Officine Panerai

Hello,

First time post here.  I suddenly got an urge or itch in Panerai which I admit I had been avoiding due to its size.  Today, I walked in a shop where there was a pre-owned but minty 048 + OEM bracelet.  I liked white dial (simply because I already have many black dial watches) and the 40mm size was not as gigantic as I had feared, and bracelet was a nice bonus as I could use braelet watch (assuming I can get after market strap at reasonable cost later).

Price aside, please tell me more about Panerai and this model, bracelet, etc.  What should I be mindful about pre-owned piece?  The case says it is "J" series.  The guy showed me how easily the bracelet can be changed back to strap and I am impressed.  I read somewhere that the bracelet has been recently re-designed.  Can I tell the difference?  Finally, if I send it to service (for check-up and a bit of polishing), how much and how long would it typically take?  I am in NYC.

Sorry for lack of doing homework.  I know I am acting on impulse.  Thank you in advance, good folks at the Panerai lounge!

Ken

and you will have to do you research here When you say 'tell me more about Panerai' - that will take time, why don't you stick around this forum, no rush in learning?

Cheers and congrats on your new watch!

 

Asi

 

 

With Panerai, you can't ask all, you have to discover, then, if you don't get something, ask.

The discober ( hence, the Homework ) is necessary.

1st question: As for a 40mm Panerai watch, won't I regret it?

The Panerai DNA is 44 mm minimum.

All those ( well, let's say most of them ) who jumped on a 40mm as a first Pannie came quite faster to the 44 mm.

So, the 40 may be considered as a " step " to avoid, to directly go to the essential: 44 mm.

My advice would be first to read here all the topics we posted about the History of Panerai, the different Cult Models, then to have a wider look on the current production, and to try all of them in the lfesh.

Then, you'll know which one is made for you.

Long, I agree but simple!



Best,

Nicolas

If that's the case, I would give up.  I am not interested enough.  Sorry.  Did I ask so many childish questions to touch some people's nerve?  If so, I apologize but I didn't mean to.  I had done some homework and then came here, but apparently it was not enough to start posting.  Sorry.
Anyway, Chris and Anthony kindly gave me what I came here for.  I appreciate them very much.
DNA is 44mm minimum?  I will learn whether it is true, IF I go deeper into Panerai world.  I have never liked or owned a watch larger than 40mm before.  So, this will be my test, IF I decide to purchase one.  I shall see.

Merci

Ken

I didn't want to hurt you in my answer.

Remember that English is not my native language, too.

I just wanted to share with you what is the most interesting with Panerai: The discover.

A bit of homework is necessary, and part of the pleasure.

The problem with Panerai is that this brand is a bit like a Labyrinth.

What does represent a Panerai watch?

A big, strong watch, so, in my mind 44 mm are a minimum.

With a minimalist design, too.

So, as a first Panerai, I would consider a Base ( Logo Pam 000, or 112 ), or a Luminor Marina ( Pam 005 or 111 ), or a Radiomir ( 232, 190, 249 ).

44, 45 or 47mm.

The problem with the 40 mm pannies is that you're pleased a couple of weeks with, and after, yuo look toward 44 mm watches, and you begin to think about selling it to go on a bigger one.

This is a trap I wanted to warn you about.

But ifb you're happy with the 48 or 49 and if it is really the watch you want, go for it, the most important is that you're happy with.

No nerves nor offense, but just the experience of some guys who are ( or were ) into Panerai for some 10 years...

So nothing beats the tests you can do, put the maximum of pannies on your wrist, compare them, take your time, and you'll know.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

Knew you would one day come and join us!

Afterall, who can really resist the Powers of Panerai!

LoL I still remembered when I brought you to the boutique here and you weren't even one bit interested!

But as Asimut said it, stick around this lounge, and you WILL I guaranteed be infected so much with the virus, you'D wish you didn't walk into that store in the 1st place!

But i'm happy to see you here, and don't mind the size, soon you'll be complaining that 40mm for a Panny is too small, and then evolve to 42mm, then 44mm, then 45mm, then 47mm, and FINALLY take the plunge like I will be later this year for 60mm...

 From your description of the watch that you are looking at, if I am not mistaken that is one of the automatic models, and you know I cant comment on that. As for pre-owned, can't comment either as I don't buy used. As for bracelet, ALSO can't comment as I don't do bracelets.

LoL, apologies for not being able to assist in any of your questions, BUT I just HAVE TO congratulate you once again !

Ciao

Stephen

Knew you would jump on my post!

Interesting that we are so different, although similar in taste.  You like 40mm or larger, I like less than 40mm.  We both like same brands, but never the same medel!
Not so fast...  I am not sure I will dig deeper in Penerai, just thought it may not be too bad have one of Panerai and 40mm model MAY be acceptable.  So, I tried to seek some help or guidance or not widely known stuff here.  I had done some homework before posting.  J seems to mean 2007 model, for example, and such.  Well, I just thought if I can get additional information here, that would be another PLUS to push my back.  We'll see.

