Your advice. 104 vs. 111

[cpsomas]

Hi Guys,
I've been on the hunt for a pre-owned 111 for the past week until I came across the 104. Similar style but with the date window, which is something I always told myself was a must. I look at the date on my Sub everyday.

When I look at the pictures of the 104, it appears to be more polished than the 111. Atleast I see the biggest difference on the crown guard. The 104 crown guard seems to be polished while the 111 appears brushed. Are there any other brushed areas on the 111?

I guess the big question in the end is....is the 104 less of a tool watch than the 111? I prefer more of a tool watch than a dress watch.

Thanks guys

[dalip]

Hi Chris...I had the 104 and traded for a 183 Rad which I find much more comfortable...+ I am a big fan of the sandwich dial which the 111 also has.

I can't tell you much more...but if it were me I'd go 111 out of the two.

[snog]

yeah think your right,it's just the crown guard that is brushed,if you really want the date then no use looking at the 111,I got the 111 because of it's simple no nonsense looks,love the fact it's manual wind and the display back and not to mention the sandwich dial,many seem to go for the 312 if not the 111 but why pay more money for stuff you don't need,a couple of pics just to make it a bit harder

[Cru Jones]

I've always considered the date function to be a must on a watch, but the 111 is just so perfect to my eyes....I've started trying to reach in my pocket for my cell when I need to check the date in order to see if that works for me. So far, nothing beats checking my wrist, but, I hope I can get over that.

[egzbuen]

Exactly the same reason why I got the 104, I need the date function and auto.

Good luck.

[Speed]

I am still not sure if I like the Cyclops treatment on the PAM or not. I LOVE my 111, but would like to have a 312 and/or Submersible at some point as well.

[B. Doggy]

111

[ocwatching]

PAMs are meant to be pure and simple..this after I got my 312..LOL

[clint501]

I started out with a 111, but sold it within 6 months to buy a new 104- 4 reasons: 111 has no date, is manual wind, has a manual tang button and it is hard to change the strap. I really missed the date function on the 111, but the biggest problem was the manual wind- it is really annoying to constantly have to wind the watch (every two days), and several times I was late winding and it stopped- the 104 is much nicer in my opinion, especially with the amazing depoyment clasp. Finally, the quick release strap change function on the 104 is much easier to use.

[bcacncnc]

111 in terms of looks, but the 104 is nice and practical insofar as date/automatic. If your wallet can stretch, then the 312 is a great choice too.

[snog]

wind the watch every day, when you put it on in the morning,I wind mine every two days,on the even days of the month,I don't think it matters one day or two but I prefer to let the watch go for a fullish wind,auto winds stop too if not worn,the winding is part of the fun,if you really have to have a date then so be it but apart from that the 111 all the way.

[walds11]

104 because I prefer autos. But with the new in-house movements releases, I'd certainly go for one of those, either the 312 or 351.

[clock]

The 111 and 104 both have ETA/Valjoux movements that most watchmakers can service and get parts. The 312 and other models with in house movements need to be sent to Panerai and this means significantly more money and a lot longer wait.

Let us know what you decide.

[snog]

Originally Posted by clock

The 111 and 104 both have ETA/Valjoux movements that most watchmakers can service and get parts. The 312 and other models with in house movements need to be sent to Panerai and this means significantly more money and a lot longer wait.

Let us know what you decide.

thats a good point,there is a thread on here about a repair to a 312,(I think it was),it was going to cost more than the watch purchase price to fix.

[psv]

I hate cyclops on PAMs - so 111 easily. Or go for a 312 or 351 with in-house auto movement instead.

[stockae92]

I think the OP answered his own question :p

the date window, which is something I always told myself was a must. I look at the date on my Sub everyday

I would suggest 104 it is. I am a bigger fan of the Luminor case than the 1950 case used in 312. But its a personal preference.

I am not ruling out 104 for myself, but right now i have a 111 cause the manual wind movement is more historical. and you have 56 hr of power reserve on it. if you forget to wind it in the morning (every other day), you can still do it during lunch and you are still good. i can even wind it closer to 5pm and i am still good .. LOL

[clock]

Originally Posted by clock

The 111 and 104 both have ETA/Valjoux movements that most watchmakers can service and get parts. The 312 and other models with in house movements need to be sent to Panerai and this means significantly more money and a lot longer wait.

Let us know what you decide.

Aside from the aesthetics, history, ruggedness, resale value, I appreciate the fact that most good watchmakers are able to service and get parts for Rolex and are very reasonably priced.

I had a Patek annual calendar which needed service and it took 3 months before the watch came back, not to mention the enormous price!

To me, Rolex is King

[snog]

Originally Posted by clock

Aside from the aesthetics, history, ruggedness, resale value, I appreciate the fact that most good watchmakers are able to service and get parts for Rolex and are very reasonably priced.

I had a Patek annual calendar which needed service and it took 3 months before the watch came back, not to mention the enormous price!

To me, Rolex is King

he has got a Rolex,he is asking about Panerai

[akira23]

I like the 111, not much of a cyclops fan....

[snog]

to answer your question,I think the 104 is more dressy than the 111 but not by much,if you are not too bothered about the manual wind then the date is a useful addition,and if you can't remember the date then you will most likely forget to wind the 111 anyway

[olehandro]

Originally Posted by cpsomas

Hi Guys,
I've been on the hunt for a pre-owned 111 for the past week until I came across the 104. Similar style but with the date window, which is something I always told myself was a must. I look at the date on my Sub everyday.

When I look at the pictures of the 104, it appears to be more polished than the 111. Atleast I see the biggest difference on the crown guard. The 104 crown guard seems to be polished while the 111 appears brushed. Are there any other brushed areas on the 111?

I guess the big question in the end is....is the 104 less of a tool watch than the 111? I prefer more of a tool watch than a dress watch.

Thanks guys

I love 111

[Changmaisausage]

104 or stretch to a 312

[alljunks]

104!!

[Carlo Miguel]

Wait and go for 312 or 351!!!

[Brunotheboxer]

I had this same dilemma and went with the 111 because I only wear it on weekends no date is no problem plus I'd have to wind the watch every Friday no matter what after I got it out of the safe. No watch winder for me.

[andrew79]

111 is manual wind watch and i like that about panerai.

[esm]

111 for me. just cant get used to wearing/seeing another watch with cyclops that is not a Rolex...

[cpsomas]

Thanks so much guys. I will be in Denver the weekend of the 18th so I will stop by the Panerai boutique. Never tried one on before so we'll see which one sings to me. I appreciate all your help!

[kilyung]

Where's the Panerai boutique in Denver? Hyde Park is a PAD at Cherry Creek Mall and that's the only Panerai place I know of in Denver. They had a base (PAM000) but no PAM111 (did have a PAM005 though) last month.

[cpsomas]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Where's the Panerai boutique in Denver? Hyde Park is a PAD at Cherry Creek Mall and that's the only Panerai place I know of in Denver. They had a base (PAM000) but no PAM111 (did have a PAM005 though) last month.

You're right, meant AD. Hope Hyde Park has a bit more selection next week.