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p_mcgee · 22 December 2011, 04:42 AM

Had the opportunity to visit the new Panerai boutique in Bal Harbour, FL over the weekend. They had some beautiful watches in inventory, were nice to my kids, and were cool about letting me try on whichever model I wanted. The salespeople were somewhat knowledgeable, but not nearly so as many of the Paneristi on the forums.

I was hoping to get some clarity on which PAM to get for my 1st excursion into 44mm size. I went in considering the 233, 312, 104, 111 and corresponding titanium versions. Luckily they had most in stock.

So after 2 tours in the shop (had to buy my wife a purse so I could go back a 2nd time) and almost an hour... I came out of there even more confused than I went in. Seriously. I see why the people on the forums end up with multiple PAMS. How do you pick just 1?

I was partial to the titanium 177, but the wife & salesperson steered me toward the steel models. Still not sure what to do there. 312 and 233 didn't seem to fit right...I guess I need to avoid the 1950 case. Wasn't too fond of the tobacco dials.

So, left with the classic 111 vs 104 choice. I've seen at least 5 threads on this choice so I'll spare you another one. I'll probably end up with the 111 but would want to swap out the tan calf strap. It was comfortable but didn't quite sing to me. Has anybody had any luck bargaining for additional straps when buying a PAM at an AD?

So after that I wandered over to the Breguet boutique and witnessed an old guy buying a $300,000 minute repeater. Got to see the AP boutique and the new black Explorer II at Tourneau as well. I couldn't negotiate a trip to Hublot or any of the others. So many cool watches, so few funds.

destrow · 22 December 2011, 07:16 AM

i doubt you will, in the long run, be able to stop at just one. consider it a wonderful sickness, lol.

get the one that's calling you the most. and yes, the ad should(or will often times) toss in a free strap. but you will be buying many more of those, too.

mfer · 22 December 2011, 07:18 AM

Negotiating at a boutique is pretty much impossible from what I understand. Maybe some strap(s)?

Lamone · 4 January 2012, 04:03 AM

What a beautiful boutique in a stunning Mall! The staff was extra friendly.

Steel28 · 4 January 2012, 04:14 AM

great writeup!

After selling my 000 Logo I was in your shoes and had two pieces in mind, 104 and 111. I tried both and decided to go with 111 due to cyclope date being not for me. 104 is still a great choice but 111 sang better to me. I also really liked exhibition/open caseback on 111.

good luck.

toulouse · 4 January 2012, 04:18 AM

I ended up getting 10% off my 24 at CD Peacock. AND a free strap too. It's a long story, but worth the 10%. There were special circumstances surrounding the discount, but in the beginning I bargained 5% and a free strap too. This happened a couple weeks ago, so I guess it depends on the AD and who's behind the counter.

(edit) by the way, I know that I'll be getting another PAM one day. Probably a 233 or 359.

Explorertwo · 4 January 2012, 08:06 AM

Do you need a date? if not: go for the 111. The dail is clean and very beautifull.

But , like you, i did't like the strap: I didn' t even had to bargain, just said i didn't like the strap and they offered me a another AND a second OEM strap for free to finish the deal.
They will do the same for for you i think, although it's a different seller.
Good luck: no wrong choice here...!...

dalip · 4 January 2012, 09:10 AM

Great write up. I'm surprised you didn't find the 233 comfortable. I understand with the 312 but the 233 wears so much better on my wrist.

As for straps. In my experience an AD will throw in another strap with a purchase fairly easily.

The 111 is a great and popular choice for a 1st.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

Nothing at AP??

laphroaig007 · 4 January 2012, 10:14 AM

Just go for the 312, it is Panerai modern watch to have, at least if you own only one. It has automatic winding, which is helpful and easy for use every day, and also quick date.
IMHO
;-)

p_mcgee · 4 January 2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalip

Nothing at AP??

Got to try on the Royal Oak Chrono panda. Major grail alert! The offshores don't really do it for me but they had some cool complicated pieces.

Cru Jones · 4 January 2012, 09:06 PM

in terms of straps, boutiques and discounts, you should definitely be able to get them to switch out the "standard" strap for an equivalent value strap that you like more (i.e., calf for calf or gator for gator).....and, you probably should be able to get an additional strap thrown in to sweeten the deal (just don't expect any discounts).

kaiserphoenix · 6 January 2012, 01:25 AM

Yeah when i got my 000 i also got a free strap, a JV gold lol the AD had no idea...i think

kilyung · 6 January 2012, 04:01 AM

I've always gotten a free strap with my purchases - I just pick from the book.

jacksonian · 8 January 2012, 04:44 PM

If you love the 177, then don't let anyone steer you away. 176 was my first and I still think it's beautiful.

toulouse · 9 January 2012, 01:58 AM

To the OP, I feel your dilemma, especially regarding the 177. I liked it, but my wife really disliked it. She didn't care if I bought it or not, but I did factor in the future cringes and grimaces she'd give me when going out. "You're wearing that watch tonight?" Having someone in your ear can erode confidence in your choice, especially when it's such a difficult choice to begin with. But you have to wear it of course so pick the one you love the most or you'll be second guessing later.

