My new PAM 111H PVD (and so it begins...)
Hey all,
I'm a long-time lurker, and this is my first post. My first direct-ordered rep (and first Panerai) arrived yesterday, and I wanted to post some pics and thoughts. BTW, props to TWP for making this an easy first rep-buying experience! (I have one other rep, a BR 01-94 chrono, which I bought from a friend who thought it was too big for him.)
Anyway, because my other watch is brushed stainless, I wanted to get a PVD to switch things up a bit. And because I'm a n00b, I wanted it to be cheap. Luckily for me, TWP has a special on Asian PAM 111H with PVD for $138, so I decided to go with that. Also, because this is a fantasy model, I knew I wouldn't drive myself crazy (yet) about trading up for a pricier but more "accurate" version. That is, anyone who really "knows" Panerai would know that they didn't make a PVD model like this, so there wasn't much point worrying about the lack of swan neck, or other things like that.
Anyway, here are the obligatory pix:
(yeah, the crystal is smudged, I know)
So, after a little over 24 hours with this beauty, here are my observations:
1. I was really impressed by the attention to detail: everything on the case was flush, and seemed to be finished nicely. In particular, I really like that the PVD on the display back matches the PVD on the case. Not everyone does that, and personally, I think it looks a lot better than a shiny back on a black watch. The buckle is also PVD, which is another nice touch. Also, the strap is pretty decent, black leather with a croc/gator print ... a little stiff, but I'm still breaking it in. It's also a bit on the short side, but that's fine by me, since I'm not really a beefy-wristed guy.
2. So far, it keeps perfect time. I wasn't sure what to expect from the cheaper Asian movement, but it's still correct to the minute after more than a day.
3. If I want to be nit-picky, there are a couple things wrong, but much less than I expected at this price. As I hear is typical, there's the recessed cannon pin, the lever feels a bit flimsy, the lume is pretty weak, and there's no AR. If you squint, there are also a couple small rough spots on the movement, and a tiny flaw in the paint on the hour hand (which I can only see when the light hits it just right). Aside from the lack of swan neck and dagger, there's a bit less finish on some of the gears, but the Asian movement looks pretty damn good ... especially the bridge, and little details like the blued screws.
Anyway, I think I've gone on long enough now ... but in short, it seems to be a great watch, and a complete steal for the price. Now I have to start thinking about my next Panerai ... oh god, what have I done?
Cheers,
Ari
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