177 or 176, be great to have feedback

[scimps]

Hi all... Newbie is finally in touch with a recommended dealer at reasonable prices

As if narrowing down the options of all the different references wasn't enough - I've now got to decide on the intricacies within the individual references so I'm asking for help....

Sandwich or painted??
The 177 is g series painted
The 176 is sandwich (not sure which year)

I'm of the understanding both are discontinued as of 2014 to make way for the in-house movements and bigger cases to come...
Is it true the base (176) is more sought after? Is the base look with sandwich more of the original panerai style?
Is it true the painted g 177 is also special as then they went sandwich after this?

Its a first Pam purchase... There is a £500 differential... Which way would you go??

Thanks so much for taking the time

[terrywoods]

The g series of the 177 and 176 was the only year to feature a painted dial. It then went to a sandwich dial.

G is rarer only 500 units of the 177g ever made

[p_mcgee]

They are pretty similar-- I'd go with the less expensive one & use the money saved on some nice aftermarket straps.