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Old 21 October 2020, 02:07 AM   #1
peterrr
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Educate me on the PAM312

After countless hours of browsing the different models that Panerai offers I have decided on the PAM312. Is there anything I need to look for when sourcing a preowned 312? Are their differences with the Series? Thanks in advance for your help.
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Old 21 October 2020, 12:41 PM   #2
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My advice would be to avoid early models, as the movement was new and had a few initial bugs which were eventually sorted.
As with Rolex, full kit is important for value - so box, strap change tools, etc...
Good luck, and have fun with the 'strap madness' that goes with PAM ownership
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Old 21 October 2020, 02:18 PM   #3
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I’d suggest for you to try it on first. The 312 shape on wrist takes some getting use to. I felt it very top heavy. Cheers
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Old 21 October 2020, 03:37 PM   #4
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It’s a very chunky and top heavy watch. But still very nice.
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Old 21 October 2020, 03:49 PM   #5
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Get a 233, unless you really want an auto


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Old 21 October 2020, 06:49 PM   #6
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Get a 233, unless you really want an auto


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Started with the 312 and switched to the 233 myself.

The 312 was great, but once I saw the bubble dome on the 233...
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Old 21 October 2020, 08:33 PM   #7
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The 233 is something special, but quite different from the 312 - hand-wound 8-day GMT. More expensive too.
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Old 21 October 2020, 08:36 PM   #8
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See if you can get the 1312 , its the updated version of that model.
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Old 22 October 2020, 12:37 AM   #9
peterrr
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Get a 233, unless you really want an auto


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Thanks, I looked at the 233 and it is a little busy for me. I am drawn to the simplicity of 312.
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Old 22 October 2020, 12:38 AM   #10
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See if you can get the 1312 , its the updated version of that model.
The only reason I am not going with the 1312 is I find the blue second hand distracting.
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Old 22 October 2020, 07:37 AM   #11
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Thanks, I looked at the 233 and it is a little busy for me. I am drawn to the simplicity of 312.

Got it... you can simplify the business by hiding the GMT hand behind the hour hand. I had the “dot” version which removes another hand from the view... so then you are left with the linear PR indicator and Domed sapphire!!


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Old 22 October 2020, 07:38 AM   #12
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Got it... you can simplify the business by hiding the GMT hand behind the hour hand. I had the “dot” version which removes another hand from the view... so then you are left with the linear PR indicator and Domed sapphire!!


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Also would get pre-owned so the Price delta is smaller. My first Panerai was going to be the 320 new... but went pre-owner 233 dot


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Old 22 October 2020, 09:34 AM   #13
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The only reason I am not going with the 1312 is I find the blue second hand distracting.
Agreed - I'm usually a sucker for blued hands, but in this case I think it looks a little odd in isolation.

Quote:
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Also would get pre-owned so the Price delta is smaller. My first Panerai was going to be the 320 new... but went pre-owner 233 dot
The 320 is essentially a 312 with added GMT complication. As with other models, this is a '12 hr' GMT and the hand can be hidden behind the regular hour hand if desired.
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Old 25 October 2020, 02:55 AM   #14
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Agreed - I'm usually a sucker for blued hands, but in this case I think it looks a little odd in isolation.



The 320 is essentially a 312 with added GMT complication. As with other models, this is a '12 hr' GMT and the hand can be hidden behind the regular hour hand if desired.

Yup agreed... back when the 312 “series” of watches came out is right when I got my first Panerai and was dead set on the 320 as I wanted something “special” that has a different complication than a Rolex (LOL)... most GMT implementations are 24 hr, while Panerai in house movements tend to be clear 12 hour gmts; but than is nice to have a day/night indicator. Anyways I am a huge fan of Panerai’s 12 hour GMT with day/night “dot dial is best”.

And if you are thinking new 312 but open to pre-owned than the price delta is not that big considering what you get.

