Officine Panerai - First Luminor?

First Luminor?

Been a member for a while, but rarely ever post. More of a browser, soaking up all the incredible knowledge everyone provides here. Thinking I should start to do so much more now. So here I go..

It's time for my first Luminor. Love my 292, but I'm itching for that Luminor. I have always wanted one, but never could pull the trigger as I have kept going back and forth for the perfect starting piece. I have narrowed it down to four pieces.. well it was four until a few collector friends changed my thought process.

The 203, 127, 217 and 372.

I have decided against the 203 for one simple reason. I want to be able to enjoy looking towards that next Luminor. If I go for the 203.. what more can I really look forward too? (Besides a 6152/1)

I am looking for that ultra vintage look and feel of a Luminor, that is why I have narrowed it down to the 127, 217 and 372 to start. At first, the 127 was the one I fell in love with in terms of looks, but I have been told how wonderful the 372 will be and that it pays more tribute to the original 6152/1. As well, it seems as if most people here praise the 372 well over the 127. Since, I am looking for that vintage look and feel, I've been told from a vintage Panerai collector point of view, the 372 is closer to the original than the 127. As well, it was discussed that the 375, is a ceramic version of the 127, and coming out with a brown ceramic version of the 127 will possibly make it less "original" and more "trendy". Since there was no ceramic PAM in the 50's, what makes a stainless steel version of a ceramic watch more sought after and pay more of a tribute to the original? Not sure if I really want to wait for the 372, whenever that may be, 6 months.. a year?

Then comes the 217.. which I have not given much thought to, but was told to consider as it contains most everything I am looking for. I know it all comes down to what I want, and what I prefer. But, given that my Panerai knowledge is far less superior to everyone on here, any advice and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated to help steer me towards a clearer decision and eventually that first Luminor!

203:

127:

372:

217:

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A perfect choice

By: grigo : May 15th, 2011-08:49

Congratulations on this first acquisition of a Luminor. All the candidates were worth while. I really like the choice although I would settle for any of the ones you mentioned. Thanks for sharing anf I look forward to seeing more of your posts. Best regar...

George, I have not made my decision yet..

By: bulliondesk : May 15th, 2011-09:07

I just posted pictures of the 4 pieces I am inquiring about.

372, for its aesthetics, and for its price.

By: amanico : May 15th, 2011-09:08

Think a bit about it... For the price of a Brand New 372, you will just get the corwnguard of the 203/A, and the case + crownguard + domed sapphire of the 127 / 217. You expressed the reasons of your interest on the 372 very well, you just have to be pati...

Nicolas..

By: bulliondesk : May 15th, 2011-09:13

I expressed the reasoning of a Panerai collector friend who was trying to help sway me in one direction.. I am not partial to any, but prefer the looks of the 127.

So, in this case, no question. Go for it!

By: amanico : May 15th, 2011-09:15

I find the 127 less close to the original, and the 1950 writing just above 6 disturbs me a bit, even more since the 372 was revealed. But I am not you, and what counts is that you have your own preference. Best, Nicolas.

Exactly what I was conveying with regards to my difficult decision..

By: bulliondesk : May 15th, 2011-09:21

Right, like you said, it was told to me, the 127 as the lesser of the original..and that the 372 was much more closer to the original. However, I would like to at least see and try on the 372 if I am considering it as a contender, but, then I could go on ...

I second that..372, looks, closeness to 6152/1 and £££££ but...

By: ImranLondon : May 15th, 2011-12:46

if you like the look of 127...buy it Imran This message has been edited by imran in london on 2011-05-15 12:47:53

Looking like I am leaning towards that way.. [nt]

By: bulliondesk : May 15th, 2011-16:51

No message body

372 for it looks, and for it's price.

By: MichaelM : May 15th, 2011-17:24

In the same path as you are

By: BluNotte : May 15th, 2011-17:51

Hi there Bullion, 1st of all, a warm welcome here, and like you said, you should post more often and join in the fun! Just like you, i am in the midst of getting my 1st Luminor this year, i have been having way to many Radiomirs, and unless you want to co...

Thanks Stephen

By: bulliondesk : May 16th, 2011-08:10

After much consideration I think I will start with the 127 and then progressively move to the 203, 6152/1 etc. Now it's time to search for that perfect 127 and strap combo!

I would go for both 127 and 372 that is if

By: PoyFR : May 15th, 2011-17:58

you do not want to go straight to the point... 3646, 6152, PAM 21 I know you said to have decided against PAM 203, but you already have it in your mind... Otherwise both PAM 127 and 372 cannot be a disappointment.

all the afforementioned Pieces are Superb

By: Tony A.H : May 16th, 2011-04:19

firstly, i'm no Expert. but the 372 is a GREAT Start. it's actually the Watch that almost All Collectors WANT.!! then you can Start thinking about adding a Marina Militare (217) which is a Great companion with the Base. best of luck Tony

i also wanted to add

By: Tony A.H : May 16th, 2011-15:16

that the 372 and 217 is a Better Pair than the 372 and 127. why? cause the Later Pair Look pretty much alike .!!

I'd suggest patience....

By: playtime : May 16th, 2011-05:13

and wait for the 372 j

372 without a doubt [nt]

By: E.S : May 16th, 2011-06:38

No message body

get the 127 while you wait for 372!

By: swjoseph : May 16th, 2011-07:59

A lot of people here have had a history with 127 or 217, like myself so i can easily say something like, "372 no doubt" However, your situation is different. Reading or seeing a 127/217 from a forum or on someone's wrist is very different from owning one....

Thanks for your response

By: bulliondesk : May 16th, 2011-08:17

The 203 is what catches my eye the most. However, as my first Luminor, how much more can I look forward to over the years as I move up the Luminor ladder...a 6152/1 and that's pretty much it? With that said, I think the 127 will be the perfect fit in term...