Officine Panerai

iim7v7im7
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Thinking of Joining the Fold: Advice Please

Hi,

I currently have 5 watches in my collection:

Sports Watches:

Blancpain Leman Ultra Slim Grande Date (40mm, black dial, SS bracelet, 100m WR, automatic with grand date complication)

 

IWC Aquatimer 2000 (44mm, white dial, SS bracelet, automatic, 2000m WR,  with a diver's bezel)

Dress Watches:

Chronoswiss Regulateur 24 (40mm, Silver dial, 24 hour format SS regulator, manual wind, 30m WR on a crocodile strap)

 

Glashuette Original Panomatic Lunar (39mm, silver dial, SS bracelet, 30m WR, automatic with a moon phase complication and large date)

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reserve (37mm, silver dial, 30m WR, with a power reserve and dial date complication on a crodile strap)

I am considering adding a sixth watch to my collection and Panerai came to mind due to its distinct aesthetics and case shape as possible candidates. I want another dark dialed (likely black) sports watch to add to my mix.  I want a sports watch so the Luminor line seems more appropriate than the Radiomir line. In images, I seem to prefer the dimensional detail of the sandwich dial construction over the printed dial construction.  I want enough water resistance to be able to swim with the watch (typically >100m in my experience).  lastly, I need a running seconds hand.

As a result, I am considering going in one of two different models within the Panerai line by adding  a simple dialed watch that distinguishes itself by its shape and aesthetics (like a PAM 111 or 312).   Let me explain how I view the pros and cons of each based on my limited knowledge and I would like to hear your more experienced questions.

PAM 111

Pros:

+ Thinner case thickness at 14.7 mm

+ Display case back 

+ No date making it easier to set between wears

Cons:

- Luminor case (prefer side view of 1950s case) 

- Reliable, yet unremarkable Unitas 6497/2 movement  (no hacking)

- Polished case and bezel not as attactive to me


PAM 312

Pros:

+ In-house 70 hour P9000 calibre  (hacks)

+ 1950s case

+ Display case back

+ I like the brushed/polished aesthetic

+ Easier strap changing

Cons:

- Extremely thick case at 17.95 mm

- Date function adds to set up time


So it really comes down to how these two feel on ones wrist and how they will wear (polish vs. brushed).  17.95 mm is far thicker than any of my watches (I believe that my IWC is 44 x 14 mm and I consider it a large watch) so that aspect of the 312 scares me a bit (+4 mm is alot).  I do like the brushed look, the arch of the 1950s case and the quick change strap features. 

The 111 however is attractive for its reduced thickness and ease of set up (no date to be concerned with when setting it up between wears). I do question whether paying >$5k for a 6497/2 (albeit modified with a swan neck, some decoration and a COSC certificate) based watch and how a pollished watch will wear.  On the other hand, I can wipe out scratches with a Cape Cod cloth on a polished case and a brushed case you cannot.

1) Does the crowned/domed crystal of the 312 more difficult to read than the flat crystal of the 111?

2) So what do you guys think about the pros and cons, particularly those of you who have owned either or both of these watches?

3) Lastly, I know that the 177 is also available in a brushed case.  I am concerned how Ti will wear based on other Ti watches that I have owned over the years.  What are your thoughts on this model?

Best,

Bob