22 December 2011, 04:42 AM	#1
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,149	Back from Bal Harbour boutique... Had the opportunity to visit the new Panerai boutique in Bal Harbour, FL over the weekend. They had some beautiful watches in inventory, were nice to my kids, and were cool about letting me try on whichever model I wanted. The salespeople were somewhat knowledgeable, but not nearly so as many of the Paneristi on the forums. I was hoping to get some clarity on which PAM to get for my 1st excursion into 44mm size. I went in considering the 233, 312, 104, 111 and corresponding titanium versions. Luckily they had most in stock. So after 2 tours in the shop (had to buy my wife a purse so I could go back a 2nd time) and almost an hour... I came out of there even more confused than I went in. Seriously. I see why the people on the forums end up with multiple PAMS. How do you pick just 1? I was partial to the titanium 177, but the wife & salesperson steered me toward the steel models. Still not sure what to do there. 312 and 233 didn't seem to fit right...I guess I need to avoid the 1950 case. Wasn't too fond of the tobacco dials. So, left with the classic 111 vs 104 choice. I've seen at least 5 threads on this choice so I'll spare you another one. I'll probably end up with the 111 but would want to swap out the tan calf strap. It was comfortable but didn't quite sing to me. Has anybody had any luck bargaining for additional straps when buying a PAM at an AD? So after that I wandered over to the Breguet boutique and witnessed an old guy buying a $300,000 minute repeater. Got to see the AP boutique and the new black Explorer II at Tourneau as well. I couldn't negotiate a trip to Hublot or any of the others. So many cool watches, so few funds.

22 December 2011, 07:18 AM	#3
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	Negotiating at a boutique is pretty much impossible from what I understand. Maybe some strap(s)? __________________ member#3242

4 January 2012, 09:10 AM	#8
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	Great write up. I'm surprised you didn't find the 233 comfortable. I understand with the 312 but the 233 wears so much better on my wrist. As for straps. In my experience an AD will throw in another strap with a purchase fairly easily. The 111 is a great and popular choice for a 1st. Good luck and enjoy the hunt! Nothing at AP?? __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

6 January 2012, 01:25 AM	#12
kaiserphoenix "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: London/Tokyo Watch: FPJ CO BL Posts: 1,598	Yeah when i got my 000 i also got a free strap, a JV gold lol the AD had no idea...i think __________________ F.P.Journe Chronometre Optimum Black Label, Patek 5811G-001, A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 191.039, Patek 5167A-001, Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Everrose, (Wh) Rolex Daytona 116500, (Blue) Rolex Skydweller 326934, Rolex Submariner 126610LV IG: tokyo_watch_guy

22 December 2011, 07:16 AM	#2
destrow "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 145	i doubt you will, in the long run, be able to stop at just one. consider it a wonderful sickness, lol. get the one that's calling you the most. and yes, the ad should(or will often times) toss in a free strap. but you will be buying many more of those, too.

4 January 2012, 04:03 AM	#4
Lamone Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Watch: ya mawt! Posts: 3,448	What a beautiful boutique in a stunning Mall! The staff was extra friendly.

4 January 2012, 04:14 AM	#5
Steel28 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Canada Watch: BLNR Posts: 1,019	great writeup! After selling my 000 Logo I was in your shoes and had two pieces in mind, 104 and 111. I tried both and decided to go with 111 due to cyclope date being not for me. 104 is still a great choice but 111 sang better to me. I also really liked exhibition/open caseback on 111. good luck.

4 January 2012, 04:18 AM	#6
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	I ended up getting 10% off my 24 at CD Peacock. AND a free strap too. It's a long story, but worth the 10%. There were special circumstances surrounding the discount, but in the beginning I bargained 5% and a free strap too. This happened a couple weeks ago, so I guess it depends on the AD and who's behind the counter. (edit) by the way, I know that I'll be getting another PAM one day. Probably a 233 or 359.

4 January 2012, 08:06 AM	#7
Explorertwo "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Tom Location: Lowlands Watch: White 'n Black Posts: 641	Do you need a date? if not: go for the 111. The dail is clean and very beautifull. But , like you, i did't like the strap: I didn' t even had to bargain, just said i didn't like the strap and they offered me a another AND a second OEM strap for free to finish the deal. They will do the same for for you i think, although it's a different seller. Good luck: no wrong choice here...!...

4 January 2012, 10:14 AM	#9
laphroaig007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Marc Location: France Watch: 116710 & PAM372 Posts: 1,019	Just go for the 312, it is Panerai modern watch to have, at least if you own only one. It has automatic winding, which is helpful and easy for use every day, and also quick date. IMHO ;-)

4 January 2012, 09:06 PM	#11
Cru Jones 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 34,478	in terms of straps, boutiques and discounts, you should definitely be able to get them to switch out the "standard" strap for an equivalent value strap that you like more (i.e., calf for calf or gator for gator).....and, you probably should be able to get an additional strap thrown in to sweeten the deal (just don't expect any discounts).

6 January 2012, 04:01 AM	#13
kilyung 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,870	I've always gotten a free strap with my purchases - I just pick from the book.

8 January 2012, 04:44 PM	#14
jacksonian Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NC, USA Posts: 125	If you love the 177, then don't let anyone steer you away. 176 was my first and I still think it's beautiful.

9 January 2012, 01:58 AM	#15
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	To the OP, I feel your dilemma, especially regarding the 177. I liked it, but my wife really disliked it. She didn't care if I bought it or not, but I did factor in the future cringes and grimaces she'd give me when going out. "You're wearing that watch tonight?" Having someone in your ear can erode confidence in your choice, especially when it's such a difficult choice to begin with. But you have to wear it of course so pick the one you love the most or you'll be second guessing later.

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