The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm looking for something to replace my PAM 111. Main requirements are: croc strap (rubber option would be a bonus), decent WR, automatic, preferably in-house movement, with date (at least). Ideally looking for something that can be a bit sporty and a bit dressy.

The contenders at the moment are:
1. PAM 312
2. JLC Master Compressor Chrono.

Which would you choose?

The JLC is an absolute classic. The 312 is a full feature pam, but the MCC is just too sweet. Size is on the small side, but if your cool with it I think thats the way to go.

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-RJ

I'm getting a 312 a week on Friday so I'm biased!

Cheers

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

As if there's really any choice whatsoever...JLC MC Chrono

I'm not partial to PAMs so that was an easy one for me but even if you picked something I liked more I'd still vote the JLC, it's just a stunning and complete watch that will add a different dimension to your already awesome collection Otto.

When are you pulling the trigger?

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Hey Otto, If you can run to the extra cash, instead of the JLC MC Chrono, I'd suggest going for the JLC MC Extreme World Chronograph instead. Bigger and (dare I say) better that the standard MC Chrono. That'd be my first choice.

The size puts me off the standard MC Chrono, so if it was definitely between that and the 312, then I'd say go for the 312, BUT if you add the JLC MCEWC(!) into the equation, than that's the one I'd go for.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

For me it would be the 312. But of course, that's mainly because I have a JLC MCEWA (just to pick up where Driver left) to satisfy the most of my current JLC itch.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Thanks for the input, guys. Got a little while before I make a decision so I'll give it some more thought. Leaning towards the 312 at the moment because I really did like the 111, but the JLC is certainly working its charms on me.

I would go with JLC.

There are too many imitations and hommages to PAM out there.

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Chronomat :: Evolution Red | Evolution Frecce Tricolori | Longitude
Navitimer :: Montbrillant Eclipse | Old II | Current
Professional :: B-1 | B-2 w UTC
Colt :: GMT

Revisiting this one because I'm getting close to being ready to go.

In addition to the two mentioned above, I've been considering the JLC MCEWC, the JLC Navy Seals Alarm, the IWC Portuguese Auto, and a vintage Rolex of some sort.

Still leaning towards the PAM 312 though, because:
1. I would like to have a Panerai in the collection, and my 111 is gone.
2. It has all the features I want, and none that I don't want.
3. The size is perfect. Despite my recent acceptance of 40mm watches, I want to have the option of wearing something in the 44mm region.
4. It is significantly cheaper. The other options are all more than I was intending to spend at the moment.

Speaking of price, Panerai has recently LOWERED its prices in Australia, in response to our dollar being strong at the moment. List price here on a 312 is almost $2,000 (AUD) less than a new ceramic Sub. Anyone here thinking about a Panerai, get down to the nearest AD because local prices are actually competitive for a change!

I've always loved the JLC and WILL have one soon in my collection.

From that list it would be one of the JLCs for me Otto - probably the alarm.

just curious Otto, what is the 312 now selling for in the land down under??

AUD 7700, or about USD 7000 at today's exchange rates (which are at a peak - at the rates of 2 weeks ago it was about USD 6400). And that includes 10% tax.

So it's about the same as list price here for a Skyracer. Or, to put it another way, about $300 more than the old list price for a 111.

It's just too good to pass up, I snapped and put a deposit down yesterday.

The others are great watches, but price-wise they're in another category, so maybe next time for them. Even at grey market prices from an international seller, the JLCs or the Portuguese would cost me well over AUD 10,500 to get one here, and that's before Customs charges duty.

Congratulations in advance Otto although I can't imagine why anyone would want a Panerai in their collection

Seriously though your rationale makes perfect sense although out of all those choices I also would have gone for the JLC. No doubt you'll have one soon though. How long before you have it in your hands?

Obviously a great exchange rate too right now.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Thanks Tim. No idea when I'm getting it, but apparently it speeds up the process if I put some money down, so that's what I did. If I'm lucky the dealer will get an indication from Panerai in a week or so about when the next one is likely to be allocated.