What do you think, for my potential 1st Panerai? PAM 359 is now on my short list!

[Grissom]

After resisting for may months, I finally decided to take a look at Panerai. After looking at a bunch, I found myself coming back to this one......

I, myself, really liked this particular dial ("dirty", Arabic Numbers, Sandwich), and the whole feel of the 1950's case.....initially seemed somewhat too big, but then it began to grow on me, and I'm thinking the PAM 359 may be my very first Panerai......clean, simple, a bit unique with the Arabic Numbers......And so the quest begins!

Curious what you guys think of the 359 as a first entry into the world of Panerai?

Thanks,

Nathan

(Nice lume, too...)

[dalip]

I really like the 359 Nathan - It has a great alternative look from the norm with the "dirty dial" - and I think the layout works very well. Have to say it suits your wrist very well also. If it's making your heartbeat a little faster I'd go say it has to be a strong contender.

What else did you try on?

[visconti]

One of my favorite, it's a very nice watch..

[Cru Jones]

it's a great watch!

don't really think there's any "right" way to start with a brand......just pick the one you like the most.

at least, that's how i work. i don't buy something unless i'm totally convinced. but, other people aren't so obsessive and "go for it" to see if it works for them. if you're more in that camp, defintely go pre-owned and maybe look at the "classic" luminors (e.g., 000, 005, 111, 112) or 312, which are probably easier to flip if you don't end up taking to panerai.

that being said, going the "safe route" will probably increase your chances of not getting the watch you love and, therefore, not keeping keeping it.....

good luck with the hunt!

[B. Doggy]

It's one that has grown on me a bit.

[MortgageGuy]

I agree that is this is the one you like this is the one for you... Not a matter of one being better than the others for your first IMHO but more a matter of personal taste

[princeton3]

Nathan,
After many months of trying to decide on a watch, I went from considering Breitling to Rolex and then finally, with the help of the folks on this forum, decided on the Panerai; more particularly, the 359. If you search some of the threads I started you'll see how pain-staking of a decision it was for me.

In any event, I received my brand new 359 last week and, although I haven't been able to wear it yet (you'll see why if you do the search), I am so happy I went with that particular model. I love it for all the reasons that you indicated you like it...It spoke to me far more than any other model and I don't think you will regret taking the plunge!!!

btw- it is my first panerai as well as my first real luxury watch other than a 10 year old Tag...

Good luck!

[STEELINOX]

Nathan, that's a great PAM choice, get it buddy !

I especially like that the date aperture doesn't have the mag lens...

[ocwatching]

gotta go with what makes you sing...
the only 1950 case all polished...very unique...

[watchdaddy1]

........... I say if you like it-"JUST DO IT"

[PanosI]

It's a looker and a perfect entrance to Panerai World !!
I had an epic battle to choose between 312 and 359 and finally went with 312 because i didn't like so much the all polished case.
Later on you'll find out that the polished case (together with capecod) is a blessing
It's also sits perfect on your wrist. Go for it

[InTime]

thats pretty much love at first sight.

[Grissom]

Thanks for all your input so far! Always nice to hear what others think!

My wife thinks the dial is too busy and prefers the 312 (I guess she would really like the 000), but I'm still liking the 359 best!! I'm gonna go have another look and try on a few others, tomorrow, if I can.....and I put the word out that I am in the market for a very gently pre-owned, or a bnib one, so am waiting on what that brings me.......

Would be (as I mentioned) my first foray into Panerai, and I'm excited!

Looking forward to any other observations and opinions anyone else would like to share!

[princeton3]

My advice would be to get what you like - afterall, what sings to you may not necessarily sing to others and vice versa. During my watch search, I took my wife with me on a couple of occasions and she seemed to prefer the breitling I was considering over the panerai. I almost went with the breitling based upon that but now that I have my 359, I am so glad I went with what I preferred the most. The 312 just did not do it for me.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. Having recently been there, I know how tough it can be....

[Elementa]

I love my 359 - it's a sweet watch.

[masterserg]

Looks awesome! I also like their GMTs (sorry, I can't remember the references ... I think maybe 88 for example?).

[karmatp]

I love the 1950 case, much more than the basic Luminors. Your 359 is fantastic, great choice.

[BKKJake]

It was mine and as I said in princeton's thread it was my first "luxury" watch as well. I had a thing for Panerai's but I decided my first real(read $$$$) watch would be a Rolex GMTIIc. When I tried on the Rolex it didn't feel right after wearing a 44mm Lum-Tec for the last 6 months or so. It was a bit disappointing after falling in love with it through internet photos. I decided to pass on it and went to the Panerai store and spotted a 359..tried it on and had to have it.

I don't know if I'll look at Rolex again..the 44mm size feels right.

[Watchdog]

Love the 359

[Grissom]

Went back last night and tried on the 359 again......really nice!! Was also directed to consider the 386 composite. Not available to try on, but that one looked nice as well. Can it be possible that I am now thinking of a second before I even buy the first???

Any thoughts on the 386? How do the ceramic look in person, and on the wrist?

Thanks again for all the input!

[watchdaddy1]

Originally Posted by Grissom

Went back last night and tried on the 359 again......really nice!! Was also directed to consider the 386 composite. Not available to try on, but that one looked nice as well. Can it be possible that I am now thinking of a second before I even buy the first???

Any thoughts on the 386? How do the ceramic look in person, and on the wrist?

Thanks again for all the input!

You got it bad already...You have expensive tastes as well

[HDHNTER]

The 359 looks great, go for it!

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by Grissom

Went back last night and tried on the 359 again......really nice!! Was also directed to consider the 386 composite. Not available to try on, but that one looked nice as well. Can it be possible that I am now thinking of a second before I even buy the first???

Any thoughts on the 386? How do the ceramic look in person, and on the wrist?

Thanks again for all the input!

The 386 should sit on your wrist like the 359..but just FYI, the 386 is not ceramic, it is composite. And if you search the forms a bit, a few owners of the 339 (composite) has had discoloring issues. Also, FYI, I have had mine now for a few months and have had no issues and I am sure Panerai will take care of it if you do. The 386 will actually be a dark brown hue like the 339.

[watchdaddy1]

Originally Posted by ocwatching

The 386 should sit on your wrist like the 359..but just FYI, the 386 is not ceramic, it is composite. And if you search the forms a bit, a few owners of the 339 (composite) has had discoloring issues. Also, FYI, I have had mine now for a few months and have had no issues and I am sure Panerai will take care of it if you do. The 386 will actually be a dark brown hue like the 339.