Officine Panerai

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

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 as they both have original Panerai DNA.
I can't suggest you which one as it is a matter of taste. I personally like both of them, but if it was me given the 2 option, I pick the 249 over the 127. As it has a very unique dial and the blue hands. Also the 249 has a lower price point compared to the 127.

I recently got myself a 249, and I love every moment wearing this beautiufl watch. It is big but somehow discreet as there's no branding on the dial. Also under the sun the blue hands glow beautifully along with the california dial. I love it..





And about buying high-end watches not from AD, try to get someone with good reference. For me, I would always have the watch authenticated by Richemont, in this case to make sure everything is authentic.

I hope this is could help you decide.

Looking forward to hear more from you, maybe with a new watch

Best regards,

SamRotandi

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 unique yet simple watch dials I have seen! When you bought your watch did you get it from an AD? Since it is a discontinued version I thought it was not possible to get it from an AD anymore.

I am currently on a business trip, but when I get home I will post pictures of my 233. I still feel it too new to take around everywhere with the chance of getting banged up. I baby it i know :P

Your 249 looks stunning by the way. I love the strap! And great Idea getting the watch authenticated by Richemont. I hope the seller will be willing to get it authenticated before I make the purchase.

I think in the future I would love to have both watches, but the 249 is much more affordable to me now.

Best,
Rahul

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?

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 than the fact that its more affordable at the moment ).

I definitely would love to get both sometime in the near future though!

Appreciate your insight

Rahul

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!

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

The PAM127 is a true classic for me. 

- AT

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-08-13 07:14:32

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.

Now the question of 'limited edition' comes into play. If there are more 249's on the market NOW, then the logical choice would be for me to get the 127. Any input regarding which watch is easier to find on the market? Or all based on luck?

Wish i could spend 30k on 2 new watches, but dont we all haha

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?

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 contemplating one but if I had the $$, I get the Fiddy!

For now, I post another Cali photos from a fellow Risti...

GO FOR IT !!!

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 picture of his PAM 292 black seal somewhere, absoute beauty. Seriously, can't seem to have enough PAM's, haha.

Rahul