Panerai choice help -510 or 312

[supra8903]

Hello all.

My 1st Panaerai didnt work out so well. A 422 that didnt keep time. I returned it, but still have the "fever".

Looking to pick up a bit smaller of a watch, but they dont make a "422 ish" watch in 44mm.... so the choices are:

510
- love the 8 day handwind
- love the all polished case
- Like the screws better than quick pins

312
- love the 1950 case and crownguard
- love the silver hands

What choice would you make?

Thanks,

Joe

[outtatime]

You weren't able to get the 422 replaced? I'm sure that would have been possible, even if they had to order one from the factory.

However, given the choice (I'm currently debating whether I'd be happy with a 312 vs a 422) it probably comes down to whether you must have a date, and whether you prefer the taller 1950's case or the slimmer Luminor case. The 8 days PR is nice but IMO kind of pointless as it doesn't have a power reserve complication.

Lookign at them side-by-side, I'd say I do like the 510 dial layout a bit more (the seconds + the 9 on the 312 is a bit awkward) but I also like larger watches, and the 312 wears a lot bigger due to the case. I also really, really, REALLY like a date on my watches.

I know it's in a totally different price range, but if you want a "baby" 422, have you thought about a 233?

[supra8903]

233 is out of my budget.

I'd perfer not to have a date.

If 510 had a 1950s case and a REG TM crownguard, I'd be set.

[jvo300]

Having owned both I will recommend the 510. The 312 is beautiful, but sits very high on the wrist and feels heavier (not a good thing to me).

[stockae92]

I would go for the 510 because its hand wind and it uses lug screws instead of pins and buttons.

[outtatime]

Originally Posted by supra8903

233 is out of my budget.

I'd perfer not to have a date.

If 510 had a 1950s case and a REG TM crownguard, I'd be set.

Understood, but honestly I've seen used 233's in the same range as a 422. Might need to work a little harder to find one though.

[supra8903]

well I got the 422 new at like 80%

[Pattyb69]

I dropped by the Florence boutique while on vacation last week and I managed to try on the 422, 312, 510, and 233. I thought the 510 was nice but I prefer the 1950's case. The 312 looks great and I wanted to love it but I didnt like the way it wears. Its thickness/height makes it a bit awkward and top heavy. I thought the 422 was the most beautiful piece out of all of them. Maybe you should hang tight for a bit and see if they release a 422 in a 44mm case or if they throw in the new P.4000 in a luminor 1950 case.

[ocwatching]

510 would get my vote..I had the 312..just a bit too top heavy for my taste...good luck
or hunt for a 000/005/111/112

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by supra8903

...I'd prefer not to have a date... If 510 had a 1950s case and a REG TM crownguard, I'd be set.

I hear you; that's Panerai now a days, countless to choose from but ironically, very few that really fit the bill... and the budget!!!

Limiting yourself to 44mm doesn't help, but having owned a 422, you would certainly know... and the 372-case family seem to fit the wrist easier than the (47mm) 1950, at least the impression I got...

Date complication and CG-style are two big differences between the 510 & 312 but aren't the only ones. I happen to love the mix of polished bezel and brushed case of the 1950. The standard Luminors, being all polished, are more of a "monochromatic" look, so to speak. Finally, the movements should also be considered; one's an auto, the other, manual but with an astounding 8 days PR.

Decisions, decisions...

Long-story-short, both are very nice options for their own reasons and all I can say is good luck with your choice

[subtona]

510.

i don't like dates on my Panerai

[mfer]

111

[p_mcgee]

+1 for 510, fits way better. I tried on the 312 but it seems to flop around too much.

[Ravager135]

510 is what I would get. Probably the right choice for you.

[kb24]

over the 2, i'd prefer the 1950 case of the 312 as its more classy and robust at the same time..

why dont you also try on the 320 which is a gmt version of the 312.