Down to 3 choices

[Crue4]

243, 312, 000

Which one for my first? Very tough decision bc I really like all 3. What do you say?

[4pfrench]

Pretty different - three different cases, movements and looks. Might depend on what else you have...I could wear the 312 or Base everyday, but not sure of the 243.

[logan2z]

I'd go with a 000 for the first PAM. Classic and versatile.

[Panerai7]

This^ Luminor case is the classic.

[mattcantwin]

What else you have, do you need a diver?

[ScottoLaw]

Three nice options for certain. I can only speak to the 243 and 111 which I once owned and a 025 which I will never part with (Sorry, try as you will Paul:). I liked the 243 a lot. However it was heavy and the 1950 case made it awkward in a top heavy kind of way for me. It was a great beast of a watch and did wear well with nylon/zulu type bands. Which kept the watch secure. Rubber was good too. But in the end it was too thick and heavy.

The titanium 025 has been a great piece. Sits flat on the wrist and is light as can be of course. I wear it for a lot of physical activities and hardly notice it is there. The hobnail dial is quite unique and for me has a cool but not too wild look to it. If that makes sense? I like a seconds hand so a 00 would not work for me. But I still admire that style and it is a classic.

I did have a 111 with the sandwich dial which I really liked. But in the end, I gravitated away from the highly polished case/bezel. I also wanted a rotating bezel.

I don't get into much about the guts of the watches. Unless I am timing demolitions, I can be off a few seconds here and there lol. So as long as they keep good time I am satisfied. So I can't give much opinion on the movements of the three.

Good luck on your decision. Please let us know how you decide.


Scott

[matt.wu]

Gotta agree with zero for the first.

[CGSshorty]

Zero. The 243 is incredible but is a one trick pony. It is hardcore casual all the time. The 000 can do beach to boardroom with a strap change. The 312 is a great watch but is a Panerai for guys that don't really love Panerai.

[hoppyjr]

I'd go with a 000 for the first PAM. Classic and versatile.

Absolutely this. ^

[kfalk]

I'd go with a 000 for the first PAM. Classic and versatile.

Absolutely this. ^

Yep.

[R@cerx]

Zero. The 243 is incredible but is a one trick pony. It is hardcore casual all the time. The 000 can do beach to boardroom with a strap change. The 312 is a great watch but is a Panerai for guys that don't really love Panerai.

Yep, 000 does it all. 243 and 312, not so much.

[rockmastermike]

Another vote for the base logo 000. It can go casual or dress and straps are lots of fun, plus it just looks great and is comfortable to wear.

[ericf4]

I've had/ have 312 &243. IMO once you own these I look back at the base models and have little interest. Many here will disagree but that's how I felt after owning them. 243 is still in my stable and likely will pick up another 312 at some point. The 1950s case rocks with the in house movement.

[dukerules]

Like Eric, I've owned the 312 and 243. I really like the 243, but I agree that it's not an everyday watch. If I was buying a one PAM now, I'd go 000--it's a classic base PAM. I did really like my 312. If you must have an automatic PAM with a date, that's my choice.

[jimyritz]

This ^...



the 312 would be very close...


Mike

[Crue4]

Don't really need another diver so down to the 000 or 312

Still a tough call

[goaliechris]

I like a watch with running seconds so 312 is my vote.

[CGSshorty]

Don't really need another diver so down to the 000 or 312

Still a tough call

Here is my take on this. If you love Panerai watches you'll want the 000. If you just think you want a Panerai and have a checklist of things you need such as automatic winding, date window, and "in house" movement the 312 is the choice.

[Panerai7]

Umm, there are other models besides 000 and 312. In fact the 312 would probably be one the last ones I'd want.
I'd start with 111 or 005

[CGSshorty]

Umm, there are other models besides 000 and 312. In fact the 312 would probably be one the last ones I'd want.
I'd start with 111 or 005

Both good choices.

[logan2z]

Umm, there are other models besides 000 and 312. In fact the 312 would probably be one the last ones I'd want.
I'd start with 111 or 005

If you want a seconds hand, then these are excellent choices. I went with a 111 for that reason. I do like the simplicity of the 000 and the logo, though.

[Expat]

Zero

[JP Chestnut]

PAMs are so damn hard to figure out - even for a guy who's really into watches and has a good memory. The only worse brand is Seiko with their crazy alphanumeric models.

[logan2z]

PAMs are so damn hard to figure out - even for a guy who's really into watches and has a good memory. The only worse brand is Seiko with their crazy alphanumeric models.

At least Panerai use semi-comprehensible model numbers. How about the AP 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01?

[Panerai7]

PAMs are so damn hard to figure out - even for a guy who's really into watches and has a good memory. The only worse brand is Seiko with their crazy alphanumeric models.

Rolex is not much easier.