Gold Panerai

[utc66]

I’ve been saving up for a SD4K for a while and it occurred to me that the asking prices are nearing gold Panerai territory. I’m toying with they idea of opening up my options to an older model gold example. I have a 16600, so I have the SeaDweller box ticked already. So for fun I’ve spent some time looking at pictures at the following models: 336, 378, 197, & the 140. I’ve never seen a precious metal Panerai up close, and there’s not much chance to ever see these older models in a store. The Luminor 140 seems the most appealing as I’ve been quite content with my PAM112 for almost 10 years! - never once considered selling it, so the Luminor is in my aesthetic comfort zone. That 140 must be one heavy mass of a beast, which appeals to me. There’s not a lot of first-hand reviews that I’ve found, not many press articles that I could find either. I see there’s one on EBAY that’s within 5 miles of my house. So it’s tempting to consider.

Does anyone have any experience with gold models, regrets for buying or flipping? I would be interested to learn more and any pics would be greatly appreciated!

[blacke90]

I’m interested to hear as well. Ideally I would like a smaller PAM as a dress watch. I’m well aware the notion of a dress watch PAM fails to stick to the DNA of a Panerai.

[Ravager135]

I do not own any precious metal watches. If I were to buy a gold or platinum watch, I'd want it to be a "dress" piece as opposed to a sports model. Panerai, by nature, are all sport watches even if a 42mm Radiomir enters "dress" territory. As such, precious metal Panerai are less sought after. There's also not much of a historical precedent as they are essentially oversized dive watches.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a gold sports watch. You should always buy what you like.

[joli160]

There is no better material for a diver than gold

[erik asher]

I personally love a red gold or rose gold PAM (there is a difference between the two, but that is for another post!)...from the four choices you gave, I would go with the 197...ita a really special PAM...Next, I would go for the 140...I would stay away from 42mm gold PAMs, unless it was the 684...

The 197 is an absolute killer PAM and the prices are right on these examples at this point...

[synequano]

Depending on your wrist size,personally I like 62/103 as they can do double duty nicely with their case size (40mm)

Another one will be 289,it's an interesting beast

[nick c]

I also like the Pam 140. You should buy one.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by nick c

I also like the Pam 140. You should buy one.

I like you Nick