New and confused as Hell!!!

**kidzip** · 10-25-2011, 06:57 PM

Looking for a quality Panerai Luminor but the number thing has me spiining 005,111,112...then there is the H, J, L versions, not to be outdone by the great vs ultimate vs noob..Finally, movements from asian to swiss to how fast they beat....
One glaring question I have is are most Panerai's hand wind movement? And does that mean you have to wind it every day vs an automatic or quartz? Of course the question finally of what vendor provides the best watch for the money is last....I like the look of the 005 with a black rubber strap or the 111. Recomendations would be really appreciated..looking to spend between $200-$300. thanks

Maurice

**Posh** · 10-25-2011, 07:02 PM

You may want to ask these questions in the Panerai section, hon! Welcome to RepGeek.You'll like it here.

**SFA437** · 10-25-2011, 07:39 PM

Welcome to RepGeek

The numbering designates different models and yes- the system is bewildering. 177 is titanium with seconds hand, 176 is titanium without seconds hand... enough to drive you mad

Alphabetical designations are simply series identifiers. Kind of like software but instead of bumping up to 2.0 you go from a 111F to a 111G

The exception is in regards to "H" factory which are generally accepted to be the best Panerai replicas out of the box.

The models you are looking at- 005 and 111- are hand wind- which means you have to manually wind them every so often (I do mine every 2 days).

As for Asian versus Swiss- I go with Asian and am extremely happy. The Swiss ones are finished a bit better however with the new platinum plated "H" factory movements- the best deal is Asian.

In regards to vendors- we have a trusted dealer list. Do some research and make use to the search button to find member reviews. Some dealers are all about customer service and will spend days assisting you with your purchase but you pay more. Others are more for the experienced collector- pay your money and get your watch but don't expect hand holding throughout the process.

If you need further info- do like Posh said and peruse the Panerai section here. Yes there is a lot of info but we all joined and dug through the same mountain of info... kind of a rite of passage