Officine 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.

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 adore the Panerai bases, like the Pam 000 or 112.

If you want a small second, the 111 or the Pam 005 are great laternatives, too.

With Panerai, don't forget the rule: " The Simpler, the better ".



Just my opinion.

Best,

Nicolas

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 which is the size many of us here would suggest as your first Panerai Luminor.

The PAM88 has the added function of GMT which will help differentiate it and make it an excellent alternative from your Submariner.

Cheers,
Anthony

PAM88 pic from Panerai website

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 the PAM 104 and the PAM 164. If anyone out there has any input on these let me know. Thanks again everyone, much appreciated

Have you considered the PAM312 instead?

Cheers,
Anthony

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?

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 edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-03-16 18:47:52

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

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!

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 over the world.  One you get your first Panerai the community here will give you all the secret connections to the sources.

My strap is referred to as "Crazy Horse" and you will hear names like ammo this and bullet that.  You will I guarantee have at least 4-5 straps before you can say boo.

Best

Bill