Is the Cheapest Panerai Watch the Best? | Watchfinder & Co.

A quick skim through the Panerai catalogue demonstrates that a sum in excess of fifteen or even £20,000 can be spent on the pricier options, watches laden with complicated features and fancy materials, culminating in the £130,000 Luminor Tourbillon GMT-but is the Luminor Base, the cheapest watch in the collection, the pick to have?
Featured Watches:
Panerai Luminor Base PAM00560
Shop now for Panerai watches:
www.watchfinde...
We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watc...
Watchfinder is the number one place to buy, sell and exchange premium pre-owned timepieces. Discover more exceptional watches at www.watchfinde...

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@guillermobarroso4243]

Ive had mine for more than 16 years. It has never been services and runs buttery smooth. I love Panerai

[@theonlyredspecial]

They are very well made. I agree.

[@tier1turks]

Can we see ?. Wondering

[@WiseOnion]

stop the cap. you didn't have it for 16 years.

[@htd2006]

Mine since 1998 🤙🏾

[@SinCityDarkKnight]

Should definitely have it serviced

[@XBelliboniX]

In my humble opinion, this channel is THE best horology channel in KZbin. For the reasons that I shall comment now. First, the consistency - every video brings the same quality both in text and image. Every closeup, every B-roll, done to perfection only to complement the text. To show in images what the words that the presenter say means. Second, the lack of complexity - one guy, the same spot of recording and almost the same angles. The only thing that changes are the Watches. And this shows that the objective of the video is only to show the watch, talk about the watch and give a piece of history of the watch. Third, the voice - it's not scream, or whispering. Is talking only. Like the voice in my head when I see a watch. Every video it's like me messing around with the watch and the voice of the presenter is just my on voice, in my head, telling me about the watch. I'm not a connoisseur in horology. I'm just a guy how like watches and for this reasons, every video it's like a new information like a page of a big book. And that's why, for my, this is the best horology channel in KZbin.

[@ninenine5804]

I agree

[@ubertoby]

TLDR. Who gives a shit what you think

[@stanleywong1339]

Yes, agree this the best channel. A more realistic one than many others.

[@SachinKumar-go2tr]

This and Jennie Elle

[@Cateraholic]

Agree!

[@morganthedruid1]

I'd love to have the wrist size to carry off this Panerai, their dials are beautiful

[@eastonchang]

I have skinny asian wrists and this PAM fits me great. My friends other PAM's fit horribly on me, I found that it's to do with the automatic movement being so chunky. As long as you can get a manual wind, it has a slimmer profile.

[@maximilianlindner]

I'd love to have the wrist size to not only have to wear pams ;)

[@bigpops74]

I used to think like that, but even on my 6.5" wrist, I think 44mm looks great. I don't think I'd wear a 57mm like 1950 without having a tree trunk for a wrist.

[@vbrvideoproductions4643]

I have 8" wrists (unfortunately), so less than 44mm looks very small on me :(

[@user-hk7sp2wv7b]

Have you looked at Luminor Due? Those are new 38mm versions that came out last year.

[@j78s5sdg]

“Now they both smell” 🤣

[@Astragoth2]

LOL

[@martinogold]

That tickled me too 😂

[@lonerider3441]

Came here knowing someone noticed that and I will like their comment

[@anthonyburgess2004]

Couldn’t stop giggling 😂 Brilliant! 😂

[@bigpops74]

The base has always been my favourite, though I prefer sandwich dials over the painted numerals.

[@aldojacobi6007]

I had a look at one of these guys before COVID lock-downs etc., and this SAUSAGE dial has a charm all of its own....be well mate

[@miazoi7891]

I recently purchased a 2016 Panerai 00560 8 Day Luminor. This watch was made with a sandwich dial between 2014 and 2016, in 2017 they began using the sausage dials. They are both beautiful watches in their own right. I just prefer the sandwich dial. I’m verily lucky to be it’s caretaker until my son or my daughter inherits it.

