It had to happen LOL!

[mike]

First let me say that for quite a while I've been toying with the idea of adding a PANERAI to my collection. I've tried a bunch of them on and honestly admired the way their 44 mm offering not only fit, but seemed to "blend" into the wrist. (I know silly discription).

As fate would have it my AD recently got one in that really caught my eye. As a fan of GMTs this one gave me everything I wanted in my first Panerai.

The watch orginally came with a brown croc. strap that while very nice just didn't call my name. My AD was kind enough to swap it for a black leather strap with big buckle for me, fit the rubber strap that I honestly liked the best and the deal was done.

Let me introduce the newest member to the clan..

The LUMINOR GMT 088.







I haven't had a COSC cert as part of a purchase for a long time....kinda nice.



Of course the required lume shot,



and wrist shot,



and box shot,



Threw in a nice key chain,



as well as a PANERAI Tee-shirt (I left it in the bag) and the "matt" I used for the pics is actually a HUGE coffee table magazine that is just full of great photos and information about the marque.

I can't wait to get my "Darkside" membership card!!

[Sam]

Holy crap! That came out of nowhere! Huge congrats man! And welcome to the club. I'm a big fan of the 88 as well.

Now the real fun begins....time to buy a few straps. ;D

[Adam]

Amazing Mike

Have to say I didnt see that one coming. Did waiting for the Deepsea finally get to you ;D ;D ;D ;D

Congrats Mike, its a beautiful watch Excellent pics as well

[atomic]

Nice score and Sam's right... holy crap that came outta now where. LOL

Congrats! Enjoy strap madness. If you have any questions about the various strap makers, just shoot me a PM. You could say I'm the Amanda of the strap world. LOLOLOL

j/k of course, Amanda.

[amanda]

Thats totally awesome Mike! What a great first choice too Congratulations to you and welcome to the Panerai fold

edit: I like your strap choice too. I am contemplating getting the OEM Calf with sewn in logo buckle that is sold on the 232s to put on my 210!

[Archer]

Wow!

Surprised like everyone here - congrats Mike - looks awesome.

[truerolexer/trueradiomier]

Mike? Panerai?

:-*What A Nice Surprise!!!

Now I'm not the only Rolex Boy cross to Panerai Land.

Welcome To The Dark Side, Sir. ;D

[mike]

Nov 15, 2008 19:35:26 GMT -6 Adam said:

Amazing Mike

Have to say I didnt see that one coming. Did waiting for the Deepsea finally get to you ;D ;D ;D ;D

Congrats Mike, its a beautiful watch Excellent pics as well

LOL! Still waiting Adam, but honestly the PAM has been talking to me for a while.

[mike]

Thanks everyone. Man this one is really making me smile.

[aerome]

X2, way to go!

[Ben]

Whoa! There's one I'd have never seen coming.

Congrats! That's a beauty of a Panny!

Get yourself a half dozen straps and you'll be all set!

-Ben

[atomic]

Nov 16, 2008 17:54:49 GMT -6 Ben said:

Get yourself a half dozen straps and you'll be all set!

-Ben

No possible way you'd be 'all set' with only a half dozen straps for one panny.

[gj]

Hey Mike,

Big congrats from me as well..
Must admit that these Panarai pieces are growing on me as well, pretty fast I might add..
But the finances are working against me.. ;D ;D

Enjoy this beauty my friend, and you took some amazing pictures of this timepiece ..

[CHIP]

That was indeed a surprise!

Great watch Mike.

I LOVE IT!.

[Sam]

So.....have you bought a strap (or 2) yet? ;D