Officine Panerai

I was determined last week to visit the NY boutique to see the 338, 311 and other pieces I'm interested in. I went there on a rainy afternoon during the week with my two kids, ages 4 and 9. Boy was I in for a very pleasant surprise.

I first sat down with Tomoko, one of the sales reps who was down-to-earth, attentive, and quite a pleasure to talk to. After she showed me some pieces, I asked about the 317. The store manager Sharif then came out and they both discussed what I was interested in. I tried on several, including the rather amazing 311. Even my kids chimed-in on on which pieces I should get (they know me well).

Although I didn't purchase that day (was most interested in a dress watch, but felt the new 42 Rads a bit small for me), they put my name on the lists for a few pieces and then just before saying goodbye, Sharif surprised my kids with Panerai t-shirts! It was a very nice gesture and one that made me an instant customer. My son (the oldest) went so far as to say, "Dad, you've got to buy your next watch from them!"

And my follow-up communication with them has been exemplary. I've never had such a nice experience in a watch boutique, which was a powerful reminder of why I love Panerai so much.

Wish I had taken some pictures. i tried on some great pieces and saw a very nice selection there - especially the chrono monopulsante 1950 Luminors. Sweet! Next time I visit (to purchase!) I'll take some photos.

Please feel free to share a photo or two when you get it...

Have to say the Chrono Monopulsante 1950 Luminors (311, 317, 375) really turn me on. Of course the 317 is mastepiece, but trying on the 311 made me an even bigger fan.

I consider the 311 to a very important piece for Panerai. It is not popular, but should be. It was the first PAM to offer a powerful mix of old and new, providing alot of cues to where Panerai was set to go, as of 2008, when it was first announced. In-house, (P-3000) 8 day manual, with GMT and single push chrono housed in the perfect, understated titanium 44mm 1950 case, with brown sandwich dial, and domed crystal - all make for a genuine classic in my book.

The 311 speaks volumes to me as a seminal piece, than when I tried it on at the NY boutique really helped explain an important chapter in the horological growth of Panerai. I felt as if I was wearing a piece of Panerai history that has not been recorded yet, except perhaps now.

So yes, the 311 (of course 317) and 352 (to me the best Panerai on bracelet ever produced) are what I'd like right now.

I gather you meant Panerai 345, because the 375 is not a monoplusante watch although it is a lovely composit watch with 1950 inscribed on the dial.

Best regards,

George

Glad you and the kids had a great time.

Best regards,

George

Re the 317, like many of us out there, I'm now on their list.

The 317 remains highly sought after - even without the PVDed movement and the proliferation of them on eBay. I was told few ADs would be able to get a 317 and that interested buyers should stick with the boutiques. From my experience, this appears to be the case alright.

I also aked about the 339, which is even a more rare bird. Again, I was put on the waiting list. My sense was the list for the 339 is longer than foir the 317, but was not told this.

I have tried on both 317's and they are both great. I personnally have the K series with the PVD movement and it is spendid. That having been said I have also had the opportunity to hold in my hands a L series with the smoked glass case back and I must say they did a good job and it does look good. I am told that the person that bought the 317L that I held is very, very happy with it.

The 339 is also a splendid watch and I can't waite to get mine.

I agree that your best chance to get these two watches is though a boutique rather than an AD, which I find a little sad.

Best regards,

George

Glad you had such a good boutique experience, and i wish you all the best in acquiring one sooner, not later!

Ciao

Stephen

Apparently, that store did a great job but the store didn't get the job done. You said they made you an instant customer when they gave you two free t-shirts, but you haven't taken the 311 home yet.

What held you back?

Hope you get your 311 sooner rather than later.

They had the 311 in stock, which I fell in love with. I was most interested in the new 42mm Rads, thus my interest in getting to the boutique to try one on. It wasn't for me, but I was able to try out the 311. I'd to get both the 311 and 317.

In fact I was SO SO tempted by the 311 while I was waiting for my 317...