chronochef Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 Hello all, I am really getting into the PAM obsession but find myself becoming confused with all the terms, options and differences with all the versions within the same model. Such as the 111, or the 112. As a noobie will I find faults in a $125 "beginner" version from toro and the others? Or is it truly worth getting the fully done 1:1 version that can be in the upper price ranges? I first interest is the look, and how it stands out on your wrist, not so much that I can convince someone else "in the know" that its not a genuine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankt Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 Even if you go full out for those "legendary" 1:1 models, they never REALLY are!!....Eventually you'll find something that isn't exactly correct... I have always been quite satisfied with the 21j models in most instances...And Toro has a very decent selection in that range...I have his 024 and am quite satisfied with it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 Even if you go full out for those "legendary" 1:1 models, they never REALLY are!!....Eventually you'll find something that isn't exactly correct... I have always been quite satisfied with the 21j models in most instances...And Toro has a very decent selection in that range...I have his 024 and am quite satisfied with it... That was my exact corncern. Shelling out big bucks for an excellent rep, the fact remains it's still a rep. That's the reality that I need to face, I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 I would say something different. I do think it is worth spending the $300 or so to get the "1:1" version. It is noticeably better and the flaws are not immediately obvious. With a closed caseback you are really doing fairly well. If you are not trying to achieve some level of accuracy than I would suggest buying an unbranded watch. You can get a real warranty and something that looks close in your price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 what would be the branded watch? I am willing to pay 300 for a 1:1 but my question better stated, As a noobie, if I started out with a beginner version, would I be compelled to shortly after to upgrade for. 1:1 or would I be satisfied for a while without longing for a "better" version Is there an actual value to an ultimate version? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davilo Posted April 10, 2012 Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) As a person who owns gen and rep versions of PAMs, you're never really quite satisfied with the watch you own.....there's always another grail to get. I think 1:1 is a good investment provided you have a reliable movement and research the best rep makers. It also depends on whether you buy to show or enjoy watches as they are.... If you have the money, I would invest in a good used gen, but there are good reasons to buy reps. Reps are an excellent way to see if you really like the brand and perhaps some specific models. IMO I would invest in a good 1:1. Also depends on your tolerance level for cost of rep. If you make a good day's pay....no worries. You could also eventually sell it if not happy right? Edited April 10, 2012 by davilo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 I do tend to opt for the better rep because you can always resell it - even if at a slight loss. If you take care of a $300 rep and manage to avoid denting it you can always sell it. I actually think there is a greater risk on resale on the "beginner" reps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 I appreciate the feedback. I have been looking at the 000, 111, 112 for a while, so many options, gonna have to pull the trigger on one of them soon! If the value can be had then 300 is worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kowalski608 Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 In some cases I humbly (noobie here) argue gens should copy the reps. check out the Pam 390 that has been customized with a Titanium case (original has stainless steal case). I don't think reps will never be 100% 1:1 ...it would upset the gen companies too much. Perhaps there is a thin line rep factories tread. I'll mention another conspiracy of mine - Reps are made by gen companies as a way to capture additional sales. Anyway peace to all, really like this forum and the rep factories. Could never own this wrist art otherwise!! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTooper4 Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 I think it all depends on your personal character , if back in the day you were the sort of person who had his (showing my age) CD collection in alphabetical order the a cheaper version might not be for you. If like some people I know had CD's out of the cases strewn here and there then I'm sure you'll be just as happy with what ever. I've got mates with average reps and they love em. I've got 150$ and they give me just as much pleasure as my $1500 version, Perhaps more so some days. Anyway stuff the watch its really all about the strap and you can easily spend 200+ on a Dirk, GSD or simona. I say start cheap and then enjoy the onward journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 this is a good (and understandable) question for someone just starting out; i'll weigh in and say that for me, for the 1:1 panerai versions that are under $300, i think it is definitely worth it. the fit and finish of these watches is most definitely a notch above -- having owned a genuine panerai, they certainly feel significantly more