Seeking Advice Pam 388 or 287

[binarycache]

I've narrowed my first PAM down to a Radiomir 388 or 287. I really desire the date function so the main reason I'm only considering these two. I like the idea of non-in-house movement of the 287, but don't care for the cyclops and sausage dial. I prefer the sandwich dial with no-cyclops, but not as sold on the P.9000 movement. Both watches I'm considering are pre-owned and comparable in price.

Personal ideas/opinions greatly appreciated...

[Cru Jones]

If the thickness of the 388 is okay for you, I'd take that one, as the sandwich dial on a Radiomir feels right to me. Also, as much as I don't mind the date bubble on my Luminor (164), it seems a little off to me on a Radiomir. Lastly, the P.9000 has been around for awhile now, so I don't think you need to worry about it.

It's interesting that these two are comparable in price, as I would have thought the 388 would be priced a bit more. Good luck with your choice!

[nick c]

I like the Pam 388 more, good luck with your choice

[1William]

I have owned several 287's over the years and prefer them to the 388. To me the 287 wears better.

[Vbmrk]

I went through this exact dilemma about 3 years ago. Wanted the 388 but the 287 had a very similar look and could be had for about 1-1.5k less. I reached out to some sellers on both models but couldn't find either at a price I could live with. Then I spoke to a few radiomir owners and they all were telling me how much more of a pain it is to change straps on the wire lug rads vs traditional lugs. That changed my thinking altogether. I finally ended up getting a good deal on a 514 that has been in my collection since.
However I will say, go with the model you like most. If you go for the one that you tell yourself is better for your wallet you'll always think of the one you really wanted when you look at your wrist.

[binarycache]

Originally Posted by Vbmrk

If you go for the one that you tell yourself is better for your wallet you'll always think of the one you really wanted when you look at your wrist.

Agreed! If $ was the deciding factor I'd go with one of the many non-date versions that are about a Grand less. I actually love the look better, but I rely on date many times during the day and know I won't be happy.

[Vbmrk]

Originally Posted by binarycache

Agreed! If $ was the deciding factor I'd go with one of the many non-date versions that are about a Grand less. I actually love the look better, but I rely on date many times during the day and know I won't be happy.

This was my issue too. I wanted date with seconds @9 and I wanted a rad. When I heard how troublesome changing straps were on wire lug rads vs normal lug both the 388/287 came off the list.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Vbmrk

However I will say, go with the model you like most. If you go for the one that you tell yourself is better for your wallet you'll always think of the one you really wanted when you look at your wrist.

I much prefer the look of the 388 but the above is spot on. Good luck

[Minimalist]

Out of the two I'd also go with the 388, for me it's the overall nicer watch.

[Trog]

Never liked the cyclops on Panerai watches, regardless of the case style. For my money, it's the 388 all the way....and don't wory about changing straps on a Rad, once you've done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.

[jsg]

388 gets my vote.

[Sublovin]

That's a tough one. If you feel you like them equally, get the better deal.

[Vbmrk]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I much prefer the look of the 388 but the above is spot on. Good luck

Between the 388 and 287, it's gotta be the 388 hands down in my book.
Just a much classier looking pam all around.