111 or 312 ?

[john1]

I've decided to jump into the world of Panerai for my next purchase.

I had my heart set on a 292 but when I saw it in the flesh at the AD it didn't 'sing' to me like my other watches did, so I passed.

I'm now split between the 111 and 312. I've seen both at the AD and like them a lot. Can anyone offer any advice please ? Pros/cons ?

Are there any other models in the similar price range I should check out before I leap ?

Any advice / opinions greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

[Trurolexer]

If I were you, I will go for 111.
But you can't go wrong with 312. Good luck and Happy Hunting.

[john1]

Can I ask why you would opt for the 111 please ?

Thanks

[stockae92]

312 and 111 are actually quite different watches

you need to ask yourself:

- can you live with / do you want to manual winding? you will pretty much wind the watch every other morning.
- can you live without date?
- i believe the 1950 case of the 312 sits higher than the Luminor case of 111, which case you like better?
- 111 has a simple movement that pretty much any decent watch maker can fix, but 312 has an in-house movement and probably only Panerai can do maintenance on it.

the other differences are
- price
- case and dial style
- strap changing system (111 use good old screws but 312 has the new push pin system)

the in-house movement is nice, but do you want to pay the ticket price for it?

i went with 111 because i like the balance of the dial better, and a Panerai reminds me of a Luminor case + manual wind movement. and nothing beats a simple strap changing system with screws (more moving parts, more things can break or go wrong)

[stockae92]

btw, you can also check consider 219, 26 or 28, they looks fantastic

or you can consider 24 or 25 submersible if you want automatic

[Seventh Son]

Not taking price into consideration, it's 312 hands down. The 312 comes with in hse movement, 1950 case, date and push pin strap change. And its automatic..

[B. Doggy]

Try 'em on and you be the judge! For me it's the quick change strap system, 1950's case, in-house movement, weight, and date that I love about the 312. It's a great piece....

[andrew79]

it depends on what you want.... I also posted similar question in this forum asking which one is better, 111, 104 or 312.... i bought 000 instead, and after 2 weeks having it, I flipped.... in the end I chose 111 because of its simplicity.... the sandwich dial and the second hand add more character to this watch...

[Psmith]

111 - it's just more *Panerai* imho (despite the 312's movement)

For some reason I've lost interest in the 312 recently

But either way you won't go wrong




Cheers

[sakuraba]

Can I still vote for the 292?

[jvo300]

Hard to beat the 312 considering all that you get! I think a very key consideration is how they wear though. The 312 will sit higher and feel more hefty. It's up to you to decide if that's a good thing or not.

I'd also throw the 005 into the mix. I love the logo and it has a second hand if you must see movement on the dial. If I could start all over with just one PAM and build up from there, Id start with a 005. Goodluck!

[john1]

Thanks all. Much appreciated !

[Psmith]

Come back with pics when you've decided...






Cheers

[john1]

Thanks for all of your help everyone.

I bought the 111 and am absolutely delighted with it. I compared both at the AD and it was the one for me.

I know that the 312 is probably the better watch technically, but it just didn't sing to me like the 111 did.

I can't post pics yet as I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't wear it until I lose 16lbs. It's a great motivation !

[karmatp]

I would pick the 111 also, actually I would pick the 177, but I am not a big fan of polished cases. Call me crazy, but the stories or the 312's fantastic in house movement suddenly stopping has be turned off to the model. I like movements that I can keep local, I don't want a in house movement that needs to be sent to the factory to be fixed, and lots of 312's have had issues.

[esm]

Originally Posted by john1

Thanks for all of your help everyone.

I bought the 111 and am absolutely delighted with it. I compared both at the AD and it was the one for me.

congrats

Originally Posted by john1

I can't post pics yet as I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't wear it until I lose 16lbs. It's a great motivation !

hope you get to wear it soon!

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by john1

Thanks for all of your help everyone.

I bought the 111 and am absolutely delighted with it. I compared both at the AD and it was the one for me.

I know that the 312 is probably the better watch technically, but it just didn't sing to me like the 111 did.

I can't post pics yet as I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't wear it until I lose 16lbs. It's a great motivation !

Congrats mate


Let's see some pics please




Cheers

[chrisok]

Congrats John!
I got my 111 today so i know how you feel!!

[Fearsome Puppy]

I added the 312 a few days back...

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by john1

Thanks for all of your help everyone.

I bought the 111 and am absolutely delighted with it. I compared both at the AD and it was the one for me.

I know that the 312 is probably the better watch technically, but it just didn't sing to me like the 111 did.

I can't post pics yet as I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't wear it until I lose 16lbs. It's a great motivation !

welcome to the PAM side..enjoy and wear it in THIN health...