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Old 18 August 2022, 07:22 AM   #1
funkright
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Icon5 Panerai or Grand Seiko...

Just can't decide

For comparison, the PAM I would be looking at is a 233 (I know, used and discontinued is the only option) and for the Grand Seiko (GMTs is what I am looking at) I do like this a fair bit, SBGJ255. Pics attached for reference, from the internet..

Anyone who owns both OR who has owned both. Why keep one over the other, if you could only keep one what might that be.

Previously, I have owned the Seiko MM SD600 (spring drive 600M diver) and an 88. Both were owned a decade ago.

Currently I have an 116710LN (GMT) and a formex field watch.

While I'd like to buy both, that's just not workable right now
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Old 18 August 2022, 07:24 AM   #2
epicurus
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what do you like? theyre both 2 completely different watches.
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Old 18 August 2022, 07:30 AM   #3
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I just had a similar decision to make between a PAM00335 and a GS SBGE275. I went with the GS since my PAM670 has a GMT function. I also did not have a GS in my collection and I wanted one. That was the deciding factor for me.
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Old 18 August 2022, 07:45 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by epicurus View Post
what do you like? theyre both 2 completely different watches.
GS's finishing is amazing, while the Panerai's simplicity (even on this multi-complication face) is equally as compelling (if that makes sense)
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Old 18 August 2022, 07:46 AM   #5
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From my perspective, I never thought I’d like Panerai, but once in hand, it’s striking how beautiful and well made they are - the 233 is a great choice.

The biggest standout for me is that they look like no other watch, completely unique on the wrist and in my opinion, gorgeous timepieces. The size works with most wrists, they wear comfortably and have a great history.

Dipped my toe in with the Panerai 510, and was blown away by the 1950's case and style of the Panerai 422.

An absolutely unique looking watch with a pedigree all its own.
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:33 AM   #6
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This is kinda like asking, do you want a Hamburger or Spaghetti for dinner...
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:33 AM   #7
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Quote:
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The biggest standout for me is that they look like no other watch, completely unique on the wrist and in my opinion, gorgeous timepieces. The size works with most wrists, they wear comfortably and have a great history
The above is true, it definitely doesn't pretend to be another brand of watch, nor aspire to follow in another's footsteps
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:35 AM   #8
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Quote:
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The above is true, it definitely doesn't pretend to be another brand of watch, nor aspire to follow in another's footsteps
Hahaha, I have a box full of watches that look fairly similar, then there's Panerai...
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:38 AM   #9
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If you’re coming from Rolex, the GS will wear similarly if that’s at all a consideration

I like both, but if you want something that’s a bit different in terms of aesthetics, it’s hard to ignore the PAM
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
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If you’re coming from Rolex, the GS will wear similarly if that’s at all a consideration

I like both, but if you want something that’s a bit different in terms of aesthetics, it’s hard to ignore the PAM
Flash a pic of that 690 and end the debate.....
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:48 AM   #11
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Flash a pic of that 690 and end the debate.....


20210130_115914.jpg

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Old 18 August 2022, 08:53 AM   #12
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Quote:
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Attachment 1312947

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.....sheesh...I blacked out again! So nice!!!!
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Old 18 August 2022, 08:55 AM   #13
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.....sheesh...I blacked out again! So nice!!!!
Thank you my friend
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Old 18 August 2022, 09:20 AM   #14
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This is kinda like asking, do you want a Hamburger or Spaghetti for dinner...
Some of us are unable to have both the hamburger and the spaghetti at the same time, so we have to chose... I guess I could, but then I would have another scenario that would cost me a lot more money

Being that I still have to live by the adage 'happy wife happy life...'
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Old 18 August 2022, 12:40 PM   #15
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I own and love both brands, you will not be disappointed in the quality of either. The Panerai is “less like” your Rolex LN GMT and if that’s a factor for you I would go for the Panerai. That said the GS is a beaut and I like that you have chosen a light dial, which would distinguish it from your LN. Can’t go wrong with either.


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Old 18 August 2022, 02:12 PM   #16
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I thoroughly enjoy both my Panerai and Grand Seiko. I appreciate different things about each of them. Generally speaking, the GS tends to get worn more at work or special occasions.

If you have to choose, the 233 will be more different and give you many different looks with straps. That’s why I bought my Panerai in 2011 to compliment my Rolex. The GS followed in 2019.


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Old 18 August 2022, 02:43 PM   #17
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Panerai all the way.
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Old 18 August 2022, 04:03 PM   #18
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Panerai looks more sporty, and Grand Seiko seems to be elegant and refined.......I would strap on the GS from Monday to Friday, and to a business trip......for the Panerai, I would wear it on the weekends to tone it down a bit and bring it anywhere on a vacation trip

Take your pick, you can't go wrong on either to pair with your Rolex
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Old 18 August 2022, 05:44 PM   #19
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since you have rolex, panerai is a welcome change

i always reach for my pams more than my regular sized watches
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Old 18 August 2022, 09:10 PM   #20
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I am a fan of both brands but tend to get lost in all of the offerings Grand Seiko has. I own the 233 dot and it is my favorite watch right now other than my Seiko Willard, SLA033. That says a lot because I also own 15 Rolex watches including both SS Daytona's, a Pepsi/Batman and three Sky-Dwellers. When I owned Grand Seiko, outside the dive watches, the bracelet was never quit right for me. No micro adjustment. I would source the 233 and a few straps and go on with it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
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Old 18 August 2022, 09:26 PM   #21
1st amg
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Between the two, without a doubt the 233....It has its own DNA and nothing looks like it.
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Old 19 August 2022, 01:16 AM   #22
Dan2010
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Panerai, no question.
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Old 19 August 2022, 04:07 AM   #23
rootbeer7
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Panerai every day. Had a 233 & 390 now have a 112 & tritium 024. Nothing like them. Would take a 233 over a GS any day.
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Old 19 August 2022, 05:33 AM   #24
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233

One of the best from Panerai .
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Old 19 August 2022, 11:39 AM   #25
juve
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Panerai
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Old 19 August 2022, 11:48 AM   #26
Coffes4closers
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The 233 gives extreme bang for your buck when we’re talking complications, style, power reserve, quick strap change, durability, etc. I have a pretty stout collection at this point (AP, VC, Pm/SS Rolex, Tudor, etc.) and my 233 gets more wrist time than any other single piece hands down. Also with panerai, I feel like it fills this niche where it’s unique enough that only watch people will notice or appreciate it, so it’s still distinctive when you want it to be, but under the radar and not flashy when you don’t want the bling. Get the Pam and call it a day. Panerai and Rolex conpliment each other beautifully in a collection.
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Old 19 August 2022, 10:05 PM   #27
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Quality wise it is a no brainer but the PAM looks nice enough to think twice
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Old 19 August 2022, 10:30 PM   #28
travisb
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Love what GS puts out but I’m taking the 233. One of PAMs best.
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Old 20 August 2022, 04:42 AM   #29
epicurus
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Quote:
Originally Posted by funkright View Post
GS's finishing is amazing, while the Panerai's simplicity (even on this multi-complication face) is equally as compelling (if that makes sense)
it only has to make sense to you. Its easy to see both watches in the flesh. Go try them on. You'll know then to go for the Panerai. ;)
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Old 21 August 2022, 05:12 PM   #30
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Panerai has more personality. GS is nice but I am not sold on spring drive and the design is plain.


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