[@TRUYORK718]

Aaayyyoooo ​@@aldojacobi6007

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

The person who does the writing for this channel deserves an award!

[@VergiliarEcaros]

The best watch is the watch gives you smile whenever you looking at it

[@canneddinners6059]

Not if it's counterfeit

[@krokodyl1927]

And keeps good time. 😊

[@JDP-88]

That and a Daniel Wellington

[@normankab17]

@@canneddinners6059 what do you mean ? 🤔

[@kevincrawfordphoto]

Amen!

[@royywj]

As much as I'm a traditionalist, the one thing that turns people off their entry level base models (773, 774, 753, 754.) is the SNAP IN Case back. Yes, from a screw down to a SNAP IN BACK, that significantly cheapens the build quality of the watch. I have no complaints of the reduced Water Resistance down from 300m to 100m, remember, the first Rolex Submariners were rated to 100m as well. But the SNAP IN case back, is something that I can never accept, for a Panerai, at any price point. Remember even a $300 Seiko SKX has a SCREW IN case back.

[@myownopinion6676]

Oh shameeeeeee!!!

[@aldojacobi6007]

Hey Roy - I understand 100%, but ask yourself this - will you ever dive to a depth of 100Mt? Most dive watches never even see a pool - let alone the ocean.....I understand the PANERAI DNA argument but ask yourself honestly my previous question.

[@fabriziopizzanelli7035]

Wow I didn't know that! Thats insane. I would never buy a Panerai...

[@yangchen8551]

@@aldojacobi6007 100 meters does not mean the watch can actually go down to 100 meters. It is 100 meters of static water pressure, which essentially means good for swimming in shallow waters only.

[@angelobalto]

Diving use is irrelevant. This is construction quality standards for the asked retail price, so I think that Roy is 100% correct in his argument.

[@Dangler83]

for my 40th, I plan on buying a Panerai for myself....And this simple basic model is what I want. Such a beautiful design.

[@Werqsd706]

Go for it

[@flip7081]

I for one applaud these lower price points (I may just be able to afford one now!), and the introduction of some smaller sizes.

[@manigandans8521]

Yeah you're right,actually whats the size of this one

[@photobriangray]

I love my PAM 183G, first year of the "new" Black Seal with different lettering layout and unique finishing of the movement under the display case. Clean base model, indeed...

[@veloce2007]

I had my Panerai which is one of the base models since 2008 with the modified ETA movement. Never had a problem with it or ever had it serviced. The movement is a work horse with the best reliability and easy to service and work on.👍😀

[@Greg-bz2bf]

I bought the PAM 112 in 2005 for minimalist reasons; I did not require more than the two basic complications: hour and minutes, I service the watch regularly and I wear it regularly. Recommended.

[@tier1turks]

Basic and simple all the way. Pure Class... Best choise sir :)

[@handbagaddicted]

That dial tho!! I love the font. So easy on the eyes.

[@forceforgood4669]

I enjoy your poetic way of telling and cleverly applied metaphors. It shows you really care about what you do. That’s admirable.

[@section8usmc53]

I liked it, so of course it had to be way out of my price range. I'm glad there's a lot of great watches for the casual collectors, and the middle class gear geeks.

[@mikec3454]

I've got a Base Logo Luminor on its way to me that I traded for - PAM773. This video pretty much sums up why I went for the 773: simple dial layout, thinner than most Luminors at only 13mm, obtainable price that won't hurt me too much on resale if I don't like it. This is my first PAM and it's always been the size that's put me off, however I'm confident the 44mm 773, even with it's 54mm L2L will work fine. The only thing I wish it had was a sandwich dial, but not a dial breaker by any means. I know the PURISTS will balk at the idea of a snap-on case back, but I don't find PAM movements worthy of exhibition case backs and I will sacrifice a screw-in case back for a thinner case and still walk away with 100m WR.

[@Bugster987]

I keep going back to these and considering if I could carry one off. I like the design and the base is peak PAM for me.

[@jacquesbothma6936]

I love the Luminor, extremity distinct, super legible and bold as can be. I hope it never changes.

