Is there a panerai alternative?

[Soulspawn]

I was just looking around for a watch which was abit casual, yet still has that "it" factor (history, quality or awesome design? I have no idea how to describe the "it" which makes a Pam what it is).

I settled on a panerai radiomir, due to its slightly dressier styling than the luminor and slimmer profile. Either a 380, 337 or a 512 are models which I would consider.

But I want to mix it up abit and compare other watches in that price range which might be an alternative to the radiomir and I've come up lacking....
A couple of brands which I've looked at: 1. bell & Ross (their square cases seem bulky and the fact that the screws done line up would drive me mad)
2. margarette (yes. They are much more affordable and I've owned one before... But it just didn't do much for me).

So my question is, have you had a serious alternative before when you were considering getting a panerai? And why?

[mfer]

Seriously consider a 210. The base on the Radiomir works soooo well.

Also, I want to make sure you realize the 380 (and 210) is 45mm, while the 337 and 512 are 42mm. They will wear very different.

I regret letting my 210 go. Although I do have a 232.



You can swap out hands with aftermarket like I did later before I sold. It dresses up well on a gator.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by mfer

Seriously consider a 210. The base on the Radiomir works soooo well.

x 1,000,000!

[kaiserphoenix]

I like SINN as an alternative to Panerai. Although in all honesty there is no "alternative" for a panerai. You either like its design and history or you dont. My next watch will be a SINN as I like watches that are robust and tough looking but with a touch of class. As alluded to with the previous posters, the 210 is a beauty!!

[Mastergreenhand]

I would look at Laco watches for an alternative. They have a lot of history, military inspired, worn on straps, can be 42 - 44mm. I love the pilot styles. They are also very affordable considering other options. Also, there's Stowa, another German brand with history, though most of their line is in the 40mm size range. And, although I've never owned one, I like some of the Bremont line as well. They have a few nice pieces, and are a little under the Pam price-point. Both brands I mentioned use ETA only. Good luck and happy browsing!

[Soulspawn]

Originally Posted by mfer

Seriously consider a 210. The base on the Radiomir works soooo well. ]

The 210 is a beauty indeed. I didn't include it as I thought it's discontinued.
Shall ask my ad tmr when I visit.

Originally Posted by mfer

Also, I want to make sure you realize the 380 (and 210) is 45mm, while the 337 and 512 are 42mm. They will wear very different.

Yup. I'll be trying on both sizes and seeing which fits me best. If only I had the wrists for the cali dialled radiomir at 47mm. It just ticks so many boxes for me, but will look like a flying saucer on my wrist.

Originally Posted by mfer

You can swap out hands with aftermarket like I did later before I sold. It dresses up well on a gator.

That's what I am really looking forward to with the radiomir. Is playing with the straps. I've seen some really nice ones (JC strap) which can change the watch so much.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Soulspawn

That's what I am really looking forward to with the radiomir. Is playing with the straps. I've seen some really nice ones (JC strap) which can change the watch so much.

For what it's worth, Radiomirs with wire lugs are the most time-consuming when it comes to strap changes. Maybe something to consider.

[Soulspawn]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

I like SINN as an alternative to Panerai. Although in all honesty there is no "alternative" for a panerai. You either like its design and history or you dont. My next watch will be a SINN as I like watches that are robust and tough looking but with a touch of class. As alluded to with the previous posters, the 210 is a beauty!!

I really like the sinns too, in particular their oil filled Quartz (yes. I want a quartz) model. Apparently the oil makes the hands visible from any angle and makes the "float" in the dial.

Only thing is that their toolish utilirianum styling is abit drab imho... I'm afraid is get bored of it.

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

I would look at Laco watches for an alternative. They have a lot of history, military inspired, worn on straps, can be 42 - 44mm. I love the pilot styles. They are also very affordable considering other options. Also, there's Stowa, another German brand with history, though most of their line is in the 40mm size range. And, although I've never owned one, I like some of the Bremont line as well. They have a few nice pieces, and are a little under the Pam price-point. Both brands I mentioned use ETA only. Good luck and happy browsing!

I actually own a stowa 1938 with the cream dial and a personalise rotor. It's very dressy, so abit off topic here, but i love that watch.
uploadfromtaptalk1436295863476.jpg

[Soulspawn]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

For what it's worth, Radiomirs with wire lugs are the most time-consuming when it comes to strap changes. Maybe something to consider.

I've heard about that... Which is why the 512 seems to be a happy hybrid of the luminor lugs and rad case.

