My first decent watch finally bought!

[Sicob]

After a couple of years of mulling over getting myself a nice watch, flicking through the PH Watch classifieds for ideas of what I liked. Finally I've bought a watch that I really love!

My idea of a good watch has been until recently around Rolex, Breitling. But with a self imposed 2k budget realistically that left me looking at a second hand Breitling. As much as I appreciate them, it still really wasn't what I wanted. After some advice from a friend as to what is a good buy and low depreciation as a second hand buy, I settled on upping my budget to 3k for an IWC or Panerai.

The IWC Aqua Timer, and the base model Panerai's appealed as a good second hand option. After further review I thought that I'd have a look at the Aqua Timer with metal and rubber strap options, and discounted the manual wind base Panerai's. The PAM90 was in the picture. So, realistically the budget nudged between 2.5k -4k.

Today I went to watches.co.uk to have a look at the options, with my bias towards the PAM90. I had reviewed on the website some of the metal strap options in addition, as generally that's my preference.

The PAM90 was lovely, but I felt the leather strap wasn't quite enough for the large face. The Aqua Timer was also very nice, but not chunky enough for me. My third option I bought. The PAM328 Luminor 1950 Marina 3 Day Automatic. Nice simple classic dial, and the metal strap really suits the size of the face, and my wrist.

Ok, so basically the budget went to 5k. Moral of the story is forget budgets, don't kid yourself, and buy what you like from the outset. Very happy with my purchase!

[Sicob]

[Sicob]

[Lunablack]

Wow.... And I thought I was doing well when I bought my first decent watch... A Rotary


Always preferred the pams on a bracelet..



25 years on I still have that Rotary by the way, and it did indeed turn out to be a very decent watch

[Ikemi]

Congrats! That's a fine way to start, and what a start! Is the 328 the one with the in-house movement and display back?

[Sicob]

Ikemi said:

Congrats! That's a fine way to start, and what a start! Is the 328 the one with the in-house movement and display back?

Thanks. I think it's the way forwards. Lol.

Yes, It has the in-house P9000 movement and the Sapphire crystal display back. With the 3 day auto giving enough time to take it off without a reset. As nice from the back as the front really!

[EK993]

It's all downhill from here... you had best invest in a watchbox as you are going to want more!

[RichTT]

Good first choice. Picking the bracelet gives you the choice of going for leather straps afterwards at least. There are literally hundreds of strap makers for Panerai. From budget to, well, not so budget.

http://www.heroic18.com/

http://www.kainheritage.com/

http://www.wotancraft.com/shop/

Just three of my favourites.

[Podie]

EK993 said:

It's all downhill from here... you had best invest in a watchbox as you are going to want more!

I had a nice watch once.

Now I have ten.

[Ikemi]

Podie said:

EK993 said:

It's all downhill from here... you had best invest in a watchbox as you are going to want more!

I had a nice watch once.

Now I have ten.

[Sicob]

I don't imagine it will be too long before I want something else as well. The AquaTimer and the Big Pilot are both on the nice to have list lol.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Welllll if you're going to do it you might as well do it properly

[Riff Raff]

RichTT said:

Good first choice. Picking the bracelet gives you the choice of going for leather straps afterwards at least. There are literally hundreds of strap makers for Panerai. From budget to, well, not so budget.

http://www.heroic18.com/

http://www.kainheritage.com/

http://www.wotancraft.com/shop/

Just three of my favourites.

This. I have a 328 too, but never wear it on the bracelet. The option is always there though.......

Taken this morning.

[Sicob]

Riff Raff said:

RichTT said:

Good first choice. Picking the bracelet gives you the choice of going for leather straps afterwards at least. There are literally hundreds of strap makers for Panerai. From budget to, well, not so budget.

http://www.heroic18.com/

http://www.kainheritage.com/

http://www.wotancraft.com/shop/

Just three of my favourites.

This. I have a 328 too, but never wear it on the bracelet. The option is always there though.......

Taken this morning.

Great taste of course! At least you have the flexibility with the bracelet to change to whichever strap you choose.

[Riff Raff]

Sicob said:

Great taste of course! At least you have the flexibility with the bracelet to change to whichever strap you choose.

The quick change strap system makes it ever so easy.

When you do buy some straps (and you will) you'll need to get hold of some tubes too. The bracelet end links are drilled exact size for the pins, and most straps - particularly the Panerai OEM ones - need the tubes otherwise they float about a bit.

[Sicob]

Riff Raff said:

The quick change strap system makes it ever so easy.

When you do buy some straps (and you will) you'll need to get hold of some tubes too. The bracelet end links are drilled exact size for the pins, and most straps - particularly the Panerai OEM ones - need the tubes otherwise they float about a bit.

Where do I get these tubes? Panerai dealer?

[Riff Raff]

Sicob said:

Riff Raff said:

The quick change strap system makes it ever so easy.

When you do buy some straps (and you will) you'll need to get hold of some tubes too. The bracelet end links are drilled exact size for the pins, and most straps - particularly the Panerai OEM ones - need the tubes otherwise they float about a bit.

Where do I get these tubes? Panerai dealer?

That's an option. Sometimes when you buy a strap the tubes will be included, sometimes they won't. Normally though they aren't.

I'm a bit of a compulsive strap buyer, and I buy most of mine on TZ, second hand. I normally ask the seller if they will include the tubes - a couple of them have said OK - so I have a few sets. They just push in and out, so you only really need one pair.

[Sicob]

Riff Raff said:

Sicob said:

Riff Raff said:

The quick change strap system makes it ever so easy.

When you do buy some straps (and you will) you'll need to get hold of some tubes too. The bracelet end links are drilled exact size for the pins, and most straps - particularly the Panerai OEM ones - need the tubes otherwise they float about a bit.

Where do I get these tubes? Panerai dealer?

That's an option. Sometimes when you buy a strap the tubes will be included, sometimes they won't. Normally though they aren't.

I'm a bit of a compulsive strap buyer, and I buy most of mine on TZ, second hand. I normally ask the seller if they will include the tubes - a couple of them have said OK - so I have a few sets. They just push in and out, so you only really need one pair.

Ok, great. Thanks for the info!

[Lunablack]

Sicob said:

I don't imagine it will be too long before I want something else as well. The AquaTimer and the Big Pilot are both on the nice to have list lol.

Funny you should mention Aquatimer... I've just walked through the door, to find my refurbed Aquatimer has been returned from Ryte time

And guess what?? :censored;







Full 6 month warranty from Ryte Time

ETA

Best not tell everyone, or the post will get deleted.

Edited by Big Al. on Tuesday 3rd April 20:07

[Sicob]

Lunablack said:

Funny you should mention Aquatimer... I've just walked through the door, to find my refurbed Aquatimer has been returned from Ryte time

And guess what??

Full 6 month warranty from Ryte Time

...now that is lovely! How much? (Not that I'm interested of course!)