like the real deal. as for which version to get, i personally would go with the zero (000); with the closed caseback, it is remarkably accurate to the genuine. good luck and be sure to post some pics when you end up deciding deltatahoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 this is a good (and understandable) question for someone just starting out; i'll weigh in and say that for me, for the 1:1 panerai versions that are under $300, i think it is definitely worth it. the fit and finish of these watches is most definitely a notch above -- having owned a genuine panerai, they certainly feel significantly more like the real deal. as for which version to get, i personally would go with the zero (000); with the closed caseback, it is remarkably accurate to the genuine. good luck and be sure to post some pics when you end up deciding deltatahoe +1> Hey B, good to see you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 this is a good (and understandable) question for someone just starting out; i'll weigh in and say that for me, for the 1:1 panerai versions that are under $300, i think it is definitely worth it. the fit and finish of these watches is most definitely a notch above -- having owned a genuine panerai, they certainly feel significantly more like the real deal. as for which version to get, i personally would go with the zero (000); with the closed caseback, it is remarkably accurate to the genuine. good luck and be sure to post some pics when you end up deciding deltatahoe I like the small seconds so would the 005 still be a good choice? What is the quality of thr rep brown leather straps? Or is the rubber the best choice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 I like the small seconds so would the 005 still be a good choice? What is the quality of thr rep brown leather straps? Or is the rubber the best choice? You will want to do as most Gen Panerai owners do .. start a strap collection. There are amazing strap makers here who will make great products for you, for not a lot of money. (uh, compared to gen strap prices) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 +1> Hey B, good to see you. thanks W -- it feels good to be back at RWG among friends I like the small seconds so would the 005 still be a good choice? What is the quality of thr rep brown leather straps? Or is the rubber the best choice? the 005 would definitely be a good choice; if you want to explore some other models there is a nice summary of some of the better panerai reps available these days in this post. all the best deltatahoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 deltatahoe, and everyone else, Many Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HartDoc Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Well I can tell you as a gen owner of mid range watches ( rolex, IWC's, PAM's ) I found I was rarely happy with beginner watches. I found for me, versions with the least obvious flaws I was more happy with. I wear watches for myself and myself only. I dont think a $600 + super rep or franken is needed. I never look at resale value of watches. I assume as soon as I buy a watch the value decreases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nlnlnlnene Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I'm wondering if the chase ever ends. Because after all, with display caseback watches showing the movements, it is unlikely that reps will ever reach the gen's level of finish. For instance, in the best/ultimate/1:1 Noob 111N, you still have the incabloc flaw, which is an immediate tell for anyone who has read about it. People on gen panerai forums know about this already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Reps will never be gens. And with the move by virtually all of the more expensive brands to clear casebacks it is now even more difficult. The funny thing is that it isn't that reps aren't getting better. It is the gen manufacturers raising the bar. Let's face it, it is inevitable that gens will have some form of RFID tag or other thing which instantly identifies them as gens. I am amazed they haven't gone there yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pre V Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Let's face it, it is inevitable that gens will have some form of RFID tag or other thing which instantly identifies them as gens. I am amazed they haven't gone there yet. Interesting thought right there. I was just thinking the other day on how RFID technology can be incorporated as a unique identity tool. Maybe someday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 So if I hit it some where in the middle, I should be a safe bet then in the low 200's http://puretimewatch.com/product/pam000-m-noob-best-edition-transparent-ar-on-brown-calf-leather-strap/ http://puretimewatch.com/product/pam000-n-h-maker-superlumed-edition-on-oem-brown-leather-strap/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 absolutely -- that would be a very nice choice for a first (or second or third ) pam deltatahoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slask111 Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Yup, the more 1:1 the better. I always find my self selling the non 1:1. And a PAM 1:1 for 230$ is a steal!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Couldn't think of a better place to start. Go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chronochef Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Thanks guys. I am loving all the feedback!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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