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100thmonkey · 16 October 2009, 09:21 PM

Most people have a little celebration at reaching 1000 posts but I thought Id break the chain and do something for my 900th Post. I had embarked on a journey with Panerai and entered into a world of debate about which is what and why and where for etc but a debate or piece of research that fancinated me was the debate over the Panerai PAM 190 & The Panerai PAM 232.
To the best of my knowledge no one has actually done an outright review or comparison, there are numerous pages and pages of ‘opinions’ but 2 types of people make most. They either form the opinion on what they have read or seen or they base their opinion on owning one of the two pieces. Now some have actually owned both and traded one for the other but in the process of doing so failed to share the information in a photographic and comparison form.
Now before we start I have to make a disclaimer type statement,
“Both these watches are absolutely amazing”
But throughout reading this you may draw a positive or negative and assume that one or the other is not that good. You can read my conclusion at the end. But for now grab a coffee and enjoy the pictures and my ramblings.
Statistics

Packaging

232 Packs a 30cmx30cm box compared to the 23cmx23cm 190, this is due to the addition of the scroll, booklet, locking key case and SE goodies that come with the 232. It is worth noting that the lid is heavy and the hinges can rip from the wood but are easily repaired with some wood glue or filler.

The Watches

The two watches vary in width, whilst the 190 is 45mm its thicker case which house the exhibition back and JLC feels just as substantial. The 45mm case size is more wearable in general as you do need a larger wrist to pull off a 47mm, that said the 47mm sits lower and flatter!

The sheer pleasure of winding the 190 with its butter smooth action and watching the rear mounted power reserve register is a pleasure, then simply pop it on ones wrist and forget about it for a week. The 232 houses the Panerai X movement, solid and reliable but no where near the JLC, which exceeds the standards required for a COSC so doesn’t bother to certificate itself as after over a 1000 hours of testing it is more accurate than the standard required by COSC.

The 232 is more traditional, more pure and clean it has a 3,6,9, & 12 whereas the 190 delivers a smooth flowing gold second hand and the unique ‘8 Days’ inscription. Inside the 190 has the superior movement and its placing in Panerai history is cemented after they discontinued the model in 2006. In the secondhand arena the 190 does not appear as often as the 232, the 190 is a piece that once people own it they don’t sell (unless they have 2!!!) The 232 is a little more transient as all the SE pieces tend to be as some buyers have purchased them because they are SE and an investment and not for the right reasons.

What really makes both models stand out from anything else in the Panerai / Radiomir stable is the addition of the gold hands that only appear on higher end and SE models, these just glint by day and glow by night and make both models very striking and instantly noticeable.

The 190 has a black dial compared to the 232 and its more vintage brown dial, the brown and black is very close in look but the brown dial can be more pleasing to the eye in certain light conditions whereas the clean black dial is sharper and more dressy with the Panerai Black Crocodile Strap.

Its hard to decide isn’t it, seeing them side by side theres not a lot in it, you find yourself justifying each of the componant parts, you know the 190 is better quality but the 232 is historic, you know the 232 is 47mm and you cant wear it everyday but it has a solid case back, as I said at the start one is not better than the other and no matter which you choose you will be 100% satisfied.

Conclusion
Joint 1st in my eyes, the deciding factor has to be the buyer, can your wrist take it, do you want pure or practical, they both deliver if like me you cant decide there is only one option………Own Both!

Carlo Miguel · 16 October 2009, 11:12 PM

If you can't beat em'...........buy them both!!!

forza1976 · 17 October 2009, 12:30 AM

I agree with Carlo.... Those are both two great looking watches... I'd have a tough time deciding between the two!

louie · 17 October 2009, 02:05 AM

both are great watches! but my heart leans more to 190!!

Trurolexer · 22 October 2009, 12:31 AM

My choice is 232 then 190 after that 249.

100thmonkey · 22 April 2010, 03:42 PM

Thanks guys I hope this was useful

Speed · 22 April 2010, 04:23 PM

Wow...these photos are obscenely nice!!

