Pam 164 perception

[Enoch]

First post in the Panerai forum so be gentle

I recently traded my IWC Aquatimer for a 164.... And I have to say I'm delighted with it....

I went in with absolutely no knowledge of the brand, other than I knew about the "funny sticky out bit on the side" and I knew that panerai had a very loyal following...

My first indications, are that it is a heavy piece, and feels exceptionally well built.
Time keeping and legibility are excellent....

Overall I'm very happy with my trade, and im going to enjoy wearing this very distinctive watch.
But I do have a niggling feeling, that the 164 is a bit of a nonentity, within the paneristi, and is looked down upon, as "just an entry model"....

Not that it matters, as I only buy what I like, but am I correct in this thinking..

From this


To this

[Cru Jones]

Great trade!! Welcome to the madness.

The 164 is a great reference. Be happy and enjoy. Date + brushed SS case/polished bezel + quick change system + Arabic dial that, IMHO, gives the dial great presence and balance (the inverted cyclops even helps with that) + ever so slightly domed crystal + shiny hands on black dial with modern green lume. Very nice!

To each their own. Quite a few (especially the "paneristi") prefer the historic dial + manual wind + no date in the "accessible" models. In that sense, the 164 is a rare bird.

Anyway, these are luxury watches. I don't buy into the idea of an "entry level" model when we're talking thousands and thousands. Buy what you like. FWIW, the 164 is far from the least expensive model....

Oh, I guess I should say, the 164 is my only PAM. And I love it. 15 months and there isn't a day I don't appreciate it.

[SaddleSC]

Paneristi do not "look down" on a model because it is considered entry level. In fact, one of the favorites in the PAM community is the Base 000, which (to my knowledge) is the cheapest watch Panerai makes.

Among enthusiasts, the historic (manual wind) models seem to get the most attention, but like Cru said, the 164 is a fantastic watch. Enjoy it in good health!

[kilyung]

That is a heck of a weight difference. While I like the 164, that 3548-05 is an increasingly rare piece and definitely sought by IWC fans.

[MortgageGuy]

Very nice addition and welcome to all that is Panerai... Wait until you start buying straps Thats when the madness really begins

[Enoch]

Originally Posted by kilyung

That is a heck of a weight difference. While I like the 164, that 3548-05 is an increasingly rare piece and definitely sought by IWC fans.

You're right about the weight difference.... But to be honest, I do prefer the chunky feel of the Panerai....

I scratched the titanium itch, with the IWC, and although it's a fine watch, I don't think titanium is my thing...

As for being sought after....I thought so to, until it came to selling:
Despite a recent service, and being the cheapest one out there by some margin, and having the bracelet, I couldn't shift it in a straight sale... Hence the trade.... Which I obviously had to add a few £££ to

Anyway... Non of that matters, as I really like my first foray into Panerai ownership.... I just need to learn a bit more about them.... But in the meantime you can be sure that the 164 is going to get plenty of wrist time

Even the wife (whom has no interest) like the panerai

[toulouse]

Great selection Enoch. Welcome and get ready for a wild ride. Your life will never be the same.

[Psmith]

I really like the 164, and it has the quick-change strap system so all the better to indulge the 'strap madness' that will surely follow...

[Monte Cristo]

IMO the right choice. Congrats and enjoy.

[Ranfni]

No Pam's are looked down on period...

[thsiao]

Congrats on your new watch. The 164 is a bit of an underdog... I also bought mine when I knew nothing about PAMs about 5 years ago. I later came to realize it was one of the less popular ones because of the arabic hour indices... So it does make it pretty rare and more unique I guess. I still have mine and wear it now as my beater PAM.

[GW44]

Great trade and the 164 is lovely

[ocwatching]

congrats...
PAMs are loved no matter...

[chris nyc]

I don't see it as "entry level" at all. How can it be really, with it's price tag?

That said, i'm not a fan of the cyclops, especially on a PAM.... But that's just my personal preference.

[LNX]

I hadn't seen a PAM with the numerals like that before. Interesting. Congrats on your trade

[FNFZ4]

There is method in the Madness...or our Madness is our Method