[@JogieGlenMait]

This model shows Panerai's design language in its simplest form.

[@bhavikshah5016]

The best sounding "Thank you"

[@joem5140]

unless I missed it I think you forgot to say "...or is it?" Smoothest voice on YT. Great work as always. These video's themselves are timeless.

[@YaKoSTaR]

vsauce

[@michaelbishop9157]

wonder what voice app they're using.

[@skulmoski1]

I bought the PAM 112 about 20 years ago go commemorate my PhD completion. Still going strong decades later

[@behnambabaknia6843]

I swear this guy can sell people anything, like a pencil for example : look at the angles, the purity, simple but effective, it goes about it's business without fuss.

[@AngelInTheDesert]

I think this is the one to get because getting 'a Panerai' ticks that box for most collectors. Very few are after a specific ref. Whereas people aspire to Date-Justs & Subs or Seamasters & Speedmasters. More sought after variety in other brands.

[@PeteNice29]

I that’s mainly due to the fact that Panerai doesn’t have to do as much to get the point across, which is mentioned in the video.

[@shahrammehdizadgan5614]

Stallon did not find this watch himself in Italy , he was given this watch by his photographer friend Monty Shadow. Stallon through Monty Shadow received 68 watches from the then Panerai and never signed a deal with them, so that they would also benefit from this collaboration. This information has been documented on film interviews from the original employees of the panerai company. Panerai was at that time not doing well and sold the company for only 1 million to Vendom. Jose Pereztroika has done an in depth article on this with detailed evidence.

[@Ricky.913]

I'm not a Panerai fan, but I am a huge fan of Watchfinder and Co. always, thank you.

[@savariaxa]

I have 10 vintage Zeniths from the 50’s and 60’s the holy grail decades in watchmaking simple accurate and affordable and all serviced Zenith is the real deal 😉

[@felixb.9814]

How come that nobody cares about Zenith except for some El Primero Nerds? I‘ll give you the Defy line, that one‘s nice.

[@savariaxa]

Felix B. I don’t know Zenith movements are one of the best out there 133.8 bumper automatic 135 chronometre 40T chronometre higher value as Omega imo but still underrated I think lots of people only focus on Omega and Rolex and don’t see the value of brands like Zenith !

[@felixb.9814]

I think the marketing department did bad in the last few years. They should really tell the people about there history. I mean, think about the first Daytona

[@rampageashton]

My PAM164 was perfect for me until it was stolen. Not base but close. Magnificent watch. Love Panerai.

[@markmaier2503]

My wife just said “I can’t imagine him talking about anything else but watches. Perhaps scarfs...”

[@devnithiavelrathinam1511]

This is the only channel on KZbin that does watch reviews like poetry recitals. 🖤

[@jlo8775]

As a collector of Panerai for over 2 decades I can attest that the current crop of modern Panerai is complete garbage. Sad to see an iconic timepiece go down the shitter.

[@drift903]

Pam is always being Pam itself. There is no other brands that compare and she is in own right. Genius design. Always wanted one.

[@iloper]

Oh come on... I always secretly loved Panerai... And now i want one...

[@erichg.6235]

So the video has fulfilled its purpose.

[@christopherarnold1384]

The Firenze store is a super cool place to check out. Good ole Italian classic watch.

[@aldojacobi6007]

Would love to get there one day.... :)

[@ollygrayson7652]

I originally hated the design of Panerai watches, but over the last year these have grown on me to the point that I think I’d like one some day!

[@hughcheung2748]

The sound of video seem have a different processes than before. I love the before setting Better than now ,have more base and less noise. But as usual greatest watch video in KZbin. Thx for the great work

[@jealius4340]

That's why I've always called myself the luckiest watch collector in the world. I already own my favorite watch in the world and it came at a price that made me able to buy it at 21.

[@hymovement]

which one ? :D

[@jealius4340]

@@hymovement a base logo from pre in-house era, so it even goes to 300m which the new models don't 😎

[@joshwinzinger8644]

Absolutely beautiful watch imo. Not a cooler watch at 3x the price

[@david300m]

Love the Base, not the price.

