Officine Panerai

Been a member for a while, but rarely ever post. More of a browser, soaking up all the incredible knowledge everyone provides here. Thinking I should start to do so much more now. So here I go..

It's time for my first Luminor. Love my 292, but I'm itching for that Luminor. I have always wanted one, but never could pull the trigger as I have kept going back and forth for the perfect starting piece. I have narrowed it down to four pieces.. well it was four until a few collector friends changed my thought process.

The 203, 127, 217 and 372.

I have decided against the 203 for one simple reason. I want to be able to enjoy looking towards that next Luminor. If I go for the 203.. what more can I really look forward too? (Besides a 6152/1)

I am looking for that ultra vintage look and feel of a Luminor, that is why I have narrowed it down to the 127, 217 and 372 to start. At first, the 127 was the one I fell in love with in terms of looks, but I have been told how wonderful the 372 will be and that it pays more tribute to the original 6152/1. As well, it seems as if most people here praise the 372 well over the 127. Since, I am looking for that vintage look and feel, I've been told from a vintage Panerai collector point of view, the 372 is closer to the original than the 127. As well, it was discussed that the 375, is a ceramic version of the 127, and coming out with a brown ceramic version of the 127 will possibly make it less "original" and more "trendy". Since there was no ceramic PAM in the 50's, what makes a stainless steel version of a ceramic watch more sought after and pay more of a tribute to the original? Not sure if I really want to wait for the 372, whenever that may be, 6 months.. a year?

Then comes the 217.. which I have not given much thought to, but was told to consider as it contains most everything I am looking for. I know it all comes down to what I want, and what I prefer. But, given that my Panerai knowledge is far less superior to everyone on here, any advice and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated to help steer me towards a clearer decision and eventually that first Luminor!

203:



127:



372:



217:

Congratulations on this first acquisition of a Luminor. All the candidates were worth while.

I really like the choice although I would settle for any of the ones you mentioned.

Thanks for sharing anf I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

Best regards,

George

I just posted pictures of the 4 pieces I am inquiring about.
This message has been edited by bulliondesk on 2011-05-15 09:11:07

Think a bit about it...

For the price of a Brand New 372, you will just get the corwnguard of the 203/A, and the case + crownguard + domed sapphire of the 127 / 217.



You expressed the reasons of your interest on the 372 very well, you just have to be patient, now.

Best,

Nicolas.

I expressed the reasoning of a Panerai collector friend who was trying to help sway me in one direction.. I am not partial to any, but prefer the looks of the 127.

I find the 127 less close to the original, and the 1950 writing just above 6 disturbs me a bit, even more since the 372 was revealed.

But I am not you, and what counts is that you have your own preference.

Best,

Nicolas.

Right, like you said, it was told to me, the 127 as the lesser of the original..and that the 372 was much more closer to the original. However, I would like to at least see and try on the 372 if I am considering it as a contender, but, then I could go on about how long of a wait for the piece.. how much over retail if I cannot get on the list etc etc..

if you like the look of 127...buy it

Imran

This message has been edited by imran in london on 2011-05-15 12:47:53

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Hi there Bullion,

1st of all, a warm welcome here, and like you said, you should post more often and join in the fun!

Just like you, i am in the midst of getting my 1st Luminor this year, i have been having way to many Radiomirs, and unless you want to count the Egiziano as a "Luminor" due to the presence of the crown guard based on the modern lineup's definition, i do not have one.

The 4 choices that you have given here are all the classics, and since you also chose to include the upcoming 372, which is my upcoming Luminor, that 's a modern contender ( i know all 4 are part of then "modern" collection, but in comparison with the other 3)

The 203 is actually the best choice here if only 1. I can still find it, and 2. at a more "reasonable" price. I'v only seen it once in the wild, and it was a very good masterpiece. Would pull on this if possible.

The 127/ 217 pair, well i joined in the family a little too late, so those are over for me now.

Then of course comes in the 372, which is just right, and even though i missed out on the 127/ 217, i feel that now is the right time, and i am able to get one so without a doubt this is my choice!

Whatever decision that you make i'm sure you won't regret it and if it comes to that, why not just get all 4?! I would if i could!

Cheers and be seeing you more here!

Stephen

After much consideration I think I will start with the 127 and then progressively move to the 203, 6152/1 etc. Now it's time to search for that perfect 127 and strap combo!

you do not want to go straight to the point... 3646, 6152, PAM 21
I know you said to have decided against PAM 203, but you already have it in your mind...
Otherwise both PAM 127 and 372 cannot be a disappointment.

firstly, i'm no Expert. but the 372 is a GREAT Start. it's actually the Watch that almost All Collectors WANT.!!

 then you can Start thinking about adding a Marina Militare (217) which is a Great companion with the Base.

 best of luck

 Tony

that the 372 and 217 is a Better Pair than the 372 and 127. why? cause the Later Pair Look pretty much alike .!!

and wait for the 372

j

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A lot of people here have had a history with 127 or 217, like myself so i can easily say something like, "372 no doubt"
However, your situation is different. Reading or seeing a 127/217 from a forum or on someone's wrist is very different from owning one. So my approach would be, buy what catches your eyes if you can afford it, wear it and bond with it, if it doesn't sing to you anymore, let it go...

The 203 is what catches my eye the most. However, as my first Luminor, how much more can I look forward to over the years as I move up the Luminor ladder...a 6152/1 and that's pretty much it? With that said, I think the 127 will be the perfect fit in terms of the looks and vintage feel I am wanting to achieve for my first piece.