The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Other (non-Rolex) Watch Topics > Panerai Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 26 April 2020, 06:57 PM   #1
Hendrikus
"TRF" Member
 
Hendrikus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: All of them...
Posts: 780
First ever Panerai for a smaller wrist - advice

I confess - I know very little about Panerai. But I would like to add one to my collection.

I have a fairly small wrist (6.5 inches) and really 40mm watches are my peak - though I can probably get away with a 42mm.

From the smaller Panerai models (I am looking at finding a pre-owned one, not new) any recommendations?

Any advice gratefully received.
__________________
A collector of Rolex, Patek, Vacheron, JLC and Cartier
Insta: @WatchtheWatchMan
Hendrikus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 07:12 PM   #2
rootbeer7
"TRF" Member
 
rootbeer7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: london
Posts: 5,932
go and try them on before making any decisions. I thought like you before I started trying them and found 44mm Luminor, whilst larger, were beautifully balanced.
__________________
@imrootbeer7
rootbeer7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 07:34 PM   #3
Hendrikus
"TRF" Member
 
Hendrikus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: All of them...
Posts: 780
Thanks - that sounds sensible (though will require me to wait until post lockdown!). Encouraging to hear that perhaps a 44mm would not wear as big as it sounds?


Quote:
Originally Posted by rootbeer7 View Post
go and try them on before making any decisions. I thought like you before I started trying them and found 44mm Luminor, whilst larger, were beautifully balanced.
__________________
A collector of Rolex, Patek, Vacheron, JLC and Cartier
Insta: @WatchtheWatchMan
Hendrikus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 09:39 PM   #4
Urosfan
"TRF" Member
 
Urosfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Watch: Me now
Posts: 19,162
I have a small wrist also and I have a 111


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Urosfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 10:28 PM   #5
emtee
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Real Name: Matt
Location: UK
Posts: 1,230
Quote:
Originally Posted by rootbeer7 View Post
go and try them on before making any decisions. I thought like you before I started trying them and found 44mm Luminor, whilst larger, were beautifully balanced.
This. I used to have a 392 (42mm) but got a 564 (44mm) about a year ago and this actually wears much better imo.

The problem with the 42mm Panerai’s is they’re not much thinner than the 44mm so feel a little top heavy and less balanced.

Also the 1950’s style case wears larger than the bettarini style case.

I’ve heard the Radiomirs wear smaller but never tried one.

This is definitely a try before you buy decision as there’s so many subtle differences between Panerai models that make a big difference to how you will feel about the watch.
emtee is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 10:52 PM   #6
enjoythemusic
2024 Pledge Member
 
enjoythemusic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: Steven
Location: Glocal
Posts: 19,265
Have a 6.75" wrist, and the 44mm Luminar (PAM01033) looks great! In fact it better 'fills out' my very thin wrists, thus my 'arm visual' look more, ummm, 'normal' instead of girly-thin. Agree with others, please find a way to try one on and see for yourself is your best bet.
__________________
__________________
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'” -- Hunter S. Thompson

Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.
enjoythemusic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 10:56 PM   #7
brandrea
2024 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 73,112
A wire lug Radiomir even at 47mm wears surprisingly small considering its size
brandrea is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 26 April 2020, 11:35 PM   #8
Cru Jones
2024 Pledge Member
 
Cru Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 34,376
Many factors to consider besides watch diameter. Wrist shape (round or flat) also plays a role.

Short and curved lugs combined with leather straps make Panerai wear smaller than the diameter.

If you want a Luminor, consider trying some Bettarini case models (000, 005, 111, etc), which wear closer to the wrist than the 1950 case models. If you want a 1950 case (the curves are nice), consider a more recent one, as they are thinner than the initial batch like 312, 320, etc.

Wire lug Radiomirs will wear even smaller, with a 45 mm 210 being a good option.

But, might as well try some 47s while you are at. You never know what will “sing” with Panerai.

Good luck with your hunt!
Cru Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 12:53 AM   #9
Bucky
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 591
I thought 47mm submersible might be too big before I tried it. Make sure you take a photo of the watch with a full body shot not just a wrist shot otherwise the watch will look massive.
Bucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 12:58 AM   #10
MKLM
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: Matt
Location: Florida
Watch: GMT IIc
Posts: 90
The PAM 682 works well for me. It does not wear much larger than my Rolex sub and I did not want to go larger than 40mm either. I love the Luminor sub.
MKLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 01:01 AM   #11
Bucky
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 591
You can see here the 47mm looks big as a wrist shot but as a full body shot is fine
Bucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 01:02 AM   #12
Bucky
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 591
Bucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 02:16 AM   #13
Hendrikus
"TRF" Member
 
Hendrikus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: All of them...
Posts: 780
Thank you all so much! Extremely helpful.
__________________
A collector of Rolex, Patek, Vacheron, JLC and Cartier
Insta: @WatchtheWatchMan
Hendrikus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 02:43 AM   #14
Euge
"TRF" Member
 
Euge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Real Name: Eugenio
Location: México
Watch: All Watches
Posts: 2,958
I think you should try them, to see what you like the best...

