First Panerai

I currently have a Rolex Submariner that I love and I feel like is classic. I will keep it forever. I am in the market to buy my first Panerai. I would like to buy something as classic and sporty as the Submariner. The one watch that really catches my eye is the PAM 088 GMT. Does anyone out there feel like this is a good 1st Panerai? I saw some of the more basic ones and they just seemed a little too sparse and simple. I would like to stay in the 7,000 range or lower. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Like I said this is my first so I want to make the best decision possible because this is a huge investment for me.

Available on the marketplace

Officine Panerai Luminor Power Reserve PAM00090, Black Dial, Limited 3000 Steel

7,395 USD

Pre-owned - Excellent · US

View all Panerai on the marketplace →

Panerai Luminor PAM00000 44mm Full Set 2008

7,027 USD

Usato - Eccellente · IT

OFFICINE PANERAI LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE PISA PAM00024 44mm SS Black #C2006

6,963 USD

Pre-owned - Good · JP

Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible Pisa PAM00024 44mm Automatic Watch #C2006

6,949 USD

Pre-owned - Good · JP

As for a first Panerai, nothing can beat the simpler.

By: amanico : March 15th, 2010-00:40

I know you have an " à priori " on the basic ones, but try them on your wirst, and you'll see. Therefore they are the msot affordable, too. And they are strongly linked to the Past of the Brand. You love the Rolex Sub for its classic look, you will a...

The PAM88 GMT is a great Panerai

By: AnthonyTsai : March 15th, 2010-12:17

and is one of the more popular models IMO. Super clean and highly legible dial for a GMT, IMO, even though it has a lot of copy of the dial. I've always considered this GMT model one of the most beautiful dials Panerai has ever produced. The size is 44mm ...

PAM 104, PAM 164??

By: jcleme1537 : March 16th, 2010-15:34

Guys Thanks so much for the input, I am taking it all in and figuring out a decision. It is really not easy. I was actually looking at something in between the busy dial of the GMT and the sparseness of the basic ones. The one I am now also considering is...

Both PAM104 and PAM164 are 44mm Luminor automatics

By: AnthonyTsai : March 16th, 2010-16:19

Have you considered the PAM312 instead? Cheers, Anthony...

Thanks

By: jcleme1537 : March 16th, 2010-16:44

Wow thanks this is also a gorgeous piece. I think though that I would like something 44mm in size and automatic. I assume those are self winding right and this one is not? Also what is the price on this one?

The PAM312 has the same criteria as the other PAMs u're looking at

By: AnthonyTsai : March 16th, 2010-18:46

It's 44mm and automatic. What this one has that the others don't is the in-house P.900x movement. I believe full retail pricing on the PAM312 is somewhere around $7.5k - 8k. Best to call your local AD to find pricing. Cheers, Anthony This message has been...

Your first one won't be your last one...

By: THWatch : March 16th, 2010-20:16

My first one was a 161 GMT which I bought back in late 2008. I have bought 3 more Panerais since.

I would add the PAM Zero to the mix

By: Bill : March 16th, 2010-22:18

You may have a little wait but the PAM 000 is a great watch to start your Panerai love affair. As all the addicts in this forum will attest buying a Panerai is buying into the lifestyle and it never stops with the first purchase....

gorgeous

By: jcleme1537 : March 17th, 2010-23:23

Hey is the leather band on that watch the original band? Or did you replace it with another one? That watch really does look very classic!

Panerai Straps are the second best thing

By: Bill : March 18th, 2010-00:05

That is the beauty of these watches and why people refer to their straps as shoes. You can have a completely different look for the watch by changing the straps. You have a whole range of OEM straps then you have a cult following of strap makers from all ...