PAM312 or Hublot Big Bang or Deep Sea

[WHUFC]

Hello
First post on the Watches forum but have posted on the Lotus & Porsche in the past. I want to buy a new watch as I have got all sentimental and decied to put my 20 year old GMT Master in hibernation ready for my son when he is 21.

So, I have to replace it and was thinking of either the Panerai or Hublot or Deep Sea. I really like them all but have a thing about the lack of history with the Hublot, any thoughts...

[toohuge]

Personally I would go for the Hublot Big Bang. I have been constantly impressed with the build quality, finish and rarity of the piece.

Chris

[Not Ideal]

I used to have a Hublot Big Bang Black Magic 44mm and would highly recommend it.

They are not cheap though now mind you - list prices have doubled in the 30months since I bought mine.

Edited by Not Ideal on Tuesday 3rd August 08:52

[worsy]

+1 Hublot

[Adrian W]

Deep sea if it's not too heavy

[WHUFC]

Thanks for the replies. I am definitely leaning towards the Hublot and am going to have a look at one tomorrow. I tried the Deep Sea on in the local dealer and although I loved it, it is very heavy.

But the Panerai keeps coming back as again they are less common than Rolex or IWC watches, why is it never easy...

[Riff Raff]

WHUFC said:

Thanks for the replies. I am definitely leaning towards the Hublot and am going to have a look at one tomorrow. I tried the Deep Sea on in the local dealer and although I loved it, it is very heavy.

But the Panerai keeps coming back as again they are less common than Rolex or IWC watches, why is it never easy...

I had a PAM 312 for a day. It broke, so it went back to the dealers. I'm now wearing a PAM 240 (Titanium) which I prefer to the 312 after having owned it for a couple of weeks. The case shape is slightly different so for me it wears better, and I prefer the painted dial to the sandwich one. I did look at the Hublots, but to me they are more than a little bit 'blingtastic' - never mind the price............ The DSSD has its followers, but to me (as a long term Sub owner) it looks a bit unbalanced. The bracelet in particular looks weedy compared with the head. Panerai's however wear really well (and look good on) a big chunky strap. All IMHO of course.

[wainy]

I have a 312

[huytonman]

Dont ignore servicing costs..boring I know but you seem to be a guy that likes to keep his watches and over 20 years that could be 3-4 returns for servicing. Rolex is a known area in this regard, not "cheap" but relatively good value regardless. Hublot I guess would be more expensive and Panerai too. The reason I mention this is that I sold a sub to a guy the other week who was wearing a really nice AP, he mentioned that the service price was £2k..(£2000) thats a lot of money to shell out! I thought my 997 was expensive to service! If the costs dont bother you then I would also be inclined towards the Hublot because of its rarity and styling. I tried a DeepSea earlier this year and just didnt take to it and Ive got a Pan Sub so dont want another!
Good luck

[WHUFC]

Thanks for the replies, went to The Wonder Room and tried the Hublot and a Panerai on. Have to say although it is a lovely wwatch it is a bit 'bling' for me, whereas the Panerai is gorgeous.

I have my name down with them now for the 312 but i have one small concern though. It will be worn every day and I am fairly active i.e. sailing, windsurfing mountain biking and usually don't bother taking my watch, would the DSSD bear up better than the 312?

Last question before I go for it!

[x5x3]

WHUFC said:

Thanks for the replies, went to The Wonder Room and tried the Hublot and a Panerai on. Have to say although it is a lovely wwatch it is a bit 'bling' for me, whereas the Panerai is gorgeous.

I have my name down with them now for the 312 but i have one small concern though. It will be worn every day and I am fairly active i.e. sailing, windsurfing mountain biking and usually don't bother taking my watch, would the DSSD bear up better than the 312?

Last question before I go for it!

I wear my DSSD for most activities (tennis/badminton/mountain biking/swimming/etc) and it is still in one piece, I have collected a few surface scratches but nothing too serious.

[jomcvelia]

WHUFC said:

Thanks for the replies. I am definitely leaning towards the Hublot and am going to have a look at one tomorrow. I tried the Deep Sea on in the local dealer and although I loved it, it is very heavy.

But the Panerai keeps coming back as again they are less common than Rolex or IWC watches, why is it never easy...

312 are easy enough to get hold of. Panerai build quite a few every year, i would go for the Hublot and that's coming from a Panerai fan...

[jshell]

WHUFC said:

Thanks for the replies, went to The Wonder Room and tried the Hublot and a Panerai on. Have to say although it is a lovely wwatch it is a bit 'bling' for me, whereas the Panerai is gorgeous.

I have my name down with them now for the 312 but i have one small concern though. It will be worn every day and I am fairly active i.e. sailing, windsurfing mountain biking and usually don't bother taking my watch, would the DSSD bear up better than the 312?

Last question before I go for it!

I wear my DSSD for everything from Mountain biking to desk-diving. It's bomb-proof and very comfortable.

[Gids]

Watches of Switzerland Birmingham had a 312 in the window yesterday, so might be worth a call if you're the impatient type.