PAM 115 vs 219--A Few Questions

[afc1]

Good afternoon TRF,

I posted in the Panerai section fairly recently as I decided I'm ready to buy one and would like a left-handed ("Destro") model. While someone here recommended the PAM 123 which I looked up and instantly loved, I decided the $10k+ price tag is more than I'd like to spend, especially considering this will be my first.

I have narrowed my search to a 219 and a 115. Both are around the same price (both used). I am partial to the 115 because of the second hand but have a few questions/reservations. Does anyone have any insight as to which model holds its value better? I know many people here say "don't worry about the value just buy what you like" but this is important to me so I hope y'all understand . Also, the 115 does not come with any accessories (box/straps etc). While there are mixed feelings on this when it comes to Rolex, I am wondering what the consensus is when it comes to Panerai? I get the sense it affects value more than Rolex but I'm really not sure. Unfortunately there are so few 115s available that it's hard to tell what a reasonable price is with or without accessories.

Lastly, if anyone recommends (or is selling) any other similar model (22, 26, 56, 117) please let me know, as these appear to be pretty similar, at least to my untrained eye, but I have not found any that were reasonably priced.

Any insight would be hugely appreciated! I'm hope to have one on my wrist soon Thanks!

[DiverAsia]

I got the 219 earlier this year, and not unlike you I really liked the 115 as well.
But, this one came up at a great price first, so I got it for my wife.
Luckily, I have wanted a lefty so was happy to get it for her so I could share it as well.

Not sure about holding value more, but I think most all Panerai will sell for more than you paid for them in a few years time.
Check the price of a 219 5 years ago, and what is sells for second hand now. I bet anything it's double if not then quite a bit more.

OK, have fun choosing. Cheers!

[Cru Jones]

Unless it's an amazing price and you can get it authenticated, I would try to get papers and the movement sticker. Enjoy the hunt!

[CoachRolexRyan]

A friend of mine has the 219 and I think it's a very cool watch. I say go for it, I love destros!

[afc1]

Thanks very much for the responses! It's too bad, I was just looking online and found a 219 for an excellent price but I contacted the seller and he sold it a couple hours before I emailed. Too bad. I'm going to keep the 115 in mind. If I see a deal I can't refuse on a 219 I will bite, but if not I'll likely go for the 115 (or another Luminor Marina destro if one comes up at a reasonable price). Hopefully I'll be posting pics soon!

[afc1]

Originally Posted by DiverAsia

I got the 219 earlier this year, and not unlike you I really liked the 115 as well.
But, this one came up at a great price first, so I got it for my wife.
Luckily, I have wanted a lefty so was happy to get it for her so I could share it as well.

Not sure about holding value more, but I think most all Panerai will sell for more than you paid for them in a few years time.
Check the price of a 219 5 years ago, and what is sells for second hand now. I bet anything it's double if not then quite a bit more.

OK, have fun choosing. Cheers!

That's a great looking 219!

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by afc1

That's a great looking 219!

Thanks! It also looks great on a Ted Su Red Cordovan, and on a blue OEM gator.
It's surprising how much of a different watch it becomes with a strap change.

Cheers and good luck in your search.