Officine Panerai

Panerai PAM 127 or PAM 249?

Hi All,

In early June I bought my first Panerai, the PAM 233. I love the watch, its my favorite in my collection by far. Now when I bought it I thought to myself... "this will probably be my last PAM for a while". Not because of financial constraints (okay some of that too), but also because I have my eyes set on other watches for slowly growing collection such as AP (and these watches are not cheap either!).

All this was until i started seeing pictures and reading reviews about the PAM 127 "Fiddy", and the PAM 249 "California". Wow, these are some BEAUTIFUL watches with a gorgeous big 47mm diameter. I love them. To be honest, they kind of have me focused on collectible watches, and I even have my eye on the AP ROO triple date and the JLC Memovox tribute to Polaris.

On to my question. I have the option to buy either the PAM 127 or 249 at a store where I am with papers and box. What would you go for? Which is more of a collectible item? I dont plan on selling any of my watches, but knowing that it is a highly sought after watch makes it quite special. Also I know it is important to be cautious when buying high end watches not from an AD, or anything pre-owned, what is the best way to 'Authenticate' and verify that the watch is as advertised?

Thanks for your input and advice

Rahul

💰1416 Marketplace Listings for Panerai›

First of all...

By: i_am_Sam : August 13th, 2010-01:53

I would like to welcome you to this forum. And congratulation on the purchase of the 233. It is one of my favorite modern Panerai. And as for the 2 watch, the "Fiddy" and the "California", they both are amazing watches. Each has very unique characteristic...

Thanks!

By: RahulR : August 13th, 2010-02:21

Hi Sam, Thanks for the warm welcome Wow that is an absolutely stunning watch. Yes I agree, both have a high price point, and the 249 is lower. I love the dial. I never thought I would ever go for a radiomir but here I am in love with one of the most uniqu...

how about 217?

By: Hororgasm : August 13th, 2010-04:07

the 249 and 127 are so different. i personally prefer the 127. the 249 has too many "homages" IMHO, but it is a really beautiful watch. may also consider the 217 destro?

interesting

By: RahulR : August 13th, 2010-04:14

The 217 destro is interesting, however it just feels awkward to me. I dont know how to describe it, it doesnt feel right. I think I may go with the 249 for now. Although I prefer the traditional luminor body myself, theres something about the 249 (other t...

I would say

By: Nicko16 : August 13th, 2010-04:11

The 127 as I love the Fiddy and its dial with the seconds hand. I like a watch with a moving seconds hand to know its moving and alive!

127......

By: sirjo : August 13th, 2010-06:08

every day of the week and twice on Sunday, for me. I have, use and love..both...but the Fiddy is something else. The idea of one first and then the other, though, it's a very argute one... Ciao - Sergio

PAM127 for me

By: AnthonyTsai : August 13th, 2010-07:12

The PAM127 is a true classic for me. - AT...

hmmmm

By: RahulR : August 13th, 2010-07:32

Wow, I am really struggling to make a decision! Both are beautiful, but i think 249 is in my price range for now, perhaps mid next year I will go for the 127 (god willing i can find someone that is selling). I also already have a 233 which is "SIMILAR" to...

The 127 do share certain characteristic w/ your

By: Jester : August 13th, 2010-09:51

233 so on that respect you're right that the 249 would fit your current state better. You can then decide whether the technical aspect of the 233 or the historical homage aspect of the 249 sings to you more?

As much as I love the Cali...I go 127

By: ocwatching : August 13th, 2010-07:35

Welcome! Rahul to this place of watch lovers and enablers! Anyhow, if finances were not of concern, I would certainly go for the 127. Its a big part of modern Panerai history and a great link to the past. The Cali is a beauty mind you and I am contemplati...

PANERAI PAM127

By: Horology75 : August 14th, 2010-01:14

GO FOR IT !!!

Haha

By: RahulR : August 14th, 2010-01:39

So much peer pressure! Jk jk, I think i may wait for the 127 till march / april next year. Its quite a bit more expensive than the 249, and I already have a luminor case in the 233. They are such beautiful watches though eh? By the way, Sam posted a pictu...