lfovco

That's a really big difference, now you can see that the first release was pretty bad. The CG Lever in the new one is better as well. Overall huge improvement.

The movement of those new reps looks really good these days, they are quite close to Gen so you should not worry about open or close back, I would get the first one, there is no reason to be spending extra money on the other one.

That is super cool!!!

Looks really nice, I don't see anything wrong with it.

It's interesting that you say that you know nothing of those watches and their replicas. Since you are in Florence you should visit Panerai shop and check out different models to get a feel for them. It's a nice little store, I was there few years ago. That 029 will feel 98% like Gen but the main difference with the Gen you'll see is how the lever moves and how it locks against the crown. It vary on reps, sometimes it's good sometimes it's not but with the Gen it's always setup to the same spec. Regardless, latest reps are super nice.

390 is definitely the nicest base.

That's so awesome, and this is one of many things why rep world is so much more fun then Gen world

A rep of 111N. The latest version is N. The gen N series is not any different then let's say previous M model. Panerai site is not really a good reference, they do not update pictures every time new "letter" model comes out, so many Historic model shots will be quite outdated.

One of those factories really isn't better then the other, the quality and accuracy will differ per model. Sometimes H factory model will be better then N and sometime vice versa. it's really hit or miss. Which is why it is great to be here with so many of us doing reviews.

I don't think there is a rep of 347. You may want look at the GMT version without power reserve on websites of any trusted dealer here on the forum.

super cool!!!

You can safely wind it completely even every morning or every other day since PR is over 50 hours. Important thing is to service your rep if you want it to last cause they are not oiled at all and set properly but rep factories.

Great attention to detail Projectologist, I like that

I have 390 from Trusty and it is really, really good rep, if not the best, shipping it off to get serviced today so it can run well "forever". With your wrist size, you are in a good spot. Honestly you should have both. But if I were you I would definitely start with 127, get it serviced right away and maybe look at gunny 74 Serie strap http://gunnystraps.blogspot.com/ Since you are right handed I would not risk getting lefty.

I don't think there is a Noob N out yet, I only see H Factory N advertised by on of the TD's.

I cannot stress enough the importance of doing the service. My first Panerai 111 rep went out to The Zigmeister back in 2005 and then later again cause I managed to drop it and things got loose inside. The watch has been running super well for a long time now. If you have a piece that you like, and intend to keep it and have it run well for many years to come, service it ASAP.

Sounds great. Yes I will be definitely sending it over asap. I really like the one I got, it is very well made and the CG and lever is super tight. I'm definitely looking forward to keeping this model for as long as possible. I hope my movement will turn out to be good as well.

That'a great news Zigmeister. I'm planning to send my 390 to you as well. I sent an email earlier today to J.

Sweetness for sure. Nice!! I'm wearing my 390 today, can get over it. I actually put a black strap on it with white stiching to try it out. Works well too. I should post some pics.

Yeah, I have one of those that I got back in 2005 from EL, but not sandwich dial. Modded it with new crown and crown guard. It's been running like a train for past 7 years.

Ok and cool. This is pretty awesome. Now, how would I know if the Swiss guts from Eddie Lee, year 2005 Pam 111 fit and work with that.... Or maybe you can pick the guts and have them installed and shipped assembled? I would love to put 390 into that case.... This is interesting to me.

Any of these base hand wound models is good, 000, 005, 390, 247, 111, 112, 318 if you want a reliable rep that's closest to the Gen. The ones with closed back are the best. 312 is not as good when it comes to accuracy, if you really want an automatic look at 088, 029.

The best would be read this thread I don't think there is a simple answer to your question.

This is a very old rep. E means it's early 2005 although sandwich dials reps were introduced probably in 3rd quarter of 2005, so it's hard for me to pin point the actual month, which does not matter anyway. The movement is Swiss 17K. This is how bad crowns were in 2005 and 2006. I forgot how the looked. if you get a new crown and CG for it, it is a pretty decent rep and if you service the movement it will run for years and years.

I don't have that 111 but I have new 390 and it does feel pretty Gen, no sharp edges that you speak of, never heard anyone complain about that on Panerai. There were issues like that with other reps back over 6 years ago, but that was different brand.