[@adrianchoo337]

"Now they both smell" - I'm dying 🤣

[@kaizen168]

I’ve been watching your channel now for 2 weeks and it’s addicting to say the least especially the episodes with Tom. You guys are hilarious and are amazing duos. I heard that your first watch was a flightdeck u-boat. My first “real” mechanical watch was a u-boat classico that i bought straight from Italo himself when i visited him in Lucca Italy. I still have it til this day but i realized i have small wrist and maybe I’m getting old so I’m into smaller cases and all seiko, king seiko and grand seiko now. I do wish though you would review a u-boat watch or jeanrichard which i also had and thought was a pretty good watch but no watch channels ever mention it seems. Anyway love your channel and keep it up!

[@wanterman5641]

He’s done it again, simple but yet sophisticated way to tell you a Watch is good or bad.

[@OceanicOsprey]

Beautiful watch. Absolutely love the sandwich dial versions of the Marina! Hope I one day get to own one.

[@PeteNice29]

I don't get those that complain about new options. There's such variety now and the core designs aren't going away. Get what you like.

[@auggie2295]

Awesome video and man your voice is so satisfying to listen to, you could literally sell anything!

[@paulwilberforce9659]

I'm currently wearing a Garmin Fenix .. I shouldn't even be allowed to watch this channel any more 😅

[@prosimulate]

Paul.w w lmao that's brilliant 👍👏👏👏

[@nurburgringkid]

Why not, welcome to world of watches. I use this channel to inspire myself to achieve more in life particularly financially. To run my business better and generate more profit. I may not be able to buy a Patek or Panerai but like they say if you want to aim for the stars, you will not end in the mud.

[@arghjayem]

“Panerai is always di-vis-iv?” De-vice-iv! (Hard to get pronunciation across in a KZbin comment but I hope people get the point)!

[@TheDavidBangkok]

I'd always been put off by the size of Panerai but an Instagram shot of the Mediterraneo collection had me visiting the boutique just to see the beautiful dial in person. I was surprised that a 42mm Radiomir is extremely wearable even for the slightly smaller size wrist. I'd recommend anyone wary of the heft to give them a go in person. Frankly I'd never even considered the brand before but I was sold and couldn't be happier.

[@ohroonoko]

A 42mm GMT fits quite well on my wrist.

[@AliasHSW]

Yes! Base is the best. I find that with most watches. Love my PAM112

[@robsmith6794]

I find the 44mm a bit too big. That's why I spent years trying to find the Luminor PAM 072. Luckily I managed to find one in mint condition with all the papers and the box. Only 40mm in diameter and made of titanium; it's so light you don't really notice it on your wrist.

[@jeremydahm2124]

Tried on this very watch and was pleasantly surprised how nicely it wore on my little 17cm (6.7 inch) wrist. The manual winders are relatively thin and wear easy. I want a 111 because of the exhibition but I like the 005 for the cleaner dial. Sooo many references to look at but I like the ETA over a giant power reserve in house. I want to wind it!

[@gjonno]

…..and the modified and decorated ETA is a joy to behold if you have the exhibition case back. A true homage to the original Rolex movt fitted to the Radiomir back in the 30’s.

[@tonystark2115]

very good video, elegantly shot & put, none of the shouting & graphics nonsense from so called "influencers"

[@ninenine5804]

I agree

[@eastonchang]

When you see your watch feature on Watchfinder & Co. Much excite!

[@narayananlr6887]

I do own this PAM560. 😂

[@BobMuir100]

‘...... now they both smell......’ just cannot be beaten, everything he offers us is just splendid.

[@TheGconrad]

I wish they made a variant of this model with only the date added at the position of the 3.

[@patrickhowley2149]

I was waiting hopefully throughout that short video for the moment when he would show how the winding knob works and how one would negotiate the bow-shaped guard that protects it.....so that I can get an understanding of how and why the elaborateness is "justified"...but there was no such expose....

