Panerai durability?

[ExpII]

Hello -

So, the sport Rolex models are labelled "tool watches" by most and they generally seem to live up to the monkier. How does Panerai stack up? Will I be able to hike, climb and run about with my (not yet acquired 359) the way I would with my old Explorer II? Is a PAM more of a watch for show?

Any input is appreciated.

chris

[B. Doggy]

of course...

[xjeeunitx]

I think it all depends on what kind of model you get.

[mmancari]

In my opinion, the general sport models would refer to the submersible's, Pam 88 and automatics like the 359, 351, 312. It all depends...Watch the "how it was made" Panerai on YouTube. I think it's a 351 but it's basically the same watch as the 359. All are very nice watches. You will be happy

[nauticajoe]

It it was good enough for the Italian Navy.....Sure!

[drtooth73]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

It it was good enough for the Italian Navy.....Sure!

x2

[barstoolman]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

It it was good enough for the Italian Navy.....Sure!

That's not really saying much............can you name a famous or historic Italian Navy battle or victory???

[barstoolman]

I go shooting all the time with my 416.........no big deal.

[fespo276]

Didn't Rambo wear one?

[ExpII]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

That's not really saying much............can you name a famous or historic Italian Navy battle or victory???

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[dman]

Originally Posted by fespo276

Didn't Rambo wear one?

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

That's not really saying much............can you name a famous or historic Italian Navy battle or victory???

Who said anything about winning battles pal.

[PanosI]

Originally Posted by fespo276

Didn't Rambo wear one?

[barstoolman]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

Who said anything about winning battles pal.

Nothing special about a Navy that is known for absolutely nothing wearing a Panerai.......pal!!!! Its funny that you put a "thinking" icon at the end of your sentence.........it reminds me of a Three Stooges quote from Curly........."I'm thinking but nothing is happening" .......very apropos to your comment.

[subtona]

isn't this really a question of ETA reliability?

most recently produced pam's have in-house movements but certainly small percentage, read about reliability issues with these.. to be expected as they get their kinks out.

[nauticajoe]

Oh my! Sounds like we were neglected as a child!!!

[swazi85]

I have wondered this myself actually, when I bought my 88 recent, the jeweller said to me it's not in the same league as my DSSD durability wise, I.e with daily wear it will take more punishment. Not sure how true that is.

[dman]

If you are talking daily wear, swimming, excercise etc you shouldn't have any problems st all. They are very adequate for this. If you are talking about swimming to bottom of ocean then I would get a true beater. These watches cost lots of money so how you treated is up to you. I never take my watches off but I also don't try to thrash them. Ymmv.

[runs_wscissors]

I sympathize with the original poster. Panerai's are typically on a strap, have something polished(bezel, case or crown protector) and the 312/359 (1950's) automatics are hefty in comparison to a 16570, for example. Given the current prices I don't have the liberty of getting both a Rolex and a PAM, so it has been a bit of a challenge to decide what to get for my first (and maybe only) mechanical watch. My significant other likes the dresser look of the PAMs, which I totally understand, and I like the brushed SS everday utility of a Exp. II. With a $5k ceiling a PAM 210 or a used 16570 are completely different watches, that both make for compelling choices.

[ExpII]

I'm sure it will be fine. I don't beat on watches but I do wear them if you know what I mean. My Milgauss' has lived for sure. I'll pick up a G shock for the real rough stuff.

[MP5]

I think some need to read a bit of history. Panerai was featured in some famous special ops missions, some great feats of importance and moments in history. How bout the German special ops? Were there no battles by the Germans? You know they wore them too. The one the English captured branched into a whole new branch of horology. But yea, nothing

To the OP, I would NOT consider the 359 a "tool" watch in the sense we look at the sub or the Panerai manual wind historics. I do not trust the quick release system nearly as much as the screw in system. I dont trust the 40% thinner crystals as much as the historic lines, I dont trust the in house movts nearly as much as the century old tried and tested 6497. Lastly the 1950s case sits significantly higher on the wrist than the low and flat historics.

[brkanand]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

That's not really saying much............can you name a famous or historic Italian Navy battle or victory???

Is that true? Looks like the then Italian Navy decided to make Panerai watches.

[htc8p]

Originally Posted by ExpII

Hello -

So, the sport Rolex models are labelled "tool watches" by most and they generally seem to live up to the monkier. How does Panerai stack up? Will I be able to hike, climb and run about with my (not yet acquired 359) the way I would with my old Explorer II? Is a PAM more of a watch for show?

Any input is appreciated.

chris

from experience it is durable and tough. never afraid of water. better lume than rolex especially useful at night.

only problem i love putting it on leather straps so i try not to get it soaked. and another problem its big and heavy so i avoid using it for physical activities.

just put in on rubber strap and you can go scuba, hiking whatever you want. btw im using a pam112 (historic model)

[fstnlgl]

I have a Rolex DSSD and Panerai Pam 326 (both straps & bracelet). Trade off weekly and both are up to the task at hand with exception of deep WR. Enjoy them both without fear of the elements or activity.

