opinions sought

Discussion of Panerai watches.
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jtbenson
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opinions sought

Post by jtbenson » Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:45 pm

Hello all. New DWC member here, but I recognize a lot of users names from other forums. Glad to have found the DWC.
I currently own and enjoy a 312. It was my first and--so far--my only PAM. But the siren call is strong, hence my dilemma.
I'm strongly considering taking the plunge into a 233, and adding a base model as daily driver. But does that leave the 312 out in the cold? I like the idea of having both a Luminor model in addition to a 1950 model and think the 312 would be too much overlap in this scenario.
When I was initially shopping for my first, and what I thought (hoped) would be my only PAM, the 312 felt like the perfect compromise between base and specialty. But now that I've lived with it for a while it just continues to grow on me, it's getting more and more wrist time and I'm feeling like I could use (i.e., want) two different PAMs to cover more territory. To boot, I've already invested in enough straps to support two 44MMs and that's half the battle (well, more like 5% maybe).
I guess what I'm curious to hear is feedback from anyone who has either moved up from the 312 to anything more "complicated", or down to something more base, and whether or not you still pined for the 312 afterward. Or even better yet, if you started out with the 312 as a 'tweener, then moved to multiple PAMs.
Thanks for your insight (proper camera battery was dead, but promise to do better in the future).
Cheers, Jason
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CGSshorty
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Re: opinions sought

Post by CGSshorty » Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:48 pm

I don't think owning the 233 and 312 simultaneously makes much sense. If you love the 312 why not add a Sub to mix things up?
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matt.wu
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Re: opinions sought

Post by matt.wu » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:14 pm

I'm a big 233 fan, but if you like the 312 size, you could go 320 instead of 233 and save a bit (if you want the GMT).

I'm with Chris. Maybe go for 320 and then add a sub like a 25. Or some other complication that might interest you. :thumbsup:
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dukerules
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Re: opinions sought

Post by dukerules » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:15 pm

If you get a 233, I'm not sure you're going to wear the 312 much. The 312 is very nice, but the 233 is special, and I think they overlap a great deal.

nishant
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Re: opinions sought

Post by nishant » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:54 pm

As I generally the norm, my ideas go against the group. I had the 312 .. I liked it but my grail showed up and it was traded. Now, like you, I always revered the 233 from a distance; I still do. However, I tried a 233 on 2 separate occasions [ to confirm my fear on the first occasion ] and it tends to wear smaller and thinner than the 312 and thanks to the crystal, the dial appears smaller as well. I am more of a Sub-lover and 312 seemed the ideal thickness and weight to keep my interest. So depending on your interest in watches, if you like your pieces to be more 42mm than 44, 233 would be perfect !!!! 312 wears a true 44mm IMO and is thus the perfect 3-day Luminor.

My 0.02 cents : Wear your 312 to the nearest AD and then try on the 233 for a valid comparison.

Good Luck. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: In the end, Most Panerai are not keepers IMO except the Zero / 372; fun watches to have, nonetheless.

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jtbenson
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Re: opinions sought

Post by jtbenson » Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:59 pm

Thanks for the opinions.
To put a finer point on my question: I get the overlap of the 233/312 and I'm thinking if I replace the 312 with the 233 then I'll want to add a base model as the heavy rotation PAM and save the 233 for special occasions. My concern is: will I miss anything about the 312 by going to a base as my most frequently worn PAM? I must admit I don't mind the idea of owning a base that develops some patina from being worn daily.
I may just try to swing living with all three for a while before I decide. May turn out that the 233 will be worn more often than I think, because that certainly happened after some time with the 312? May fall in love with the base simplicity and forget about the 'total packageness' of the 312? Time will tell.
Thanks again for your input.
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dukerules
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Re: opinions sought

Post by dukerules » Wed Apr 03, 2013 2:10 pm

I think that if you had a 233 and say either a 000 or 390, you wouldn't miss the 312 much. I'm actually a big 312 fan BTW, having owned one for a couple of years. For me, beyond the awesome P2002 movement, I love the thin case and the beautiful domed sapphire of the 233. For me, the 312 was just too thick to be a daily wearer, and was just a weekend watch.

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Re: opinions sought

Post by mechnut » Wed Apr 03, 2013 2:37 pm

I would offer a different perspective. Ignoring all the obvious qualifiers, ie if you can afford it, etc., I wouldn't hesitate pick up a 233 and keep the 312. What overlap? Although they have a continuity of design, as do all PAM's which is why I love the BRAND, the have distinctly different personalities. I own a 243 and a 194, and I wouldn't hesitate to add another sub (87, 193, the list goes on). Now there's some overlap. :thumbsup: You own a 312. What if you added a 112 and a 372? Personally, I would love that lineup, but not many people would appreciate the subtle nuances between those models. My advice: find a good AD/Boutique, try everything on, and go with your gut.

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Re: opinions sought

Post by jtbenson » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:15 pm

thanks again guys; lots of great insight here and it's much appreciated food for thought.
few thoughts:
i have very small wrists at 6.5 to 6.75 and though I find the 312 wearable, the lighter 233 may be a better fit. i've had the chance to try one on, albeit for a very short time, and it seemed to disappear more (well, except for that cyrstal).
the 390: wow, hubba, hubba, how did I miss this one? love it. assuming it would also weigh less than the 312?
agreed, it's time to have some alone time at an AD.
cheers
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Re: opinions sought

Post by hoppyjr » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:21 pm

I've been where you are :)

I started with a 104 and a 112, then sold both a got a 328 (312 with bracelet). Missed the Base, so I grabbed a 176. Sold all and had no Panerai for a while, then got another 312 and finally picked up a 114. I currently own no Panerai models at all.

This all said, I found the 312 a nice compromise for a single, do-it-all Panerai. If I were back in your shoes, I'd add a Sub - likely a 243, but a 24/25 would work too. This would give you variety and share 24mm straps.

If you were willing to part with your 312, then I'd say 372 for the true heritage of the brand, with a 305 Sub - both sharing 26mm straps.

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matt.wu
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Re: opinions sought

Post by matt.wu » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:49 pm

6.5" wrists? Go 233 for SURE. You'll love it.
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jimyritz
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Re: opinions sought

Post by jimyritz » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:53 pm

if I could do it I would go 233 and then add a 25 or 243.....

Then there is always the new 42MM 392....

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Re: opinions sought

Post by ericf4 » Wed Apr 03, 2013 9:36 pm

I went with a 312 and a sub 243. This way I get best of both worlds...refined and rugged.
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Brklynlarsons
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Re: opinions sought

Post by Brklynlarsons » Thu Apr 04, 2013 4:47 am

This is like reading an algebra problem. All these numbers in front of my face, and not a single one makes any sense to me.
No thanks, I'm trying to cut down

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Re: opinions sought

Post by JBZ » Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:10 am

Brklynlarsons wrote:This is like reading an algebra problem. All these numbers in front of my face, and not a single one makes any sense to me.
Just call out "hike" and find the open man downfield.
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Re: opinions sought

Post by mechnut » Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:25 pm

JBZ wrote:
Brklynlarsons wrote:This is like reading an algebra problem. All these numbers in front of my face, and not a single one makes any sense to me.
Just call out "hike" and find the open man downfield.
Nah, you just need to know the secret handshake and password to receive your very own PAM decoder ring.

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