7.2 in and I liked the 42mm




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Euge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 05:24 AM   #15
wisguy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Earth
Posts: 2,406
Quote:
Originally Posted by Euge View Post
I think you should try them, to see what you like the best...

7.2 in and I liked the 42mm




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That looks great!
__________________
5230G / 5146G / 124060 / BB58 / '59 Constellation
wisguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 05:44 AM   #16
Euge
"TRF" Member
 
Euge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Real Name: Eugenio
Location: México
Watch: All Watches
Posts: 2,958
Quote:
Originally Posted by wisguy View Post
That looks great!

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Euge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 08:33 AM   #17
ocwatching
"TRF" Member
 
ocwatching's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Phil
Location: CA
Posts: 5,371
6.5" wrist...
44mm luminor or 45mm rad...
wore a 47mm Rad for a while..
it was comfortable..but after a while I realized it too big
__________________
too much into watches...
ocwatching is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 April 2020, 08:44 AM   #18
eonflux
"TRF" Member
 
eonflux's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SNA
Posts: 3,612
Try a 44mm Luminor or 45mm Rad.

Panerai's are supposed to look big on your wrist.

Lugs are fairly short, so don't be scared off just by the numbers.

If you really don't like how those feel/look on your wrist, then try the 42s.
eonflux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 April 2020, 10:03 PM   #19
deuxani
"TRF" Member
 
deuxani's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 327
The Luminor Due line might be something to check out:

https://www.panerai.com/nl/en/collec...minor-due.html

They basically have every model in 38mm, 42mm and 45mm.





I like them a lot! I have big wrists, but something about that 38mm just makes me want to get one :)
deuxani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 July 2020, 01:53 AM   #20
munichblue
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Munich
Posts: 106
My wrist size is 8.2“ but I went for a Luminor Due (904) with 42mm and 11mm thickness. Don’t be fooled by so many advices about bigger sizes. In my very humble opinion 90% of the people wear their watches too big. Go and try the Due collection, everything what defines Panerai but not oversized!
munichblue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 July 2020, 02:25 AM   #21
Ravager135
"TRF" Member
 
Ravager135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 4,109
Ultimately you should get what you like and if that's 42mm; that's fine. If you are looking for something 40mm and less, then I don't think Panerai is really your brand. If you are drawn to the brand for its looks, then I say embrace it and go with a 44mm newer Luminor 1950 model. They have a thinner movement and wear well on any wrist. A 45mm Radiomir is also a good consideration. Both sizes and cases are large enough and respectable in size to represent the brand well, but still wear well.
Ravager135 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2020, 06:07 AM   #22
GeraldGentaFan
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Real Name: Mark
Location: Europe
Posts: 641

PAM62. Very small and thin on my 6.75 wrist.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
GeraldGentaFan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 July 2020, 07:16 AM   #23
bakaneul
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Real Name: Daniel-Hanwool
Location: Brentwood TN
Posts: 70
6.25 in wrist here and I can barely pull 42mm Luminor Due PAM728 on my wrist.
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg KakaoTalk_Photo_2019-10-20-18-05-51.jpeg (232.7 KB, 1188 views)
File Type: jpeg KakaoTalk_Photo_2019-10-20-18-06-00.jpeg (200.4 KB, 1182 views)
bakaneul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 July 2020, 11:49 PM   #24
soho
2024 Pledge Member
 
soho's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Planet Earth
Watch: Varies
Posts: 2,014
Very much like my 512 (42mm) and 049 (40mm).








Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
soho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2020, 09:01 AM   #25
beholder
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Redmond WA
Posts: 3
have Panerai ever made 38mm radiomir?
beholder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 October 2020, 01:46 AM   #26
Kliminator
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kliminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: West Coast
Posts: 2,349
Quote:
Originally Posted by bakaneul View Post
6.25 in wrist here and I can barely pull 42mm Luminor Due PAM728 on my wrist.



Similar wrists sizes. I have a Pam728 too. Love the blue dial!
Kliminator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 October 2020, 12:14 AM   #27
opaline460
"TRF" Member
 
opaline460's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: US
Posts: 3,384
try due 904
opaline460 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 October 2020, 09:02 AM   #28
icjewelry2
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Real Name: Andy
Location: Nags Head, NC
Watch: Rolex 16613lb
Posts: 66
Gorgeous Pam's out there, I thought I was the only one in this boat lol;

I personally find the bracelets make them feel larger, and the straps make them fit better on my small wrist... GL

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
icjewelry2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 October 2020, 09:52 AM   #29
sechsgang
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 1,443
The good thing is panerai's are def meant to be pretty big so at least there's always that going for you...id say 1950s case 44mm luminor or a 45 mm radiomir is the way to go. The due is too thin ish whenever I see see them on a wrist of any size proportionally...
sechsgang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2020, 10:30 PM   #30
universaldav
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
I have a 6.75 inch wrist, it’s pretty flat though. Recently bought a 45mm Radiomir and it fits perfect. Tried on a 42mm PAM1096 which actually felt a tad small, 44mm was right. Got to try on the 47mm 1616, as cool as it was it was just too big for me, especially when fastened, didn’t seem to grip my wrist right.
universaldav 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

Asset Appeal

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.