First PAM Advice (1351 Vs 233)

[Dlhanson]

Torn between a 1351 and a 233 (am/pm), looking for advice or any pros/cons I have not thought of.

Ignoring slight difference in price, they both have the following I am looking for: Sandwich dial, date, 44mm, sapphire caseback, many strap color options especially for the 233. Watch will be worn daily from the beach to the occasional suit setting.

1351: impartial to the Ti case (I think...), really like the contrast and pop of the gold hands and blue seconds dial. Without seeing one in person, I like the idea of the tabacco dial, not sure if it really gives a vintage vibe IRL though which is what draws me to it. I have seen some pics online where the dial can look somewhat flat and muted.

233: Appreciate the manual wind and reallyyyyyyy like the domed crystal and dial layout with the PR. Not sure if I would regret not going with something with more color to it, or if the domed crystal more than makes up for that.

Any insights/considerations would be greatly appreciated, other watches are a 116710LN, Tudor 79830, and will be selling my 79230N to cover some of the PAM.

Thanks in advance!

[shammad10]

The 233 seems to be one of the most desirable and sought after modern Panerais. I really love the aesthetic and if you can get one with a 'dot dial' then you're onto an absolute winner!

[Sephiroth]

233 dot no doubt about it - for me. See them in person if you can as that’s the only way to know what your preference.

[Dlhanson]

Noob question, aside from aesthetics, is there any other draw towards the dot dial?

[arnage]

not particularly; fewer were made, so it should be rarer. as it only spanned 3 reference years (i, j, and k -- if I remember correctly)

[Joearch]

233 is so classic. I would say more timeless than the 1351. I prefer the am/pm version for both visual and technical reasons.

[thsiao]

233 all the way.

[unofficial]

233 no brainer

[1William]

The 233 is a classic watch for Panerai. I own the Dot dial version and could not be more pleased with it. As far as the lack of color on the 233 you have a huge opportunity to utilize various straps to bring that in if you should so desire. There is a significant price difference between the two models but that will be given back to you when it is time to sell or trade. Go with the 233, it is not even close, to me.

[tedo]

Domed crystal is must for me, so the 233 in this case. One of the main reasons I purchased this one and let some others go.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by tedo

Domed crystal is must for me, so the 233 in this case. One of the main reasons I purchased this one and let some others go.

Well ya

[mg18]

233 all day.

[emtee]

Originally Posted by mg18

233 all day.

and twice on Sunday

[Dlhanson]

Appreciate all the input, I think a 233 is the way to go! I have never used Chrono24, any hesitations in buying from a professional dealer with ~1,000 4.9 star reviews? I feel fairly confident with the sites buyer protection and 14-day return policy as I would have it authenticated once received. Watch in question does come with B&P as well.

[arnage]

Originally Posted by Dlhanson

Appreciate all the input, I think a 233 is the way to go! I have never used Chrono24, any hesitations in buying from a professional dealer with ~1,000 4.9 star reviews? I feel fairly confident with the sites buyer protection and 14-day return policy as I would have it authenticated once received. Watch in question does come with B&P as well.

there's likely very little reason to be fearful of a "replica" when it comes to the 233. the long power reserve, dot dial (or am/pm) mechanism, etc, make it such that this model isn't replicated much, if at all.

[mailman]

233

[JDsnewwatch]

Originally Posted by Dlhanson

Noob question, aside from aesthetics, is there any other draw towards the dot dial?

Yes, the 233 (love that dot) is an in-house movement. Panerai is notorious for using eta movements in their watches which is why there are 5000 counterfeit ones for each authentic one. The 233 is NOT an eta movement. It's a finished movement showing the best that Paneri can do.

Also, as time moved on, Panerai stopped offering watches with hacking seconds. The 233 has it.

[Dlhanson]

Greatly appreciate all the feedback, I ended up grabbing a 233 (am/pm). Watch should be here in a week or so, will post pics when it arrives. Thanks again for the input, really looking forward to receiving this!!

[Stephe]

I love both watches but I’d go with the 233. It has a good look that I like.

[Joearch]

Congratulations on your 233.you will really enjoy it. Great strap variety!

[1William]

Originally Posted by Dlhanson

Greatly appreciate all the feedback, I ended up grabbing a 233 (am/pm). Watch should be here in a week or so, will post pics when it arrives. Thanks again for the input, really looking forward to receiving this!!

Congratulations. Great watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dlhanson

Greatly appreciate all the feedback, I ended up grabbing a 233 (am/pm). Watch should be here in a week or so, will post pics when it arrives. Thanks again for the input, really looking forward to receiving this!!

Congratulations please up date this thread with the wrist shot(s)

[00st]

Big congrats, I’m sure you made the right choice.

[Zyfon]

Originally Posted by Dlhanson

Greatly appreciate all the feedback, I ended up grabbing a 233 (am/pm). Watch should be here in a week or so, will post pics when it arrives. Thanks again for the input, really looking forward to receiving this!!

Congrats on the great choice. The 233 has been my daily for the past 5 or so years and still is my favorite Pam.

Post some pics once it arrives.

[Dlhanson]

Big thanks to everyone who absolutely steered me in the right direction, this watch is beautiful and exactly what I was looking for. I searched the serial number on the Panerai db and everything seems to check out, I have included a shot of the warranty (I'm assuming these did not come with physical cards??) as well as a shot of the movement, I feel quite confident about the authenticity but appreciate anyone who can help further put my mind at ease. Thanks again for all the input, I can already tell this is going to get a lot of wear!

[pendlepants]

congratulations! beautiful watch. re: authenticity, I've got the 233 dot dial and the pictures you posted look the same as mine does minus the detail on the dial. hope you enjoy it for years to come!

[Sephiroth]

Congrats! That’s a heck of a first PAM!

[Bug04]

Congratulations, 233 is really fantastic and as mentioned above among the best modern Panerai

[thetinkercompanies]

Both the Panerai PAM 1351 and PAM 233 are great watches with their own unique features. Here are some factors you might want to consider:

Design:

PAM 1351: This watch has a titanium case which makes it lightweight and durable. The blue seconds dial and gold hands provide a nice contrast against the tobacco dial. The sandwich dial design gives depth to the dial, and the vintage-inspired design is a plus.
PAM 233: This watch has a more classic look with its domed crystal and PR indicator. It has a stainless steel case which is heavier and more traditional. The black dial is elegant and versatile, making it suitable for any occasion.
Functionality:

PAM 1351: This watch has an automatic movement, making it more convenient if you don't want to wind it every day. It also has a date function which is useful for daily wear.
PAM 233: This watch has a manual wind movement, which some enthusiasts prefer as it provides a more traditional feel. The AM/PM indicator is also a unique feature which can be useful if you frequently travel to different time zones.
Strap Options:

PAM 1351: This watch has a wide range of strap options available, including leather, rubber, and NATO. The titanium case also pairs well with different strap colors and materials.
PAM 233: This watch also has a range of strap options available, including leather and rubber. However, the stainless steel case may limit your options compared to the titanium case of the PAM 1351.
Overall, both watches have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the decision comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a more unique and vintage-inspired design, the PAM 1351 may be the way to go. If you prefer a classic look with a special feature like the AM/PM indicator, the PAM 233 may be more suitable.