[ExpII]

Originally Posted by MP5

I think some need to read a bit of history. Panerai was featured in some famous special ops missions, some great feats of importance and moments in history. How bout the German special ops? Were there no battles by the Germans? You know they wore them too. The one the English captured branched into a whole new branch of horology. But yea, nothing

The Germans lost, I don't care what they wore. And to that point, they used to be pretty badass? I was originally getting at my first impression of the watch in terms of durability didn't seem to compare to Rolex.

As long as you use anything for its intended purpose, I'll be OK. I have a sense now for the PAM and what it's for and I'll act accordingly. I appreciate all the feedback.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by ExpII

The Germans lost, I don't care what they wore.

[barstoolman]

Originally Posted by MP5

I think some need to read a bit of history. Panerai was featured in some famous special ops missions, some great feats of importance and moments in history. How bout the German special ops? Were there no battles by the Germans? You know they wore them too. The one the English captured branched into a whole new branch of horology. But yea, nothing

To the OP, I would NOT consider the 359 a "tool" watch in the sense we look at the sub or the Panerai manual wind historics. I do not trust the quick release system nearly as much as the screw in system. I dont trust the 40% thinner crystals as much as the historic lines, I dont trust the in house movts nearly as much as the century old tried and tested 6497. Lastly the 1950s case sits significantly higher on the wrist than the low and flat historics.

Hey......I love Italians.........I'm half Italian but let me tell you something, when it comes to modern warfare, other than the Italian Army running roughshod over a helpless Ethiopia, Italy did not put up much of a fight in WWII. The Germans did most of the heavy lifting even when the Americans and English invaded Italy. You made a lot of broad statements but where's the facts and the names of those famous Italian Naval Battles and/or victories????? I thought so.

As for Germany, we know how that ended. What makes you so certain the Germans wore Italian watches???? Just because they were Allies........that's a leap. You just keep going ahead and promote the great war effort by Germany and Italy.........that's a side I wouldn't be on.

BTW, I was the one that said Panerais are tough...........I go shooting with mine on all the time...........no problems, no worries. Great watch.........love it!!!!!

[yannis]

The original question was not whether the watch was bomb proof... i think the original poster only needed them for cycling, climbing, hiking etc. The only one that's for naval battles is the Deepsea btw

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

That's not really saying much............can you name a famous or historic Italian Navy battle or victory???

[MP5]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

Hey......I love Italians.........I'm half Italian but let me tell you something, when it comes to modern warfare, other than the Italian Army running roughshod over a helpless Ethiopia, Italy did not put up much of a fight in WWII. The Germans did most of the heavy lifting even when the Americans and English invaded Italy. You made a lot of broad statements but where's the facts and the names of those famous Italian Naval Battles and/or victories????? I thought so.

You are either taking great liberties with what I said or didnt understand what I wrote, to remind you:
" Panerai was featured in some famous special ops missions, some great feats of importance and moments in history

As you can see what I said and your crowing for "Naval victories" are as related as your standard for horological significance only being important if someone "won". I cant Derp that far.

One of the "famous Special Ops missions":
Panerai Radiomir watches entered permanent and effective service in the Royal Italian Navy in 1938; they also entered the pages of history as participants in some legendary exploits. These watches were worn by commandos and Gamma forces who perpetrated the most thrilling and audacious attacks on the ships of enemy navies, approaching their targets either by swimming or on board special torpedoes known as “pigs”. The most sensational attack took place at the end of 1941 in the port of Alexandria, Egypt, when six commandos put out of action two battleships and a naval tanker, in effect removing the backbone of the British Mediterranean fleet. The hero of this mission was Lieutenant Luigi Durand De La Penne. He was captured, but a few minutes before the charge he had placed was about to go off, he told the English captain that the ship should be evacuated so that its crew would be saved. At the pre-arranged hour the Valiant was blown up and with it De La Penne and his number two, who had also been captured in the meantime, the two men being shut in the hold. The two Italians survived and De La Penne, recommended for the gold medal of honour by his enemy, was described in the words of
the British admiral as “the deliverer of the greatest blow which a single man has ever inflicted on a fleet”.
More Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi_Durand_de_la_Penne

As a 1/150 owner of a boutique edition, you might derive some enjoyment on looking other exploits up on your own
As for Germany, we know how that ended. What makes you so certain the Germans wore Italian watches???? Just because they were Allies........that's a leap. You just keep going ahead and promote the great war effort by Germany and Italy.........that's a side I wouldn't be on.

Oh, nothing



BTW, I was the one that said Panerais are tough...........I go shooting with mine on all the time...........no problems, no worries. Great watch.........love it!!!!!

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