Well done

sushisummo · 22 April 2010, 04:38 PM

fantastic.

Psmith · 22 April 2010, 08:01 PM

Great pics

If I had to choose I'd probably go for the 190. Then again...

Cheers

niels74 · 22 April 2010, 11:13 PM

nicely done ..!!! 232 for me in this case ..

sphereman · 23 April 2010, 12:03 AM

a great review. Thanks!

for me, 232 is for casual wears, 290 for the suits.

mfer · 23 April 2010, 12:42 AM

*sigh*......................190

minor mistake, but you said 190 has an auto movement.

A1000 · 23 April 2010, 04:14 AM

Great comparison and love the pictures.

Keith48 · 24 April 2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfer

*sigh*......................190

minor mistake, but you said 190 has an auto movement.

190 have auto movement for 8 days after a full wind.

Mine still in it 1st cycle of full wind, got it 6 days again.

paverman · 26 April 2010, 01:05 PM

Great review. 190 is my choice.

TswaneNguni · 26 April 2010, 01:16 PM

The 232 and 190 are two of the best Radiomirs EVER !!

Love the size of the 232,love the case height ofthe 190 .........both brilliant !!

Great post !!!

gmtobsessed · 29 April 2010, 01:51 AM

Awesome review!

232 for me!

Chye · 5 May 2010, 04:34 PM

Had the 232 and the 190, and I decided to keep the 190. The 232's now gone but no regrets... the 190's winding is a real wonder!

louie · 6 May 2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chye

Had the 232 and the 190, and I decided to keep the 190. The 232's now gone but no regrets... the 190's winding is a real wonder!

chye you frm sg?

hennabav · 13 May 2010, 01:49 PM

I kinda like the 190. I would love to have the 127 in 44 mm though. I have a small wrist, so I can't pull off the 47mm. Does anyone have problems pulling this off??

dalip · 14 May 2010, 12:52 AM

Great side by side! Love the 190 .... Well I do now!

Borg · 14 May 2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hennabav

I kinda like the 190. I would love to have the 127 in 44 mm though. I have a small wrist, so I can't pull off the 47mm. Does anyone have problems pulling this off??

I have a small wrist, you'd be surprised...I have no problem with 47mm looks and feels great...didn't take no time to get used to... looooove it !

Nacelle · 17 November 2010, 01:05 AM

Thought I'd bump this.....nicely done for those who don't know much about the 190 and 232....beautiful pictures as well!!!

I have the 190 and it is a great piece...

fc3s2k · 17 November 2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100thmonkey

Thanks guys I hope this was useful

Very helpful!! Thanks

Shade · 18 November 2010, 01:51 AM

Thans for sharing man.. I already decided I wanted a 190!

ocwatching · 18 November 2010, 02:07 AM

this was a great read back then and I am glad it got bumped..
I read this and tried on the 232 and the 190...the article was very helpful...

my choice (just like the OP stated...wrist size and movement did it for me)

karmatp · 18 November 2010, 06:29 AM

Great post, seems like I missed it when it was first posted in 09. Thanks for the bump guys, I personally love them both.

skyedog · 3 November 2011, 02:32 AM

love the 190

ocwatching · 3 November 2011, 03:21 AM

thanks for the bump!

mfer · 3 November 2011, 06:18 AM

1 down, 1 to go!

To bad it won't happen this year for me.

