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Old 16 August 2017, 07:34 PM   #1
rootbeer7
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A Review of my Panerai 390

I wouldn't normally write a review on a forum such as this but as Panerai divides the community both as a brand, it's various models, LE's etc I thought I'd give you my own findings.
As with many the brand has apppealed to me for a long time but I was never ready to make a purchase. My interest initially was for a Radiomir, but it just didn't look or feel right on my wrist. 44mm was disappointing, 47mm like a dinner plate. Moving forward a few months and passing Selfrigdes in London I dropped in tried a few Luminor. Suddenly 44mm Luminor made sense, but, manual wind as the auto felt too thick and top-heavy. (47mm too big)
Back to the forum to get more advice and most recommend a base dial to start. I did like the 590, but on seeing the 390 I loved the tobacco dial, gold hands, the fact only 2000 were ever made and the fact that it was a base.
Within 3 days watch was on my wrist. Yes it's big, yes it's heavy compared to my vintage 1675, but it still fitted under a cuff and flies under the radar with a tee-shirt. It's also very comfortable both on OEM suede and rubber.
Now, over a week in and I've taken it on holiday with me as my only watch. Changing strap is a doddle with the screw-driver and on rubber it's brilliant. It gets covered in suntan lotion, in and out of a pool and in the evening gets cleaned with soap in the shower. I love the dial, I love the manual wind as it really feels like a piece of machinery and the fact that there's no date or even a running seconds hand just adds to its appeal.
Thanks to all the PAM guys, particularly Ruud Van Driver who went out of their way to help.
If you're on the fence about Panerai then go and try them on. I'm glad I did! I've used a lume shot (obviously!!)
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Old 16 August 2017, 09:28 PM   #2
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Thanks... looks great....

cheers
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Old 16 August 2017, 09:39 PM   #3
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Nice watch and review
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Old 16 August 2017, 09:53 PM   #4
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Great post! Glad you are enjoying your Panerai.
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Old 16 August 2017, 11:00 PM   #5
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Good job well done! And great piece.
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Old 17 August 2017, 02:01 AM   #6
ocwatching
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sound like you are enjoying the 390 to the fullest...
its a great reference and congrats...
good write up...
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Old 17 August 2017, 06:55 AM   #7
rootbeer7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsalt View Post
Thanks... looks great....

cheers
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Nice watch and review
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Great post! Glad you are enjoying your Panerai.
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Good job well done! And great piece.
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sound like you are enjoying the 390 to the fullest...
its a great reference and congrats...
good write up...
Thanks fellas. Really loving it
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Old 17 August 2017, 07:51 AM   #8
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congrats and enjoy
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Old 17 August 2017, 01:16 PM   #9
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Nice post
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Old 17 August 2017, 02:00 PM   #10
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Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion! Nice piece.
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Old 18 August 2017, 02:07 AM   #11
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Great review; concise and to the point.

Really pleased you're enjoying the kettle, China. Welcome to the club
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Old 18 August 2017, 07:46 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver View Post
Great review; concise and to the point.

Really pleased you're enjoying the kettle, China. Welcome to the club
Absolutely love it. So glad I went base as it is totally different to my others and therefore not in any competition.
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Old 18 August 2017, 11:56 PM   #13
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Nicely done! Looks great
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Old 19 August 2017, 12:25 AM   #14
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Congrats and wear it in good health
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Old 19 August 2017, 12:28 AM   #15
Ruud Van Driver
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Absolutely love it. So glad I went base as it is totally different to my others and therefore not in any competition.
I challenge you not buy another though..........
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Old 19 August 2017, 07:35 AM   #16
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I challenge you not buy another though..........
No no no no no..............oh bugger
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Old 22 August 2017, 07:49 PM   #17
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Can I also add that as I approach the final day of holiday I have just noticed that I have put the part of the bracelet with the holes upside down!!! I can only imagine how comfortable it will be fitted correctly!!!
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Old 16 February 2018, 07:15 AM   #18
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I thought I’d bump this thread with a further 6 month review. I’m still very much in love and look forward to wearing it. In fact, turning a hobby into a little sideline, I’ve flipped quite a few watches in 6 months, but I can’t let this one go. I’ve even considered getting a second PAM. I now have additional straps and the one I use most is a dark brown with cream stitching that is just perfect. One thing I’ve learned is the straps (all OEM) need a couple of weeks to soften. This I confused originally with whether the watch was uncomfortable or too big. Ok 44mm is large, but once used to the size it fits like a glove. The case sits comfortably on my wrist and doesn’t feel too heavy. In 6 months, I’ve noticed more positive feedback for Panerai generally here and elsewhere, although there will always be detractors. I’m glad I went base and the gold hands against tobacco dial are just so classy. I still love the fact that it is a manual. The only negative is the dial is sausage not sandwich. The mix of polished and brushed surfaces also help to tone down the large case. All in all a fabulous watch that will only be flipped for another PAM. Happy to answer any questions for potential new buyers as up to 6 months ago I’d had only Rolex for 20 years!
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Old 16 February 2018, 12:58 PM   #19
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Great review, thanks for sharing!
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Old 17 February 2018, 12:33 AM   #20
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Congrats on the new timepiece. Simply stunning!!!
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Old 18 February 2018, 02:45 AM   #21
Ruud Van Driver
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You need a kettle with some complications now, China. As you like the manual wind for the thinner case, 233 would be a great fit
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Old 18 February 2018, 03:36 AM   #22
rootbeer7
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You need a kettle with some complications now, China. As you like the manual wind for the thinner case, 233 would be a great fit
A small matter of a vintage Tudor Chrono to move on and you never know
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Old 18 February 2018, 03:40 AM   #23
rootbeer7
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You need a kettle with some complications now, China. As you like the manual wind for the thinner case, 233 would be a great fit
When you’re back it’s Bond St and the new boutique
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Old 1 April 2018, 09:36 PM   #24
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My favorite 44mm PAM....gold hands, brown dial...pure simplicity.
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Old 1 April 2018, 11:01 PM   #25
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Beautiful Pam, I've been reading about Panerai a lot lately and the 390 is one of my options , love the base dial.
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Old 2 April 2018, 02:04 AM   #26
rootbeer7
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My favorite 44mm PAM....gold hands, brown dial...pure simplicity.
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Beautiful Pam, I've been reading about Panerai a lot lately and the 390 is one of my options , love the base dial.
It’s a beautiful piece and the gold hands give it a dressy feel. Definitely interested in 233 now, once I’ve moved on another piece.
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