Is there a Panerai equivalent to the TC submariner for build and quality?

[phwtan]

Hello,

I'm new to the Panerai scene, having previously been a fan of the Rolex Submariner range.

Are there any stand-out, high grade, low volume manufacturer(s) of Panerais that use gen construction that are made to a very high standard, like the TC Submariner?

N00b seems to be the most common version I've come across so far.

Apologies if this is a bit of a noob question.

Thanks

[tomhorn]

Davidsen (or DSN) would be the closest thing to what you are asking for, although most of the new offerings from the factories are getting pretty good. He's best for the versions that the factories aren't doing. Still not to the quality of TC.

[phwtan]

Thanks! Is Davidsen a TD?

[phwtan]

Is it davidsenjpn?

[tomhorn]

Yes.

[civic4982]

DSN case shapes and dials are often incorrect for various reasons.

They all need work.

If you're looking for a Panerai to the closeness of gen consider the Noob 111 or the Noob 243 v2 or v3.

Sent from the my iPhone using Tapatalk s

[ssclassa80]

KW factory also makes a few super rep quality pams. Check ALE's Panerai guide on the other forum

[phwtan]

That's very helpful...thanks guys!

What about BK's Panerai's?

[ssclassa80]

He just mods factory reps and swaps movements, fixes known quality control issues

[markiemark]

That would be Marlin! But I believe he's out of business for a while due some personal stuff...

Here's my highly modded PAM111 from him

I'm going to have it transplanted to a modded 390 case and the she's PER-FECT!

[chrisser88]

What mods are you doing to the case? Thx

[markiemark]

What mods are you doing to the case? Thx

 

Give the case and crown a multiple-step polish, so it will shine like a gen.

Brush the CG, flatten and polish the CG pin, and finish (reshape) the CG lever + lever ball

[srouji]

Is actually a very good question and useful answers!

[phwtan]

Thanks all for your input! I'm leaning towards the noob 111 v3.

Just need to determine which TD can get it to me quickest!

[phwtan]

Is it worth getting the Swiss movement for the noob pam 111 v3?, or is the Asian clone sufficient?

I've read somewhere that the Swiss movement is the same (or almost the same) as the gen, is there any truth in that?

[civic4982]

Get the Asian clone. Swiss with proper bridges not currently out there.

Asian 6497-2 runs fine and well. It's a workhorse. A few mods and the display back will do its job well

Sent from the my iPhone using Tapatalk s

[phwtan]

What sort of mods are involved? Who's the person to get in touch with for the mods?

[Mapman57]

Or perhaps you could just start your collection with a closed case back rep and you do not have to endure the expense and bother of modifying movements etc?

 

There are many great examples out there - try one as a tester. If you like Panerai - you WILL BUY MORE!

Edited April 9, 2015 by Mapman57

[markiemark]

 

[phwtan]

Is there a model that's as good as the pam 111, but without the glass back?

[watchme22]

BK has done a few watches for me. All Rolies. Can't comment on Panerais but can vouch for him and his work....

[markiemark]

Is there a model that's as good as the pam 111, but without the glass back?

the 390

[pick_br]

The 177 has always been a well repped model, the latest noob version is pretty good so I'm told. The titanium case sets it apart from the rest.

[ssclassa80]

Is there a model that's as good as the pam 111, but without the glass back?

The latest 005 is nice too

[Guest idraw]

005 sausage lume is always inaccurate. The gen has a pronounced curvature, while the rep is nearly a block. 

I think the 111 is still better even with the inaccuracy of the movement.