[@Senorbarnez]

There's a lever on the side of the guard that you flip open. The lever has a cam that when in the closed position, pushes the crown in slightly. So, when you want to wind it, you flip open the lever to 'release' the crown, you can then wind it but it's cumbersome because the large crown guard hinders your fingers from winding the watch like you might do with any other manually wound watch. When you're finished winding you flip the lever closed. It's not a big deal flipping the lever, and you can actually do wind it with the lever closed, but the whole mechanism is somewhat clumsy if you ask me.

[@AK-of9qx]

I luv my 112 from 05. something about how rugged n simple it is. manual wind two hander and sandwich dial..

[@arthurmouradyan2446]

honestly the 5,000 usd range has a looot of competition

[@bs12984]

and panerai wins the competition

[@arthurmouradyan2446]

Maurya personally i’d still go for the reverso but im very sold on this luminor

[@bs12984]

@@arthurmouradyan2446 reverso submariner speedmaster etc etc let these watches be for the youtubers creating fake bubbles. check the pam00233 in person.

[@Chris-oz9qx]

Maurya zenith el primero same price, better watch.

[@bs12984]

Chris panerai i am talking about has 8 day power reserve, gmt and a date. Looks 10 times better than any zenith out there. Perfect for multiple watch guys. Anyways choice is relative.

[@milesblack8485]

Absolutely love 'Cushion watches' they are the most aesthetically please to the eyes....................well my eyes that is. Would love to see a comparison review of a few 'other cushion/square face watches from the smaller brands such as Certina DS, Spinniker, Margrette, Glashutte, Helgray, Zeno, Lapitza etc . I'm kind of bored with round face watches all the time. Keep up the excellent and intelligent reviews WF.

[@guuslombarts9004]

Laurent Ferrier has some beautiful cushion shaped watches as well

[@alastairblair]

47mm, hand wound, sandwich dial is a "proper" Panerai but but not everyone can carry it off.

[@andreeagoldschmidt5491]

I would like to see one Moritz Grossmann on that table!

[@Doty6String]

I had a student with one of these, I tried it on, and said “I don’t get it man”.

[@noelkallu2306]

That's amazingly clean, affordable and a class apart! :)

[@psmith2632]

And a cheap snap on case back to top it off ... no thanks

[@rodrigogutierrezreyes4702]

Midnight when a new Watchfinder video drops...I don't need no sleep!!

[@mrbud8524]

Awesome History and great brand great time to buy a Panerai. Panerai must have in a watch collection. Rolex Sports models getting expensive and hard to get from a AD l bought my first Panerai Pam 422 47m from Watchfinder and l love it going to purchase another Panerai from them soon.

[@lemmykoopah]

Love the Luminor but alas I've got thin wrists :(

[@jameslawler2011]

Clean, simple, non-special edition Panerai's are still class and desirable and should be a part of any collectors collection. I have a 10 day GMT Radiomir and it is elegant and classy

[@jorge31415927]

I love this channel, I need this channel But-there ain't no way I'm ever gonna buy a Panerai Now don't be sad 'Cause two out of three ain't bad

[@scottlalonde2878]

Another great video, Watchfinder, thank you. Wish Panerai kept the sandwich dials on base models. Cannot see myself getting one without it.

[@adama4791]

Look at the 915 and 914

[@theonlyredspecial]

I’ve a few Panerai. 323 is my favourite. Love the ceramic parts in it. Needs little to no maintenance.

[@ztobe3822]

I love your content! One thing I'd appreciate is if you did some more head to head comparisons. I love being able to see differences in finishing, texture, complexity, etc. Thank you!

[@johansjoberg5751]

I agree. Love Panerai bur are not at all interested in the more "fancy" models with complications and "exotic" materials etc..

