OT: Broke the Rolex spell....

[molex]

I bought a Panerai. Yep, I am no longer a Rolex only watch nut. Sorry guys, but I gotta say... this is a nice watch, and very comfy.... PAM 111G series, the last series before they switched to the "sandwich" dial:

[JJ Irani]

Congrats, Micah....Daren, Johnny and Bruce will be over the moon!!
Wear it in good health, pal....and may it bring you nothing but happiness and good health in the New Year!!!

[dman]

Congrats Micah, I know this was a jump for you, but I also know that you appreciate watches and you will love that baby.

[padi56]

Congrats Micah always a fan of Panerai,great picture wear it in good health.

[Uncle-AJ]

Congratulations Micha.......................wear it.

[ralphieralph]

congrats..It's a amazing watch. goodluck!

[mailman]

That's a beauty Micah. Wear it in good health. Graet pics too.

[Rockrolex]

Beautiful watch and great pics, Micah. You gotta like those biggies, though. I have a little trouble with my Breitling at 43mm. The PAMs are just a bit too big for me. But enjoy yours and wear it well.

And because we are an ecumenical group here, we won't discriminate against you for going beyond the Rolex boundaries.

[Baptistman]

As usual Micah, wear it in good health, enjoy

[Earl]

nice watch Micah, How large is it? 44 or 47mm

Earl

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Earl

nice watch Micah, How large is it? 44 or 47mm

Earl

I think those models come in 40 mm and 44 mm only and that one looks like a 44 mm....but not 100% sure.

[molex]

44mm, so it's pretty big. Here's the dirty little secret: This watch is definitely more comfortable than any of my 42mm Rolexes! I know, I know, it seems impossible that a watch this big with the huge crown guard could be more comfy, but it's true, here's why:

#1. The strap (salt water proof calf) is really tons more comfortable than the bracelets. I've never been a fan of straps because they're nearly all wayyyyyy too wimpy for how I use watches, but these Panny straps are THICK and very confidence inspiring, as well as surprisingly supple and comfortable, they're honestly more like "leather bracelets" than what I normally think of when I think "strap" (a wimpy, cheap-o padded thing that looks like crap after a few days).

#2. The rounded crown guard is actually MORE comfortable than the Rolex crown. The crown on my Rolexes digs into the back of my hand (I wear my watches semi-loose) and hurts sometimes. The panny crown guard, though, because of it's shape doesn't "dig in", I can feel it but it doesn't hurt.

#3. The shape of the watch really fits my wrist nicely, it sits perfectly in my "sweet spot" and doesn't rotate away from me like the Rolexes do.

Now don't go thinking I'm done with Rolex, not so. I just think I've found something else to love, too!

[JJ Irani]

You're right about the size and comfort ratio, Micah.

The OMEGA PO I had was a massive 45.5 mm and still sat very comfortably on the wrist. Pity about the orange bezel and markers which didn't appeal to some!!

[molex]

I know that Panerai does offer some models in 40mm, but I don't think the 111 is one of them, but like you I'm not sure at all...

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You're right about the size and comfort ratio, Micah.

The OMEGA PO I had was a massive 45.5 mm and still sat very comfortably on the wrist. Pity about the orange bezel and markers which didn't appeal to some!!

I think that would be more accurately stated as "the orange bezel and markers which didn't appeal to MOST!!"

[baseballduck]

Wow! Thats a beauty Micah. Wear it in good health and enjoy. One question though. What's the "sandwich" dial?

Tyler

[molex]

Sandwich dial is the new Panerai dial, it's got the matte black dial and then markers and hours are cutout, with a luminous dial added underneath that gives a 3D "sandwich" look. This pic really shows it nicely. It's good looking, for sure, but I found that the bold, simple look of the painted dials appealed to me more when I tried them on side-by-side at an AD.

Pic stolen from Beef over at the TZ PAM forum...

[baseballduck]

Oh, OK. Thanks for that Micah. I'm loving that Pam BTW.

Tyler

[molex]

I think the 111 is an "accessible" Panerai for the Rolex enthusiast, if you will. It has many of the same characteristics of most Rolexes; Simple, robust, legible, historical, rugged, accurate, versatile... so it's not too big a jump for a die-hard Rolex guy like me to get into a 111. And, if you're a fan of the Explorer (obviously I am) it's an even easier move.

Another parallel is that, just like Rolex, this model Panerai holds value pretty well so if you buy one from an SC and don't like it, you can get the vast majority of your money back pretty easily, provided you don't over-pay in the first place. Heck, even on NIB you'll "only" lose $700 or so on a turn-around sale. Much better than the 30%-50% you lose on many brands when purchased NIB...

[TARDIS]

Good luck with it Micah.
I see H wears one in CSI Miami. 'Nuff said.

The Pan does nothing for me. I'd rather have an Explorer I with a leather strap.

[Southern Jessie]

The PAM111 and other Historic models are very comfortable as they sit flat on your wrist, compared with some models in the Contemporary range, e.g. the Arktos.

I went through my Panerai stage from Nov 2003 to Jan 2005 - I sold my only remaining Rolex and bought a PAM2 D series. I was immersed into the Panerai culture and have been to various Panerai conventions and meetings like P3 and P4 Day, Viaregggio, Heidelberg Spring Break, London meetings, etc.

I was very fortunate to buy a Pre-Vendome, the 5218-201/A Logo with non-matching hands - probably the most attractive watch I've ever owned.

However, I really do not believe that the build quality or reliability or accuracy of Panerai is as good as Rolex. This is not to put you off - just my observations through owning Panerai and Rolex. The one thing in Panerai's favour is the unique appearance - it really is a nice-looking watch!

The other thing you will discover if you frequent the Paneristi forum is that they are truly a great bunch of guys - I've met some true friends through the events and I hope you will too.

Enjoy the 111, it is an excellent choice for a first Panerai and a good companion to a Rolex.

Shane

A pic of my Pre-Vendome 5218-201/A from 1993 - about 670 were sold to the public after Stallone bought the first 100 and wore one in the film 'Daylight'.



and next to the PAM02 D series, my first Panerai.

Congrats Micah. If you're going to buy one Panerai, the 111 is the sweetest one of all to have.

[dman]

YUMMY Shane!! Thanks for sharing. I too have owned multiple Pannies and I love the look and brand. But for me I just wanted a bit of everything, not all of one. Even still I wear my 88 more than any other watch I own.

[molex]

Nice, I love that pre-V, the dial looks great with the faded tritium.

For me, the jury is still out on build quality vs. Rolex, only time will tell for me. Mine has a little bit of paint chipped off the sub-seconds hand, so small you can't see it except in the pics I've taken because the pics are at least twice as big as the actual watch. In fact, I never would have seen the missing paint except for the enlarged pics!

But Rolex certainly isn't above this kind of manufacturing and QC failure either, so I don't hold that against Panerai at all. My only real interest is long-term viability: I know my Rolexes will easily last my life time and my children's, with regular service. That question hasn't been answered about Panerai yet.

[kingblackbolt]

Congrats you chose a beauty for your foray outside the Rolex universe...