Expert Opinions Appreciated - PAM 111

[Watch Guy]

I understand from reading various forums that the Noob PAM 111 V3 is "Best in Class"

Attached are QC pics form my PAM 111 purchased from Andrew a while ago, plus pictures that I have taken on my BB.

I would appreciate expert opinions on how this watch compares to the Noob V3 and is it worth upgrading?

Much appreciated!

Watch Guy

Edited November 3, 2012 by Watch Guy

[rickdangerous]

Well for a start the issue number is M0001 (what are the odds of YOU getting the first one) and the CG has curved inner edges (should be sharper).

Edited November 4, 2012 by rickdangerous

[statikman]

A year ago this would have been a really nice purchase, though the pin looks pretty off to me. Beyond that, it's fine. The issue is the Noob is so good that this pales. The other issue is you can't find a noob anywhere so this will have to do. The noob is so good that I would consider selling my gen 111 if I could get one.

[Inertiadrifter]

The Noob V3 is so good, the so called "Panerai" expert in my work said its GEN.

I just keep quiet.

Here with a GEN OEM strap

[folex]

The Noob V3 is so good, the so called "Panerai" expert in my work said its GEN.

I just keep quiet.

Here with a GEN OEM strap

Very nice!

Generally, "Panerai Experts" who do not deal with reps would probably not know the good reps are reps, as they are often looking in the wrong places. From what I've noticed, the reps have everything the gen's has in terms of the 'big picture'. And most people are just staring at the details and hoping that they'd find a "FANERAI" or a crooked P, or something in that context. More often than not, the errors in the reps lies in the minute detail, such as the engraving isn't as deep, or the CG isn't as sharp, or even the lever. In which, many times it is easier to spot if you have a gen next to it, and know what you are looking for.

So to answer your question OP, the Pam111 looks good on the QC, though there might be slight errors, as the other members said above, finding a PAM111 V3 is hard to begin with, and those minute errors are not easily spotted, even by PAM experts. So if it looks good to you, go get it, esp given the nice serial number.

[Watch Guy]

Thanks guys and yes, the serial number is sweet! I enjoy this watch and find it to be quite acceptable in my eyes. I will keep looking for a Noob V3 with the intent of purchasing one some time in the future.

Many thanks for the insights!

[Watch Guy]

Would it be a wise idea to get a Noob V3 and put the case back with serial number M0001 on it?

[projectologist]

Definitely the CP needs to be smoothed and polished (you can see how yours is a little pointy in the first QC pic). This was also necessary with my V3 111 that I parted together. Notice to, as mentioned earlier, how the inner opening of the cg is finished with sharper corners and lever pin placement is more accurate. I believe the overall finish of the case as well is better with the V3 version.

[Watch Guy]

OK, thanks for the input!

[Watch Guy]

Projectologist, as an experiment, I swapped CG from my PAM 318, as it seemed to have more of the characteristics that you have described. Take a look. What do you think?