Officine Panerai

Hi, I have been looking for 2 years now at buying my first PAM. I almost pulled the trigger a month or 3 ago on a PAM 1 Pre A, but decided to wait until SIHH was over.
After seeing the pieces that were released, Im not convinced that I will find what I am looking for in the new releases.

Going back to my earlier contemplations: The 5218-201A has allways been kind of a lure to me, but I did not want to spend a lot of money on a PAM, especially if it will be my first one. The 201A was also part of the reason why I did not pull the trigger on the 1 PreA.

During the 2 years I have also looked at Pre A PAM 9 and PAM 4, again, I never had the nerve to pull the trigger.

To narrow things down: Which would you purchase?
I realize that 9 and 4 are different to 1 and 201A. Probability is high that I will go with a non black watch, so either the 201A or 1 PreA. What I dont get is why the 201A is that much different than the 1 PreA. I know that some are of the opinion that there is not too much of difference between the dials, and some even argue that the PreA is more value for money. Long story short: A lot of people tell me to buy which one I like. I am just looking for a little push in the back to commit to this one. Kind of: What do the experts say ? One thing that is important to me in Panerai is that I value the history of the brand, if I had sufficient funds, I would go for a vintage piece, but alas, too far out of my reach. Secondly: I would want the watch to age nicely: I dont care about scratching it, as long as it ages right... (probably too abstract but I think you know what I mean). Thirdly, as much as I like the rads, I think the luminor should be my first PAM.

Lastly, if you would let go of 1 and 201A, would you see the 127 as a possible substitute?

Thanks in advance, sys

All are very tempting, being the 4 or 9 pre A, or Pre A 1 or Logo Pre V...

Your 2 criterias are History, and the patina ( the watch should age, for you ).

The problem is that the 127 is the more " Historical ", as a good reedition of the 6152-1, but it will never age, as the indexes and hands are luminova, so you see what you'll get.

The Pre V Logo is stricto sensu not an historical piece, as it is a renitepretation of an historical piece ( addition of a logo, 44mm instead of 47 )

But the Logo will age, because of its tritium hands and indexes.

That being said, between a Logo Pre V and all the Pre As, I would go on the Logo.

" Historically " speaking, the Logo was the watch of the " return of the legend ", so it counts!

Then, this Base dial has a rare, pwerful and captivating beauty.

To end, you'll have a piece of the Pre V history, a page is definitely turned, and it was a superb page.

After the poor blabla, some pics should convince you:



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Keep us updated, please.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-02-15 22:33:09

If it was me and I had the funds, the 201A would be my choice.

It is the watch that started Panerai's foray into the public arena. The tritium dial is fantastic and it is a watch that is extremely wearable.

If you were looking to save a little money, the 127 would be my next choice simply because, as stated earlier, it is the most similar to the historic 6152 model. There is just something about a 47mm Panerai

Good luck in your quest. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with any of the models you listed.

Chris

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Chris NYC

I've been lucky enough to own all 3 watches you are considering. The 127 flew the nest but the pre A1 and 201A remain. I love the 201A for it's historical value and it just has that something special that's hard to describe. It's got soul. The pre A1 is a daily wearer for me. Other than the 201A , I'm not a big fan of bases. I love the sub seconds on the luminors. It gives the watch more of a military feel to me and the watch face doesn't seem so empty. The pre A1 is just a classic panerai and it's got the thicker numbers as oppose to a 1A. I'd say go for the preA1, less money than the 201A and you get the tritium dial and it is a rarer watch than the 201A. Just my 2 cents.

Out of all PAMS the Pre-Vendome watches will always procure you feelings and sentiments that you will not find in any the Post-Vendome watches.

PAM 00001 is best chassed in the Pre-A, but A series is fine too, sort of easy sourced and tends to be an easy wearer.

However good the large PAM 127 is, for the money you probably have plenty time to see what’s coming in new collections.

My first choice is 5218-201/A (Logo), If you have no worries in daily wearing an expensive watch these logo watches have an unique charisma which will always remain highly desirable & collectible.  All current owners are often expressing something very special about this particular piece.

My second choice is Pre-A or A series PAM 00001, it is an easy wearer, it has a transitional charisma and it is easily serviced including parts replacement (I hope it remains easy).

My third choice goes to PAM 127, a great watch no doubt, only it can be made and made again, in view of the newer releases, the next one to come could be more desirable… a 47mm Luminor of the likes of PAM 339?

The choice is yours ;-)

I fully agree with your selection.

Best,

Nicolas