I do love the simplistic nature of the panerai dials but they r so big....I was wondering what the best 42 mm options were...I know the 380 looks nice but the straps are hard to change is what I hear...the 512 looks great but not sure if I want a manual wind...Any other advice?
What's the beef with manual wind. I actually prefer it now. Well the question is do you want the big crown or the diver patent crown/ hammer? Also try one on they wear deceptively smaller then you think.
I tried tried a couple of 44 mm and although I can manage a breitling 44 the panerai seems in your face...
I like a simple crown but the patent crown hammer isn't a deal breaker...I already have a speedy with manual wind and I am buying a panerai as a daily beater watch ...I do like both markers but the dirty brown markers I prefer more
Personally, I think that they wear incredibly well and balanced. I would steer clear of the auto PAM...go for a Base or Luminor and call it a day. You will love it...to me the 40mm PAM look funny and small.
So I heard the PAM 380 is a good watch but not a fan of a panerai with ETA movement and hard to change syraps...The 512 seems like the best watch...More of a dressier panerai seriously
I have a 42mm Radiomir (PAM 338) and it wears fine on my 6.3" wrist. The straps are a little fiddly to change but you get used to it after some practice.
It was just announced at SIHH this year and so not available just yet for purchase. I believe I read the release to stores is June? At 42mm, this one jumped onto my radar as a watch I would like to see in person: Luminor Sub 1950 Acciaio *Image taken from ablogtowatch*
Love these watches. In response to some of the comments above: The dial "Look"- Yes, these are big and bold dials. That is the whole Panerai thing regardless of their size. Simple, Open, easy to read, retro dials. Complaining about the size and proportions of a Panerai Dial is like complaining about the horse power of a Ferrari...it comes with the brand California: Love it...I did sold mine for a good price but it is a very very cool dial Size: the 42 mm ones are very in line with the market. The 44 are acquired tastes but once you wear them and get used to them they actually sit quite well and look very proportioned (Unless you have small wrists, but on 7" and above wrists they're ok). They acrtually wear pretty much the same or better than the current PO line The 46mmm and above are definitely harder to wear. ETA" I actually much rather have a tried and proven and easy to service ETA on these watches than the in house movements that carry some issues.
Yeah ETA movements are so easy to service and cheap too....California dials are beautiful ...The 380 lugs make strap changes a nightmare is what I hear though.
Yeah, Not fast to switch straps fast but not difficult per se, just cumbersom ( the worst strap change experience to me goes to Tudor)
Yeah I am just saying worst to change amongst panerai watches....who also have the best strap options