But the wire lugs have a very refined look that I like!

[mfer]

The 210 is discontinued, but a trusted seller here could find you one given a little time.

[Soulspawn]

Just tried on the pam 512 and it fits me really well. I didn't expect it to be so dressy and elegant! Am very impressed indeed.

Now, I wonder what would be a direct competitor of the 512?

[nick c]

You should buy the 512 its beautiful

[pdnb]

My only rad is a 190

[Bernie.H.]

Originally Posted by nick c

You should buy the 512 its beautiful

+1

[mikkolopez]

512 it is. Best of both Pam design elements, slim Rad case and Luminor screw lugs.


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[mikkolopez]

And a clean dial like my 112
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[srvrf]

I'm not really sure there is and that's part of what makes Panerai so successful. Not many brands have such a large and loyal following. Rolex comes to mind and their Subs look great on bracelets, straps and Natos. But their "it" is very different than Panerai's "it." Maybe Bremont? Some Breitlings? The short answer seems to be "no."


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[Soulspawn]

Unfortunately, the answer really is "no" for me too.

A Pam is undeniably a Pam, and is what my heart desires. I've let temptation take over and ordered in a 380 radomir from my dealer.

[tomcorkery]

Dont think there is another option. I will always have a pam in my collection.

[B. Doggy]

There's nothing out there like a PAM.

[kilyung]

For me it'd be Blancpain. The Fifty Fathoms...

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by Soulspawn

I was just looking around for a watch which was abit casual, yet still has that "it" factor (history, quality or awesome design? I have no idea how to describe the "it" which makes a Pam what it is).

I settled on a panerai radiomir, due to its slightly dressier styling than the luminor and slimmer profile. Either a 380, 337 or a 512 are models which I would consider.

But I want to mix it up abit and compare other watches in that price range which might be an alternative to the radiomir and I've come up lacking....
A couple of brands which I've looked at: 1. bell & Ross (their square cases seem bulky and the fact that the screws done line up would drive me mad)
2. margarette (yes. They are much more affordable and I've owned one before... But it just didn't do much for me).

So my question is, have you had a serious alternative before when you were considering getting a panerai? And why?

For me, only Rolex ATM. The only modern pieces I have nowadays are Rolex and Panerai. I would consider a DSOTM Omega though as a non-Rolex or non-PAM buy at the right price point...

[Soulspawn]

Strangely enough, i walked past an ad that day and of all things, a Cartier Santos 100 xl caught my eye.

It ticks several boxes when compared to panerai:
1. Rich history
2. Strong reputation
3. The styling of the Santos 100 is arguably their 2nd most sporty model (after the De Calibre diver)

If one looks past cartier's (undeserving, imho) "fashion watch" label and take the Santos 100 for what it is... A classy sports watch which has evolved from an aviation background.

Wonder if any Santos 100 owners want to chime in with their thoughts (and pictures!)

[HL65]

IWC Big Pilot especially 5002. It has great history, vintage look, and great wrist presence. Here is my rare 5002 Transitional:

[Soulspawn]

Originally Posted by kilyung

For me it'd be Blancpain. The Fifty Fathoms...

The fifty fathoms is such an icon. I'm a huge fan of the domed bezel on the original ff.
Unfortunately, the latest model leaves me feeling rather cold.

[Psmith]

Some good suggestions above.

Take a look at Anonimo (founded by ex-Panerai employees) http://www.ablogtowatch.com/anonimo-...lorence-italy/

Also take a look at Ennebi.

[SpunkyQ8]

Maybe consider Sinn ?
I personally have a lot of respect for this brand. I have the bell & ross M1 made by Sinn which is identical to Sinn 156. A beautiful Lemania 5100 movement exteremly accurate and fairly reliable.
At it's price point I would knock off competitors easily!

[Buc395]

Originally Posted by HL65

IWC Big Pilot especially 5002. It has great history, vintage look, and great wrist presence. Here is my rare 5002 Transitional:

+1 on the Big Pilot.
I have the 5009. Unmistakeable shape and crown.
Great watch with a unique movement.



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[Soulspawn]

Damn. That big pilot looks really nice.
I've always written iwc off, but that looks pretty darn good.


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[RUpanerai]

There is nothing within that price range I would consider. Bell Ross is a crappy watch brand and IWCs and JLCs lack the style and unique case shape of Panerai. For that budget its Rolex or Panerai... thats it.

512 is a great option, I think you should go for that one. If you need help acquiring one I can get them new at a very nice discount. =)