[@h111551]

I enjoy my PAM Luminor Marina 00632 with its Unitas movement and tobacco colored dial with goldenrod indices and hands. There is no sandwich dial. The sole complication is a separate seconds subdial. As the brand historically never offered in-house movements, I find myself happy with the Unitas, particular because it gives me service options that are not available with the newer upscale manufactured movement references. Basic Panerai works best for me. If I want a more complicated sport watch, I will look to my Parmigiani chronograph. At the $16,000 USD price points of the newer Panerai references, I would be inclined to look at other brands such as the new stainless steel Parmigiani reference. The only other Panerai on my shopping list is an old fashioned brutalist submersible made before the transition to the newer “pretty boy” design.

[@paulouzman7267]

If it's Panerai, it has to have a sandwich dial...

[@pittwm]

I thought “base” is my lowly PAM000 Logo....

[@uonadtehrrocks]

I miss the sandwich dial, I'd go with the 8 day.

[@MrSzczotkowsky]

Is there any reason why this dial is not crisp? Is it because of the materials?

[@ADustedEwok]

"Is the cheapest Panerai the best?" -Watchfinder "All panerais are fake" - Perezcope

[@steveflor9942]

I very much like a manual 8 day. Love Panerai's lever crown lock. But...... No power reserve?

[@ilestlor1673]

J'ai la Panerai 560 depuis octobre 2019... elle a passé presque 6 mois en réparation car Panerai n'arrive pas à me la régler précisément... et pire encore ils me l'ont déjà rendu 4 fois avec des rayures et des poussières dans la montre...

[@stevefox8605]

I'm more in the tolerate camp myself...too basic, plain and clumsy looking for me. Lack of second hand totally kills it too, but to each their own. Cheers 👍🏻

[@nurburgringkid]

For this price, the absence of second hand is rather unacceptable

[@stevenc9207]

It's funny because the reasons you hate it are the very reasons Panerai fans love it. It's not a compromise between 2 ideas, it is what it is. Take it or leave it

[@stevefox8605]

@@stevenc9207 I can appreciate it, just not my taste. It is cool tho.

[@eddytarius695]

Aku punya RADIOMIR PENERAI AUTOMATIC.

[@PantsofVance]

What does the L on either side of 'Swiss Made' signify?

[@R0R0tw]

When you see the "L Swiss Made L" mark on a watch, it means that the watch has Superluminova.

[@choulebanon8120]

R0R0tw thank you

[@R0R0tw]

@@choulebanon8120 you're welcome my friend

[@brianogden9023]

I am a traditionalist, I use a sundial 🔆

[@cerovin8518]

It is too bad they don’t have the sandwich dial..

[@chfahad7493]

Please tell about handmade watch patekphillipegeneve thank you so much☺

[@brettbambouturton3117]

Two many copies out there.. I'd prefer a Seiko 5. I enjoyed your video.

[@kevinbouvier5206]

Awesome looking mouvement but 44mm is too large for most wrists... 40mm would be perfect. Any video on the bb36 soon by any chance? 😁

[@mtnslyr]

I’d buy it if it came with sandwich dial and power reserve at the back.

[@Monami262]

Pam 915

[@LGTeGeTeGe]

this also applys to rolex, the oyster perpetual is also the best rolex

[@bs12984]

this dude is wrong. the panerai monopulsantes are insane.

[@adelalenezi2901]

If you do a vid about fitbit with these camera angels and that voice .. i would really consider buying one 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@totalynotfunnyguy6581]

What do you have to say about Panerai movement’s being so generic that replicas have the same movements and they are so good that not even panerai could tell them apart from the real ones?

[@g30rg3-c5]

You did not mention the in-house movement?

[@yescivic]

Wish they make mini ones.

[@vedantbhatia4207]

Please make a video regarding RADO DIASTAR and other amazing RADO collection/series of watches

[@aayushx44]

Id love to see the audermars piguet 2020 collection

[@markbyrum4743]

Excellent! Like Rolex, one can spend a luxury watch price or a, dare i say, ridiculous price for base or option laden versions. Go Panerai!

[@KezAH-GT]

I am hearing stuff why is he calling it a Rolex at 1.50