16 October 2009, 09:21 PM	#1
100thmonkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: The Major Location: Surrey, UK Watch: All Are Beautiful Posts: 355	Pam 190 Vs 232 - The Big Debate / Review Most people have a little celebration at reaching 1000 posts but I thought Id break the chain and do something for my 900th Post. I had embarked on a journey with Panerai and entered into a world of debate about which is what and why and where for etc but a debate or piece of research that fancinated me was the debate over the Panerai PAM 190 & The Panerai PAM 232. To the best of my knowledge no one has actually done an outright review or comparison, there are numerous pages and pages of ‘opinions’ but 2 types of people make most. They either form the opinion on what they have read or seen or they base their opinion on owning one of the two pieces. Now some have actually owned both and traded one for the other but in the process of doing so failed to share the information in a photographic and comparison form. Now before we start I have to make a disclaimer type statement, “Both these watches are absolutely amazing” But throughout reading this you may draw a positive or negative and assume that one or the other is not that good. You can read my conclusion at the end. But for now grab a coffee and enjoy the pictures and my ramblings. Statistics Packaging 232 Packs a 30cmx30cm box compared to the 23cmx23cm 190, this is due to the addition of the scroll, booklet, locking key case and SE goodies that come with the 232. It is worth noting that the lid is heavy and the hinges can rip from the wood but are easily repaired with some wood glue or filler. The Watches The two watches vary in width, whilst the 190 is 45mm its thicker case which house the exhibition back and JLC feels just as substantial. The 45mm case size is more wearable in general as you do need a larger wrist to pull off a 47mm, that said the 47mm sits lower and flatter! The sheer pleasure of winding the 190 with its butter smooth action and watching the rear mounted power reserve register is a pleasure, then simply pop it on ones wrist and forget about it for a week. The 232 houses the Panerai X movement, solid and reliable but no where near the JLC, which exceeds the standards required for a COSC so doesn’t bother to certificate itself as after over a 1000 hours of testing it is more accurate than the standard required by COSC. The 232 is more traditional, more pure and clean it has a 3,6,9, & 12 whereas the 190 delivers a smooth flowing gold second hand and the unique ‘8 Days’ inscription. Inside the 190 has the superior movement and its placing in Panerai history is cemented after they discontinued the model in 2006. In the secondhand arena the 190 does not appear as often as the 232, the 190 is a piece that once people own it they don’t sell (unless they have 2!!!) The 232 is a little more transient as all the SE pieces tend to be as some buyers have purchased them because they are SE and an investment and not for the right reasons. What really makes both models stand out from anything else in the Panerai / Radiomir stable is the addition of the gold hands that only appear on higher end and SE models, these just glint by day and glow by night and make both models very striking and instantly noticeable. The 190 has a black dial compared to the 232 and its more vintage brown dial, the brown and black is very close in look but the brown dial can be more pleasing to the eye in certain light conditions whereas the clean black dial is sharper and more dressy with the Panerai Black Crocodile Strap. Its hard to decide isn’t it, seeing them side by side theres not a lot in it, you find yourself justifying each of the componant parts, you know the 190 is better quality but the 232 is historic, you know the 232 is 47mm and you cant wear it everyday but it has a solid case back, as I said at the start one is not better than the other and no matter which you choose you will be 100% satisfied. Conclusion Joint 1st in my eyes, the deciding factor has to be the buyer, can your wrist take it, do you want pure or practical, they both deliver if like me you cant decide there is only one option………Own Both!

17 October 2009, 12:30 AM	#3
forza1976 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: matt Location: Denver Posts: 608	I agree with Carlo.... Those are both two great looking watches... I'd have a tough time deciding between the two! __________________ Current Collection Rolex SS Daytona WD IWC Big Pilot PAM Black Seal 183 Omega SS Triple Date TW Steel CEO

17 October 2009, 02:05 AM	#4
louie "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Lewis Location: Earth Watch: The Beast Posts: 1,352	both are great watches! but my heart leans more to 190!! __________________ " I THINK PERFECTION IS UGLY. SOMEWHERE IN THE THINGS HUMANS MAKE, I WANT TO SEE SCARS, FAILURE, DISORDER AND DISTORTION" - YOHJI YAMAMOTO

22 April 2010, 04:38 PM	#8
sushisummo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: JT Location: in a house....:) Watch: Hmmm......? Posts: 1,776	fantastic. __________________ Collections: -- R-O-L-E-X --AP-ROO -- P-A-N-E-R-A-I -- B-R-E-G-U-E-T -- I-W-C -- B-A-L-L -- O-T-H-E-R-S WISHLIST: Too many to list...... Member #23367

22 April 2010, 08:01 PM	#9
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Great pics If I had to choose I'd probably go for the 190. Then again... Cheers __________________

16 October 2009, 11:12 PM	#2
Carlo Miguel Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Carlo Location: Philippines Watch: Rolex Daytona Posts: 444	If you can't beat em'...........buy them both!!!

