Trade JLC for PAM 236?

[Sam]

For about 6 months, I've realized that the JLC Master 8 Days just isn't really working out for me. Too big for a "dress" watch and too delicate for an everyday casual watch. It's my most expensive watch I own and the one I wear the least.....which also really bugs me. I figured I'd throw it on the sales fora and see if there are any takers. I've had a few interesting trade offers. The only 2 trades I'm even considering are a GO Sport Evo plus cash, or a PAM 236 with a little cash (if any) on my end. I'm leaning toward the 236......I'm not a huge fan of the Sport Evo. Yes it's beautiful. Yes it's a GO. It don't particularly care for the look of the bracelet, but love the look of the treiste strap...which this one also comes with....but if I remember correctly, the GO on treiste strap didn't fit me that well.

I know everyone is going to say "buy what YOU like"....that's what I would say to someone else. But does it sound like a stupid move on my part? The value of the JLC and PAM236 are just about equal from what I've seen. I'm leaning toward doing it. I also think it would be easier to sell the 236 than the JLC down the road.

Any thoughts?

[Ben]

Well, Sam, I don't think you're being stupid at all. If you have an expensive piece that you aren't wearing, for whatever reason, then you should get rid of it and get something you will wear more often.

If I didn't know that you were heavily in to Rolex, then I'd tell you to go for the Glashütte Original Sport Evolution. It's a truly magnificent watch, and in my opinion, outclasses Rolex (and most other watches) any day of the week. Just my opinion. ;D That said, I think you'd find the GO too similar in style and appearance to your other divers. And if you don't find it comfortable on your wrist, then this too will sit in the safe and go unworn.

The PAM 236 is a very nice watch and would certainly be different than other watches that you have. But...are you in to chronographs? Now, for me, if the trade deal was for a Luminor GMT, I'd probably negotiate the deal (with the GMT plus cash coming to me). The 236 is a beautiful watch, but I'm not a huge chrono fan. The Panny also gives you the versatility of many straps (which you already own). I don't particularly care for PAM's on bracelets. Again...just my opinion.

So the bottom line....buy what YOU like!

-Ben

[Sam]

Hey Ben...thanks for the thoughts.

As far as chronos, I've started taking a liking to them over the past year. I really like wearing my Aquatimer and Oris....both chronos. The PAM236 is on my list of watches I want....big list though! Other than selling something, it has been out of reach. Unfortunately the straps I have are 26mm for the 210....need 24mm for the Luminors.

As far as the GO goes....it would be something close to $2K in my pocket. Seller has both the rubber strap and treiste strap (no bracelet). I'm ballparking it in the $4.5K range. Does that sound about right to you? Papers are dated 12/08 so it's only a couple months old.

[mike]

Sam, if it were me I'd be all over the 236. It's a beautiful reference. I quite like the bracelet style. I've tried one on and it's just fantastic.

[Archer]

I hate to be a dissenting voice....

Please keep in mind my view is most definitely from a movement/technical standpoint, and this is not a specific rant against Panerai although it may seem that way.

My understanding is the OP XII movement in the 236 is an ETA 7753. Yes it has some specific Panerai decoration, but as far as I know no significant mods have been made aside from decoration. I'm guessing the retail cost of a 7753 is between $600 and $1K. Comparing this to the JLC 8 day movement the 7753 falls short from a technical/innovation standpoint, and from a quality standpoint. Again, just my opinion.

I realize that luxury goods are priced differently from other goods, and the cost of making them is not reflected well in their sale price. So for me when looking inside the specific luxury watch market, the only way I can come to some conclusion about "value for money" is to compare what you get between watches.

Certainly the Panerai has history/DNA/good resale/blah blah blah, but I have a hard time putting these two watches on the same level. If I udnerstand you correctly, you would have to add money with your JLC to get this Panerai. That seems insane to me.

Sorry Sam - I don't mean to be a downer, and if you really like the watch then by all means get it, I just don't see the value in it I guess.

Cheers, Al

[Sam]

Appreciate your opinion Al. From strictly a movement value standpoint, you're right. I don't disagree that the JLC movement is worth more than the Panerai movement. But then again, none of these watches are really worth what we pay for them. We'll get into that whole "luxury goods" conversation again. In my opinion, the value of a watch is in how much we enjoy it & can be worth more as a whole than just the sum of it's parts.

As far as the JLC 8 Day movement. If it were in a PAM190, I'd be keeping it.

[amanda]

Sam, I say if you've got one you dont wear and can trade for one you will wear and enjoy, then go for it! In the past I've taken way too much notice of what other people think. 'amanda buy the 44mm you will trade later for it anyway' 'dont buy a contemporary the historics the resemble OP better' etc etc

So once again, if the 236 floats ya boat, go for it!

[Sam]

You're right Amanda....it's all about what makes you happy. If you buy something against your gut just because of what others think, you won't be happy.

I didn't really expect to change my mind by what other's opinions are. I was more just interested in what others would do in my situation. There is really no wrong answer here.

Whatever I do....keep the JLC or trade for either the GO or PAM....it won't really matter financially. It's all the same amount of money & I can sell any of them at any point for about what I paid. That's the beauty of this "hobby".

I'm about 99% sure I'm going to make one of the two trades. Either one will be a fair trade. Both sellers have good reps so I'm not worried about that. I'm going for the 236 first and then the GO. At this point, I'd rather have either of the two over the JLC.

[aerome]

Damn

[Sam]

Feb 7, 2009 18:25:55 GMT -6 aerome said:

Damn

Hey....I don't want to hear it! I offered it to you first!

[Sam]

Well....both sellers decided to hang onto their pieces. So there goes that delima. Who knows what's next. I've got a couple of potential trades for a 112 (plus a lot of cash) or an IWC 5001. I'm all over the map!

[boscoe]

Glad I came late to this. I would've told you to hang on to the JLC! Try to rediscover the reason you bought it in the first place

[truerolexer/trueradiomier]

Sam, I have PAM 250 before. But after less than 1 month, I sold it. Because this Daylight model is not my type. I think better you keep your JLC, or trade for better Pannie like 190 or 233. Good luck Buddy.

[Sam]

Too late...last week I traded the JLC for a 106. Will probably end up moving it soon For a zero....that's more my style than the sub.

The 106 was a good move anyway. It will be much easier to sell/trade than the JLC.

[aerome]

How much easier could it be than 1 week! Damn, I loved that watch!