Looking forward to seeing you in July or early August - that Tokyo LE should be ready by then.

Ciao

Ken

First, congratulations on your purchase!  I can almost guaranty that it will not be your only Panerai.

The 48 is actually a black faced 40mm on a strap.  I believe you might actually have a 49 which is a 40mm white face on a strap and then you also received the OEM bracelet for that watch.

The design of the bracelet has changed from the curved links that resemble the crown guard to more rectangular links.  Everyone has their own opinion on which one they like better.  For me, I prefer the curved, crown guard looking links (older style).

As for service, your best bet would be to bring it into the Panerai Boutique on Madison Avenue and have them send it out for you.  I have no idea how long service will take but they should be able to give you a ball park.  I would think at least 3 to 4 weeks.

Congratulations again and enjoy your watch.

Chris

Yup, my bad.  It is 049...  I knew I would get help from a kind Panerist like you!  I very much appreciate it.
And....  I have not yet purchased it yet :-)

So, is there signifcant difference among the "series"?  This model has been out there since 1999? and the one I am considering is J series (2007).

Thank you!

Ken

...on the purchase

I think the only major change on that model over the years would be the strap changing system. 

The older models used screws to hold the strap / bracelet in place and you would require a screw driver to remove the strap.  I believe with the J series they switched to the newer version of the strap changing system where there is a recessed button that you push in with the supplied tool to release the pin that holds the strap in place.  It is a slightly quicker method for changing the straps and shows the ever growing technical development of the brand.  For me, either system is fine as I have watches with both.

It is a great looking watch.  I started my obsession with Panerai with the Pam 50, which was the black dial, 40mm on the bracelet.  At the time, I had a similar feeling about the size of the watch, but I really loved the style and felt that I could make the 40mm work.  Well, my wrist size hasn't changed but I'm now wearing 44mm and 47mm watches without any concern.  As Stephen said, you might be moving up in size once you get used to it

Good Luck.

Chris

That's all right because you are actually getting me closer to that :-)

Thanks again for the information.  That's all I need for now....

Intersting remark.  I was just thinking - I will never want any bigger watch than 40mm, which is already on the borderline for now, because mywrist is not gonna grow any bigger than it is today.  And, I am not gonna re-make all my shirts for the bigger sleeve either :-)  Well, but as Stephen pointed out, I had little interest in Panerai several a year ago but I am starting to have slight interest.  So, I admit that my taste may change futher.  We'll see.

Thanks again for the information.   I will lurk arond this lounge going forward.  I may drop by the Panerai boutique in NYC.

Best,
Ken

Yes Panerai has redesigned the bracelet, and below is a comparison picture of the old bracelet (on left) with the new bracelet (on right):

If you send in your PAM w/ bracelet for servicing and polishing, I'm not sure how much Panerai charges these days but I would assume around $500 +/- $150.  Drop if off at the NY Panerai Boutique and they'll send it to the NY Service Center, so I guess it would take 6-8 weeks or even faster.

To learn about Panerai, I'd read all the archived blog posts which are located at the right side section of your screen.  Plenty of pictures in these posts as well

Cheers,
Anthony

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-05-23 10:25:47

Hi Anthony,

Good to see you here, too.  Of course you are here :-)
The one I saw at the shop was the left one - the old style?  I will see through the blog which is how and why.

Thank you!

Ken

I just now realized that there was a new bracelet... Why?  Personally I like the old one with its links designed to recall the shape of crown protecting device. It was a very recognizable bracelet… strange!

AT, thanks for your picture.

 

 

and I only fooled around with it for a very brief time at SIHH 2009, so I really can't give any opinion of it comfort-wise.  But I have worn the older style bracelet for quite some time when I had my PAM52.  So I can comment on the fact that the older style bracelet is comfortable on the wrist.  The deployants on the early bracelets were sub-par, but Panerai finally got it right after the 3rd deployant version which has the double button safety clasp.

In terms of look, I do like the links of the older bracelet for the same reason of resemblance to the trademark Panerai crown protector.  The older bracelet is more flashy than the newer one IMO, and the Panerai rep at SIHH told me Panerai purposely designed this new bracelet to be less flashy, of which it does look toned down.

Either way, I don't see myself wearing anymore watch bracelets since I prefer straps over bracelets, so if you want my honest opinion, I really don't prefer either of them

But in the end, I guess if you want a bracelet with a little more bling, the older one is better.  And if you want a subdued bracelet, then the new bracelet is your choice.

Cheers,
Anthony 

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HI Anthony

Would to have some ideas from you, which bracelet pam you think is the best? Old bracelet or new one since I am deciding to get a 328. Thanks

Hope you don't mind to share a bit of your thoughts.

Thanks & Merry Christmas