New to PAM, Need some Help!

[Laszlo]

I'm new to Panerai.

Been in the Rolex and Tudor camp for quite a while.

I have always been fond of PAMs and would like to pick one up pre-owned. I have 2 models I'm currently looking at.

A 104 and a 359.

They are both very nice.

What I do love about both of these watches is that it will make for a great daily and love the appeal and look on the wrist.

Which one should I get? They are both in the same price range.

I'm not too hung up on the in-house vs. ETA. But the p9000 sounds good just not sure how reliable.

[rootbeer7]

I don’t feel I’m qualified to determine which one, but I’m on my 2nd Pam after many years of Rolex and can tell you that whatever you get you will LOVE it!

[Saoirse32]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I don’t feel I’m qualified to determine which one, but I’m on my 2nd Pam after many years of Rolex and can tell you that whatever you get you will LOVE it!

Yup! Yup!

[erik asher]

The answer, of course, is that’s it’s a matter of personal taste. They are both great watches and the in house movement of the 359 is completely reliable. I will say that the 104 wears a little smaller in the wrist and has a cyclops date, which may or may not be appealing.

A number of Panerai “purists” would frown upon the 359 because it has all Arabic numerals—a design element that is less tied to DNA and more to a contemporary era of Panerai watches.

The 359 should also be a tad more expensive in the secondhand market. You can also look at the 1359, which has a slimmer movement causing the entire case to sit lower on the wrist. The 1359 also has a blue second hand on the sub second “marina” dial.

I hope this helps and good luck with your purchase!

[1William]

The base 104 is where a lot of Panerai fans start and end up moving on from once they look at the brand and experience the brand. I prefer the 359 for the dial case and more of a unique look. Have a look at the 351 as it has the dial which is more mainstream but the 1950 case like the 359. No bad choice but do your research as the second hand market on a flip will hurt your feelings.

[Cru Jones]

If you can try on a 1950 auto case and a Bettarini case back-to-back, I think the choice will be obvious to you.

Anyway, both are classic PAMs, and you can't go wrong.

[Ravager135]

The 104 has a more classic dial layout whereas the 359 has the "better" case and sandwich dial. I use the term "better" very subjectively because there is nothing wrong with the Luminor case, however the Luminor 1950 cases are considered more refined and in general command a premium.

As others have said, there is no wrong answer. For me, I'd go with the 359.

[nick c]

I would say, go for the 1950 case.

[fullcourt]

you can’t go wrong with either one. whichever sings to you is the ‘one’

[Laszlo]

Guys, thanks so much for the advice and feedback.

I’ve decided to go for the 104, it’s a good starter watch and really love the face.

It’s going to be a fun new journey for me.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Guys, thanks so much for the advice and feedback.

I’ve decided to go for the 104, it’s a good starter watch and really love the face.

It’s going to be a fun new journey for me.

Very nice, congrats! Bring her home and then it’s time for strap madness.... enjoy!

[subtona]

From memory, I believe the 359 is the black dial and bezel diver?

Great looking watch with lots of refinement and character.

Was intent on purchasing, went to boutique tried it on and took it off as quickly as possible, I did not like the way it felt or fit on my wrist at all.


So rather than ask here, I strongly recommend you try each on your wrist.

My recommendation is grab a 111 and don’t look back.


Ps just read you’ve decided on 104
Luminor are a solid choice

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Very nice, congrats! Bring her home and then it’s time for strap madness.... enjoy!

Thank you! Hoping to have it by Thursday. Woot.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by subtona

From memory, I believe the 359 is the black dial and bezel diver?

Great looking watch with lots of refinement and character.

Was intent on purchasing, went to boutique tried it on and took it off as quickly as possible, I did not like the way it felt or fit on my wrist at all.


So rather than ask here, I strongly recommend you try each on your wrist.

My recommendation is grab a 111 and don’t look back.


Ps just read you’ve decided on 104
Luminor are a solid choice

I tried on a 000 back in 2010 and really liked it. I’ve been on the hunt for a cool watch with some DNA, but as shallow as this may sound, something with a fun wrist presence that is not sport, business, or dressy. Something cool, a little bad a..! And the PAM fits the bill. Plus I’ve always wanted one so what a perfect excuse!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I tried on a 000 back in 2010 and really liked it. I’ve been on the hunt for a cool watch with some DNA, but as shallow as this may sound, something with a fun wrist presence that is not sport, business, or dressy. Something cool, a little bad a..! And the PAM fits the bill. Plus I’ve always wanted one so what a perfect excuse!

Luminor with dna Panerai are unique, original and wonderful watches.
If they didn’t go down the road of the plethora of SE models IMHO the brand would have maintained a higher overall appreciation

Congrats

Fun and functional.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by subtona

Luminor with dna Panerai are unique, original and wonderful watches.
If they didn’t go down the road of the plethora of SE models IMHO the brand would have maintained a higher overall appreciation

Congrats

Fun and functional.

Thanks, Gus.