Watch you never thought you'd love...

My first encounter with a Panerai (PAM) was at a festive gathering in Singapore, where my cousins sported these massive timepieces on their wrists. They had purchased them during Panerai's heyday, amidst all the buzz and excitement surrounding the brand. At the time, I couldn't fathom why anyone would invest five figures in a watch when there were so many other things one could spend on.

My initial reaction was one of skepticism: why splurge on something that appeared overly bulky and cumbersome on the wrist? From then on, my impression of Panerai was always synonymous with "TOO BIG!" or "definitely too heavy and uncomfortable!"

However, years later, as I delved deeper into the world of horology, immersing myself in watch-related content online, my perspective began to shift. It was thanks to the YoureTerrific channel that I stumbled upon the PAM111, prompting me to reconsider my stance.

Perhaps...I thought, "it wasn't as bad as I had imagined?"

And so, the hunt began. Until one fortunate day, I chanced upon a PAM111 on the secondary market at an incredibly attractive price. I saw it as an opportunity to dip my toes into the Panerai world, knowing that if it didn't suit me, I could always sell it.

Upon trying it on for the first time, I realized how mistaken I had been about Panerai. While undeniably robust and sized at 44mm, the rubber strap seamlessly integrated the watch with my wrist, offering a surprisingly comfortable fit. I was elated that I had taken the leap and acquired it.

From that moment on, I found myself constantly drawn to wearing it, to the extent I had to restrict myself just so that my other timepieces have some wrist time as well.

In summary, owning this exquisite timepiece has been a revelation, and I am proud to call myself a Paneristi! 😎

What about you guys reading this post? Have you ever had a watch you initially disliked until you tried it on?

Share your experiences in the comments; I'm eager to hear your stories! 😄🍻