Pam 24 vs 243

[Onequik135i]

I started looking at these two up until recently and I am comparing each one. I really like the patina of the 243 along w 1950 case but I never cared for the Reg. TM engraved markings on the crown. I currently have been wearing the 111 sandwich dial since last summer and was initially thinking the 24 might make a great addition. As a side note I really like the 170 but those are as a rare as hens teeth it seems along with the additional $$ to purchase one. Thank you in advance for any advice on either.

[Cru Jones]

No right answer here, it depends on what you’re looking for. The 243 has a significantly greater depth rating, but it’s also bulkier. The 243 will also give you a greater difference from your 111 in terms of case shape. The 24 will be a better all-arounder. Sort of like comparing a Sea-Dweller and a Submariner.

As you seem to be considering older Submersibles, the 87 is also worth considering, IMO.

[Onequik135i]

Funny you brought that up, I did take a liking to the La Bomba line especially the blue dial months back. Just figured I would keep it simple & go w the 24 bring it would pair nicely w the 111. Too many cool models to choose (not too fond of the newer stuff other than the 911).

[waterman1]

Agree no right answer. I had the 243 for several years and although I loved the look, it was heavy and thick for an all day/every day watch for me. I found a 25 (same as 24 but in Titanium) that is extremely comfortable compared the 243. But I did miss the depth of the dial of the 243 and other nuances about that watch.

[mobster600]

The PAM24 just didn't do it for me. I owned it only for a year. It felt like it needed a refinement. It felt too crude and missed that fine watch feel. It has quality no doubt about it but when you compare it to a 243 it's a no brained to get the 243. The 243 has that uniqueness. I really like the flatter bezel of the 243. The 24 bezel is rounded and nearly impossible to turn because your fingers can't grasp it. If you do want to spend 7-8k the 682 or 973 in 42mm is a great option as well. At that price you can get newer model's just to keep in mind. If you like the nastalgia I think the 243 is the way to go. I think the 24 is fine but needed something to oom-ph it up a notch.

[dandigangi]

Originally Posted by mobster600

The PAM24 just didn't do it for me. I owned it only for a year. It felt like it needed a refinement. It felt too crude and missed that fine watch feel. It has quality no doubt about it but when you compare it to a 243 it's a no brained to get the 243. The 243 has that uniqueness. I really like the flatter bezel of the 243. The 24 bezel is rounded and nearly impossible to turn because your fingers can't grasp it. If you do want to spend 7-8k the 682 or 973 in 42mm is a great option as well. At that price you can get newer model's just to keep in mind. If you like the nastalgia I think the 243 is the way to go. I think the 24 is fine but needed something to oom-ph it up a notch.

+1 agreed

[Onequik135i]

Just to update this thread I chose a clean full set 2014 model year 24 Reference with deployment buckle. Really liking it too, wears smaller than my 2006 111. Might have to get it serviced or regulated being it runs -4 w 301 amplitude in dial up position (lift angle set at 52) which might be incorrect for this movement. I just like my watches to run + vs - who do you guys recommend to send it out to for something simple like this other than Panerai themselves?

[6XYBE63ST]

side by side photo's, if u please

[Bugsy]

had both, way preferred the 243. didn't need additional depth but, design and look way cooler.

[Onequik135i]

Here’s a today shot taken earlier ... I will post comparison photos when both are in front of me.
And here is the 111 pic taken weeks back wearing Kostas strap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[6XYBE63ST]

personally prefer the 243 because of the 1950 case, it's a heavier watch which i like

[Onequik135i]

I had the chance to get a full set 2008 year made 243 for $1k more but I’m drawn more towards the slimmer bezel on these 24’s.

[waterman1]

$1k for a 243 sounds way too low to me. I believe should be more like $4k-5k.

[stockae92]

I actually like neither.

I had a 243. Somehow it feels like the case is more "compact", but than more "condensed". Heavier, the dial is smaller, and it didn't sit well on my wrist.

than I had the 24. I like almost everything about it. But I didn't like the bezel action.

I lean more towards the 24 if its my money. But I am biased because I am very used to and enjoy the 44mm Luminor case (from 000 to 177, anything in between. currently own a 510)

[rootbeer7]

Congratulations on your purchase. What’s so great about Panerai and more particularly the older models is there is no right answer. Each model has its own feel and each owner their own opinions. It’s taken me 3 Panerai to get the one I’ve got now which is just perfect.