavy. Although I do like the look. I would suggest the 422 also. I owned one for a brief time and only moved it because I was offered a lot for it as opposed to what I had in the watch. My Panerai advise is buy pre-owned with all boxes and papers. The Panerai market is the softest I have ever seen it for trades and sells except for a few LE Models. Get ready for the strap game.
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Old 2 May 2017, 09:23 PM   #6
Cru Jones
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389, 305, 233, 422 or 372 are all good choices for what you seem to want.
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Old 2 May 2017, 10:07 PM   #7
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Another vote for checking out the 422
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Old 2 May 2017, 10:13 PM   #8
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372

do some searching, we seem to discuss this every week

good luck in your quest
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Old 3 May 2017, 01:15 AM   #9
clyde2801
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Forget about individuality when buying the watch, that's what the strap market is for!
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Old 3 May 2017, 02:48 AM   #10
jackal981
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
389, 305, 233, 422 or 372 are all good choices for what you seem to want.
What is so special about the 422 ? Serious question. They look the same as the cheaper PAMs and after doing a bit of research every single Paneristi rave them. Personally I like the look of 389
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Old 3 May 2017, 02:50 AM   #11
jackal981
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Here is PAM 389 on my wrist

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Old 3 May 2017, 02:57 AM   #12
waikeekee
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First Panerai suggestion

Look! Looks are subjective, one's man meat is another man' poison. Since you already decided on 389, by all means, buy it and wear it with pride and in good health. Why do you need to ask the general public here what you should get?

389 vs 422/372

Well, there are entirely different watches aren't they?

Automatic vs manual
Submersible vs Luminor Marina
Sub Dial vs Sandwich Dial
So on and so forth,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Just get whatever that sings to you. You don't need a consensus from us to buy a Pam. Besides, I would rather get the 305 instead of the 389, well, it's just me.


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Old 3 May 2017, 03:15 AM   #13
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PAM 233 go go go
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Old 3 May 2017, 07:44 AM   #14
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pam 233 go go go

+1
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Old 3 May 2017, 07:51 AM   #15
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000

111



the 389 looks quite big for you.
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Old 3 May 2017, 09:01 AM   #16
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000

111



the 389 looks quite big for you.
Gus is right 47mm will be too big on you.
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Old 3 May 2017, 09:10 AM   #17
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44mm will fit better on you
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Old 3 May 2017, 09:49 AM   #18
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Another vote for the zero

Agreed.
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Old 3 May 2017, 11:08 AM   #19
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Wrist looks made for a 42
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Old 3 May 2017, 11:30 AM   #20
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Luminor Base. Manual wnd . 2 hands. 000 or 560. The Q series is last with sandwich dial in the 560.

I respectfully say that submersible is huge on your wrist. Lugs look like they hang over.
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Old 3 May 2017, 12:38 PM   #21
jackal981
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Quote:
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Wrist looks made for a 42
Actually you are not wrong 42 is the size of my watches however I still can sport 44s. Historically, is Luminor supposed to be 44 or 47mms ?
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Old 3 May 2017, 01:35 PM   #22
DCheeta
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I always recommend the Zero for a first Panerai.

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Old 4 May 2017, 02:31 AM   #23
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I always recommend the Zero for a first Panerai.

Could not agree more. If I was to start again 000 would be my choice.
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Old 5 May 2017, 03:08 AM   #24
jackal981
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After much thinking I have decided to go with 389. I have asked my dealer to find a pre-owned one and I can't wait to buy my first Pam.
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Old 5 May 2017, 12:45 PM   #25
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Luminor 44mm
Base
Unitas 6497
Sandwich dial
Domed crystal

112 is a classic. See if you can get your hands on one as it's been discontinued. R series bring the last.


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Old 5 May 2017, 12:47 PM   #26
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Definitely go with what sings to you the most, 389 is a great choice!
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Old 7 May 2017, 07:59 AM   #27
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Ive enjoyed the 005 as a first. Liked the logo.
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Old 7 May 2017, 01:24 PM   #28
Ruud Van Driver
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I would have said 389 too. Maybe not my ideal choice as a first Panerai but you seem to like it and I do too.

A lot of PAMs do look alike from a distance (as do quite a few Rolex and several others) but what narrows the 389 down to something resembling uniqueness is the ceramic bezel; not many Panerai divers have that.

As for the size, it does look a bit on the large size for you but then as long as you're happy then who cares. Here's one I came close to pulling the trigger on a few months ago; only thing that stopped me is my love for the 533.

Good luck on securing a fine pre-loved example
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Old 7 May 2017, 07:37 PM   #29
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OP, how did you decide to buy a Panerai and not one of the other fine watch brands.
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