PAM00512 or some other Panerai?

[soho]

Hi All,

I recently started a thread (in this and the Rolex forum) asking for opinions on whether I should buy a PAM00512 or another Rolex (the 16613 Bluesy). Got great responses, and after reviewing the comments and trying on the Bluesy and realizing it is not for me, I ruled it out, and decided that I want to go with a Panerai.

I really like the PAM00512 (have tried in on twice), but before I pull the trigger I would like your views on whether there are other Panerais I should be considering (I am a relative newbie to the Panerai world). To help out, here is what I like about the 512:

1. The case size. I have relativey small wrists, and like the idea of 42mm, and that it fits nicely under a cuff.

2. Manual Wind. This will not be a watch I wear every day, and so I see no advantage in having it be an automatic.

3. The clear case back. I don't have one, and think that its a neat thing to have on a manual watch.

4. The overal look, and that fact that I think it will look great with both black and brown leather straps. This probably means that I like what some call the faux patina.

5. The sandwich dial.

6. The small seconds. Classic Panerai, and I am one of those who likes to see something moving on his watch.

I like the 1940 case and crown, though I like the classic Radiomir case and crown as well. For this watch I like the Luminors less, as I feel that the crown guard makes it less dressy.

So, are there any other Panerai's I should look at, or is the 512 really the one?

Thanks in advance.

[Vbmrk]

If you're convinced on getting a 42mm, you can check out the 392 as well. But the 512's a looker. I doubt you'd have any regrets.

[Preeble]

What size wrists do you have? I have small wrists (a little less than 7 inches) and am completely fine wearing their 44 and 47 size watches. As a reference, my wife wears a 42mm PAM (523) with tiny wrists and it looks great on her.

Opening up to 44mm (or 45mm for a Rads) gives you many more options, between colors, dial features and materials. I agree that Rads typically fit under shirt cuffs better. If you are willing to consider a 45mm rad, I would suggest looking at the 190 - you will have to buy ore-owned, but it is considered one of the darlings of the collection because of the JLC movement on the inside. It is similar to the features of the 512, but it also has a power reserve indicator on the back.

GLWS

[Cru Jones]

For me, the only hesitation with the 512 is the faux patina. If you don't mind it (or like it), there's much to like with the 512.

As for size, the 512 is a beefier 42 compared to the wire lug Radiomirs like the 337/338, thanks to the 1940 Radiomir's lugs, so, if it sits well on you, I wouldn't be too thrown off my those saying that 44 or 47 is the way to go. That being said, a 45mm Rad with wire lugs should also fit well --- see the 190 or 210.

The 392 is an okay option at 42, but, it's still pretty thick.

[soho]

Thanks all! The feedback is very helpful.

[Gerry62]

evaluates a titanium

PAM 177

[soho]

Thanks again to all for the helpful comments. Still love the 512 and may get one some day, but went in a different direction. Please visit the Omega Forum if you are interested to see what I wound up with.