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MrTito · 7 January 2012, 05:14 AM

So gentlemen, I've never liked these sort of threads as I've always thought people should make up their own minds and not rely on others....but..... I have circa £5,500 (give or take) to spend on a watch as my ten year gift from work. If I go Panerai then anything more than a very minor discount is unlikely, if I go IWC I can get 20% discount.

I currently have: Rolex DSSD, PAM 113, PAM 351, IWC Aquatimer Cousteau (the current blue/white/black) and a Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono in blue.

I like dive watches - I like big watches.

I am considering the following:

PAM 305
PAM 243
PAM 382 (if by a miracle someone has dropped off the list)
PAM 312 (think too similar to my 351 but love the weight)
IWC Portuguese Yacht Club in white

So I'm not looking for answers, just some opinions and advice. I love my watches, but I'm not obsessed with movements. I'd just value lots of comments.

Cheers

mfer · 7 January 2012, 05:37 AM

I love the dial of the 243 over the 305 and also I feel the 243 just fits better. The 305 is great mind you, but I just love the look of the 243.

Also, the 243 is SS baby! You already have a Ti 351 (which is money btw).

243 also has the super easy 7750 to service. You can take it anywhere to service it, opposed to the 305.

Maybe with the money left over you can get a Helson 45mm Bronze diver.

MrTito · 7 January 2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfer

I love the dial of the 243 over the 305 and also I feel the 243 just fits better. The 305 is great mind you, but I just love the look of the 243.

Also, the 243 is SS baby! You already have a Ti 351 (which is money btw).

243 also has the super easy 7750 to service. You can take it anywhere to service it, opposed to the 305.

Maybe with the money left over you can get a Helson 45mm Bronze diver.

this is perfect stuff! I have been split between 243 and 305 everything says 243 except the cyclops.

mfer · 7 January 2012, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrTito

this is perfect stuff! I have been split between 243 and 305 everything says 243 except the cyclops.

I hear you. I've always wondered (and asked, but never got an answer) if the cyclops is removable. I'm sure it is, but wonder how the AR coating is once it is gone.

cbusjer · 7 January 2012, 06:01 AM

Can I come work where you work?

MrTito · 7 January 2012, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbusjer

Can I come work where you work?

10 years of selling my soul!

B. Doggy · 7 January 2012, 11:20 AM

I'm a 243 fan. Just wish they'd take off the date function. Might jump on one again if they did.

thsiao · 7 January 2012, 04:03 PM

Last year in July I was in the same dilemma as you, 243 or 305... ultimately went with the 305 and cannot be happier. The 47mm size is actually very wearable and comfortable! It doesn't even feel or look that big to be honest. I feel that the dial/bezel seems more proportional in the 305, in the 243 the dial just seems too small. Everything about the 305 is just plain sexy IMHO.

A few photos of mine to persuade you a bit...

And finally the 305 with its brother Bronzo.

jvo300 · 8 January 2012, 01:07 AM

It came down to size for me. I chose 243 because I think it fits my 6.5 inch wrist better.

leeye · 8 January 2012, 02:21 AM

243

gets my vote over the 305. i favor stainless steel over titanium.

Rps · 8 January 2012, 02:55 AM

I agree

MrTito · 8 January 2012, 04:21 AM

Thanks guys - especially for the stunning pics.
I have decided, I think, to go with the 243, the weight of steel, the 'fatter' bezel and the size just work more for me. I will hold out on a 305 until I can get the Bronzo.

Cheers all

red1108nyc · 8 January 2012, 04:24 AM

Tritium is very nice so my vote is for a 243 or an older 25 with T-dial for a nice pam sub!

7 January 2012, 05:14 AM	#1
MrTito "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK Watch: BLNR, JLC Deep Sea Posts: 164	Another which would you go for thread... So gentlemen, I've never liked these sort of threads as I've always thought people should make up their own minds and not rely on others....but..... I have circa £5,500 (give or take) to spend on a watch as my ten year gift from work. If I go Panerai then anything more than a very minor discount is unlikely, if I go IWC I can get 20% discount. I currently have: Rolex DSSD, PAM 113, PAM 351, IWC Aquatimer Cousteau (the current blue/white/black) and a Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono in blue. I like dive watches - I like big watches. I am considering the following: PAM 305 PAM 243 PAM 382 (if by a miracle someone has dropped off the list) PAM 312 (think too similar to my 351 but love the weight) IWC Portuguese Yacht Club in white So I'm not looking for answers, just some opinions and advice. I love my watches, but I'm not obsessed with movements. I'd just value lots of comments. Cheers

7 January 2012, 05:37 AM	#2
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	I love the dial of the 243 over the 305 and also I feel the 243 just fits better. The 305 is great mind you, but I just love the look of the 243. Also, the 243 is SS baby! You already have a Ti 351 (which is money btw). 243 also has the super easy 7750 to service. You can take it anywhere to service it, opposed to the 305. Maybe with the money left over you can get a Helson 45mm Bronze diver. __________________ member#3242

7 January 2012, 06:01 AM	#5
cbusjer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: JT Location: Columbus, Ohio Watch: Rolex 16220 DJ Posts: 208	Can I come work where you work? __________________ --Jer ____________________________________________ Rolex: 116710, 16220 Tudor: 7909 Panerai: 005G, 063C Omega: Aqua Terra, Constellation Pie Pan

7 January 2012, 11:20 AM	#7
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	I'm a 243 fan. Just wish they'd take off the date function. Might jump on one again if they did. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

8 January 2012, 02:21 AM	#10
leeye "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Lee Location: Singapore Watch: Too many...... Posts: 689	243 gets my vote over the 305. i favor stainless steel over titanium. __________________ Lee, Singapore - Shanghai Submersibles - PAM 64, 87, 187, 243, 382 Luminor - PAM 366, 367, 372, 390, 420 Radiomir - PAM 410

7 January 2012, 04:03 PM	#8
thsiao "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,213	Last year in July I was in the same dilemma as you, 243 or 305... ultimately went with the 305 and cannot be happier. The 47mm size is actually very wearable and comfortable! It doesn't even feel or look that big to be honest. I feel that the dial/bezel seems more proportional in the 305, in the 243 the dial just seems too small. Everything about the 305 is just plain sexy IMHO. A few photos of mine to persuade you a bit... And finally the 305 with its brother Bronzo.

8 January 2012, 01:07 AM	#9
jvo300 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 1,897	It came down to size for me. I chose 243 because I think it fits my 6.5 inch wrist better.

8 January 2012, 02:55 AM	#11
Rps 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Rav Location: Sacramento Watch: Too many to list Posts: 26	I agree

8 January 2012, 04:21 AM	#12
MrTito "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK Watch: BLNR, JLC Deep Sea Posts: 164	Thanks guys - especially for the stunning pics. I have decided, I think, to go with the 243, the weight of steel, the 'fatter' bezel and the size just work more for me. I will hold out on a 305 until I can get the Bronzo. Cheers all

8 January 2012, 04:24 AM	#13
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,500	Tritium is very nice so my vote is for a 243 or an older 25 with T-dial for a nice pam sub!

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