First post on this forum, and sharing my thoughts to the entire community: lurkers, newbies and gurus. (Warning, long post!)
Despite the financial impact, and the guilt of an impractical purchase in these hard times
, I decided to jump the gun on my first Panerai last week. I knew about Panerai ever since I was a teenager, but I never was attracted to it. I always thought they were too large and were fit for bodybuilders, and not on my flimsy Asian wrist. I saw them on fancy boutiques but didn't bother to ask the price thinking it was futile because I couldn't afford it anyway no matter what the sales lady quoted. And so I happily lived my life with relatively cheaper watches, (i.e. Tag, Omega) changing (not collecting) to a new model every few years...
Things changed early 2011 when I downloaded the Panerai Catalog iPad app. Indeed, new media is effective marketing, and the glossy photos on the app made me very curious. Btw, if you're a Panerai lover, and have an iPad, but don't have the Catalog app, shame on you!
The PAM112 quickly became my favorite in the catalog because of it's simplicity. Watch dials in general have become too "busy" and I've always been a sucker for simple watch designs. To each his own, but even the spartan Luminor Marina with the added seconds hand and "MARINA" word on the dial looks a tad too busy for me.June 3, 2011. I took courage in entering the Panerai Boutique and inquired about the 112. There was good news and bad news. The good news is learning that the PAM112 is an entry-level model, and therefore among the cheapest Panerai. The price tag seemed achievable, although it would mean I would be eating pet food for the next few years to recover. (I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a rich man). The bad news is that it's not in stock, and according to the sales lady, there were no guarantees when their boutique will get an allocation. So I left my number just in case.
Fast forward to a month and a half later I got a text from the boutique saying the 112 is in stock and they will hold it for me for a few days but give it to the next in line if I wont take it. I thought darn, it's true what I've read that Panerai produces less than demand, making it elusive, and the 112's not even a Novelty or limited run model.
I rushed to the boutique and while driving there I thought I have to fit it first, and see how it looks on my skinny wrist. It has to feel right too. And yes, you guessed it, the 112 felt right on my wrist. I'm not sure if it was all in my head, but the watch felt balanced, and the leather strap felt very comfortable. I was stunned at the impeccable and solid build quality. Everything from the dial, to the case, strap and even the tang buckle seemed perfect! Even more importantly, I fell in love with the sophisticated simplicity of the Base's dial. Winding the 112 felt very positive and gratifying. With no doubts I felt the 112 was for me, and so I took it home.
Whew, long post!
Here's the sweet ending: 
Thank you to those who read this far. And like the countless others who share the passion I would have to say "I'm hooked!" on Panerai. It may not happen in the near future, but I'm already fantasizing of my next Panny. Tastes will change but for now I'm dreaming of the 346; its brown dial and green luminous I personally describe as mint chocolate. Add to that the warm accents of the gold hands contrasted by the cold titanium case...truly sublime!