Anyways I always suggest prospective buyers of the 312 series to check out the 233 as it also wears a little smaller due to lack of rotor


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Old 25 October 2020, 06:09 AM   #15
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I have the 1321 and honestly I like the chunk of the 312 better.
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Old 25 October 2020, 05:20 PM   #16
rootbeer7
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Try them on first. As discussed above, the autos can be top-heavy, but everyone has different size and shape wrists. I went 233 and never looked back. Comfort is superb and once gmt hand is tucked away (as pictured) dial isn’t too busy.
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Old 27 October 2020, 03:23 PM   #17
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Thanks, I looked at the 233 and it is a little busy for me. I am drawn to the simplicity of 312.

424. Simplicity to the max

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Old 27 October 2020, 03:41 PM   #18
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312 has the classic Panerai look, but I would go for the updated 1312 due to its thinner case. 312 is really thick and wears top heavy.
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Old 27 October 2020, 05:05 PM   #19
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Agreed, go for the thinner case, 1312....I had a 328 which is basically the same thing with a metal band, next time around I want a model with the thinner case.
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Old 27 October 2020, 06:01 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rootbeer7 View Post
Try them on first. As discussed above, the autos can be top-heavy, but everyone has different size and shape wrists. I went 233 and never looked back. Comfort is superb and once gmt hand is tucked away (as pictured) dial isn’t too busy.

If you go one and only Panerai..233 dot is way to go


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Old 27 October 2020, 06:06 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by importstunna View Post
312 has the classic Panerai look, but I would go for the updated 1312 due to its thinner case. 312 is really thick and wears top heavy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scombs263 View Post
Agreed, go for the thinner case, 1312....I had a 328 which is basically the same thing with a metal band, next time around I want a model with the thinner case.

OP has already considered the 1312...

Quote:
Originally Posted by peterrr View Post
The only reason I am not going with the 1312 is I find the blue second hand distracting.
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Old 7 November 2020, 07:25 AM   #22
zion_rasta
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I have the 1321 and honestly I like the chunk of the 312 better.
I agree. I have a 1321 but miss the chunkiness of the 312.
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Old 7 November 2020, 07:58 PM   #23
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1312 is well balanced and does not feel too heavy. Only if blue hands and ecru lume suits, it's a pretty good reference

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Old 8 November 2020, 03:58 PM   #24
TswaneNguni
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232 ( I have the RG 289 version )
127
217
249
232
111

Thats what I would have a look at .
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Old 9 November 2020, 03:30 AM   #25
emtee
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Way too chunky when I tried it on several years ago. Ended up getting the 392 but sold that as also pretty top heavy. Currently have a 564 which is perfect. Guess the 1950’s cases just aren’t for me.
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Old 14 November 2020, 02:40 AM   #26
wareaglesig
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as others have said, go try some on first. I've been through a 312, 320, 1312, and 1392 - sold all of those now I have a 574. I would not recommend the 312 or 320. very top heavy and bulky.
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Old 16 November 2020, 09:56 AM   #27
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One of my first PAMs was a 312. I loved it but sold it during the heat of the 372 and had to have that one. (which proved too big after a few months and the love affair dwindled). Wished I had kept the 312, as I thought it was perfect for me, though it was a little thick.

I would look at the 1312 today if I were in the market again. Who knows, maybe I will kick the PAM tires again soon.
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Old 6 December 2020, 12:30 PM   #28
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312 is my first pam and my first "real" swiss timepiece. bought it in 2014 and still loving it.
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Old 9 December 2020, 02:57 AM   #29
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312 is an excellent choice and great bang for the buck! It has a display case back and a cleaner more uniformed dial without the automatic text and blue second hand compared to the 1312.

It is more of a utility watch; big and chucky which it is part of its character and charm. The movement is very accurate however, as some have said it would be better if you buy later production models or make sure they have been serviced recently by Panerai.
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Old 10 December 2020, 06:19 AM   #30
sinkholeninja
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peterrr View Post
After countless hours of browsing the different models that Panerai offers I have decided on the PAM312. Is there anything I need to look for when sourcing a preowned 312? Are their differences with the Series? Thanks in advance for your help.
That was my first Panerai when it came out and I had it for 5 years without any issues. I wore it everywhere and certainly didn’t baby it. It’s a great watch in my opinion.
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