22 October 2009, 12:31 AM	#5
Trurolexer Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Watch: 5513MaxiI+PreComex Posts: 18,421	My choice is 232 then 190 after that 249.

22 April 2010, 03:42 PM	#6
100thmonkey "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: The Major Location: Surrey, UK Watch: All Are Beautiful Posts: 355	Thanks guys I hope this was useful

22 April 2010, 04:23 PM	#7
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	Wow...these photos are obscenely nice!! Well done

22 April 2010, 11:13 PM	#10
niels74 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Siberia,yes it is Posts: 640	nicely done ..!!! 232 for me in this case ..

23 April 2010, 12:03 AM	#11
sphereman "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 980	a great review. Thanks! for me, 232 is for casual wears, 290 for the suits. __________________ 2023 Watch Collection Panerai: 249 California, 232, 390 Rolex: Starbucks Tudor: Blue Pelagos

23 April 2010, 12:42 AM	#12
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	sigh......................190 minor mistake, but you said 190 has an auto movement.

23 April 2010, 04:14 AM	#13
A1000 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Adrian Location: UK Posts: 953	Great comparison and love the pictures. __________________ Rolex 16610LV (2007) PAM 312K (2009) PAM 292K (2009)

26 April 2010, 01:05 PM	#15
paverman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Ken Location: Illinois Watch: Too many Posts: 2,869	Great review. 190 is my choice.

26 April 2010, 01:16 PM	#16
TswaneNguni "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: . Watch: Daytonas/Subs/GMTs Posts: 12,608	The 232 and 190 are two of the best Radiomirs EVER !! Love the size of the 232,love the case height ofthe 190 .........both brilliant !! Great post !!!

29 April 2010, 01:51 AM	#17
gmtobsessed "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indonesia Posts: 1,356	Awesome review! 232 for me!

5 May 2010, 04:34 PM	#18
Chye "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Little red dot Posts: 34	Had the 232 and the 190, and I decided to keep the 190. The 232's now gone but no regrets... the 190's winding is a real wonder!

13 May 2010, 01:49 PM	#20
hennabav Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jon Location: New England Watch: --Rolex-- Posts: 2,391	I kinda like the 190. I would love to have the 127 in 44 mm though. I have a small wrist, so I can't pull off the 47mm. Does anyone have problems pulling this off??

14 May 2010, 12:52 AM	#21
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	Great side by side! Love the 190 .... Well I do now! __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

17 November 2010, 01:05 AM	#23
Nacelle "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cascadia Posts: 300	Thought I'd bump this.....nicely done for those who don't know much about the 190 and 232....beautiful pictures as well!!! I have the 190 and it is a great piece...

18 November 2010, 01:51 AM	#25
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thans for sharing man.. I already decided I wanted a 190! __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

18 November 2010, 02:07 AM	#26
ocwatching "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Phil Location: CA Posts: 5,372	this was a great read back then and I am glad it got bumped.. I read this and tried on the 232 and the 190...the article was very helpful... my choice (just like the OP stated...wrist size and movement did it for me) __________________ too much into watches...

18 November 2010, 06:29 AM	#27
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	Great post, seems like I missed it when it was first posted in 09. Thanks for the bump guys, I personally love them both. __________________ My grails:

3 November 2011, 02:32 AM	#28
skyedog "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Joey Location: around the Bay Watch: ing TRF Posts: 1,942	love the 190

3 November 2011, 03:21 AM	#29
ocwatching "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Phil Location: CA Posts: 5,372	thanks for the bump! __________________ too much into watches...

3 November 2011, 06:18 AM	#30
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	1 down, 1 to go! To bad it won't happen this year for me. __________________ member#3242

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