Officine Panerai

Folks,

After a number of years, I decided to sell my small panerai collection and focus on other things... but the time may have come to reconstitute my collection.  I wanted to get opinions from esteemed paneristi with a few caveats:

1. No tritium... I know... sacrilege!  but I'm not chasing after pre-vendomes because I can't deal with the servicing issues and potential flaking of tritium dials... but yes I love the patina.

2. No plexiglass... I know again with the history... but only sapphire crystal because I just hate scratches.

3. No repeats... I typically don't rebuy watches I've sold... so no 104, 172 (I might be convinced), 190, 292J, 780 (set of 2), 127 (fiddy), 332, 390, 240, 233, 305,... I think I've owned a few others but I can't remember...

4. Nothing over a gazillion... so while I'd love a 203... I'd probably buy another PP perpetual instead...

So, where to begin...

I'm thinking:

1. 360 bbq

2. 317k

3. 26k

4. 345 (i personally love the left hand titanio w/ 8 day)

5. 339 composite

Other quintessential PAMs that you'd consider to restart a collection...

Thanks!

OpC

And honestly, you may well consider it.

You sold or are selling Panerais which are strong ones ( for example the 190 / 172 / 127 ) to replace them with those on your list.

Honestly, you want to spend 20 K euros on a 5 or 6 K Euros watch ( the Pam 360 )?

And those on your list, once again, will not replace, in my opinion, those you sold or are selling.

So, why not selling and going for another brand?

Best,

Nicolas

Hi Nicolas,

I hear you... I've owned a few of the iconic PAMs but the decision to reconstitute my collection is a personal one.  I sold my pams for a very specific reason that has been addressed.  Having said that, I've been fortunate to own quite a few brands (pp, ap, vc, fpj, rm, als, jlc, go, un, breguet, rolex, pam, hublot, grand seikos, various independents, etc.) and to one of my earlier posts have hit a bit of a personal apex on the amount I want to spend on a single watch.   So, PAMs to me largely (360 excluded which is crazily priced at the moment) are relatively reasonably priced watches, of solid quality, possess strong brand equity/following that are interesting (albeit ubiquitous).  Essentially, I can have fun with them without breaking the proverbial bank.   Absolutely open to other ideas but realistically... my other targets are more costly (various zeitwerks, rm35, 5235g, etc) and not necessarily more interesting or 'new ground'.

Still, your point is valid (on the been there, done that) so please let me know if you feel there is a part of horology that I should consider exploring.  I yield to your considerable experience and knowledge.

Thanks!

OpC

opinion and then I read the no this, no that, Nicolas' reply and I agree with....him...

Ciao - Sergio

slightly different angle.    Firstly, on to your list:

1. 360 bbq, OUT due to simple fact that the premium attached in current market is just too high.

2. 317k, I like this and think there're merits to the in-house monopusher chrono w/ 8 day PR on ceramic case, not to forget the PVD'ed movement that's just KOOL!

3. 26k, not that interesting if you have #2 above...

4. 345 (i personally love the left hand titanio w/ 8 day),  How'bout 368?

5. 339 composite, can't argue w/ that being the first and still the ONLY composite on the market.

Beyond these, might I suggest PAM309/322/398/399?   With your fine appreciation of nicely finished movement, I'm wiling to bet this will be a keeper in your collection.  

If the lineage to history is not of utmost importance, then how'bout a little more interesting movement such as 80?

For a beater the 372 is always available? 

hadn't thought about it.  Dead second movement is special.

best,

OpC