Help Understanding the 233

[wmh2]

I am fairly new to Panerai, and certainly have the bug. My first two pieces in the last year are a 111 and 388, as I wanted a Luminor and Radiomir. I am ready to add a historic piece which will likely be a 372. However, the more I explore the more I am drawn to the 233.

With all the talk about base, clean dials, and a general less is more appeal - why does the 233 seem to overcome the desire for simplicity, and be so well received by many of the aficionados on here?

I am leaning towards the 233, and would just like more thoughts on why this piece fits into a collection.

Thanks,
Will

[One Ping Only]

My friend Travelller has a great post here:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=252365

[EddieB]

You won't regret it. I believe it to be the perfect modern Panerai. IMO it has at least as good, if not better wrist presence than the 372. I personally think the base model dials are a little sparse for me and the 233 has perfect balance and useful complications. Add in the 8-day movement, domed crystal, quick change strap changing, and awesome OEM straps and it is hard to argue with, especially if you buy one gently used.

I got pre-owned from DavidSW and haven't looked back since. I tried on the 372 and 233 back to back and it was no contest. Also, don't overlook the am/pm dial, which I personally prefer over the universally acclaimed dot. Just looks more balanced to my eye.

The only reason I would sell would be to get an AP,
and I would have to really think about that. Travelller and I have both referred to the 233 as "Goldilocks," which is exactly what it is.

[Cru Jones]

For me, it's not 233 or 372, it's 233 and 372.....two of the better PAMs and both equally awesome and very different.

[wmh2]

Thanks so much for the info. Time for a 233! Thanks again.

[RUpanerai]

It has devilish good looks, while being rather complicated with the GMT and PR indicators. After owning over 50 Panerais the 233 is one I have purchased time and time again and still love it each time I have it.

[p_mcgee]

The domed sapphire crystal is the main attraction IMO. The useful 8 day & GMT complications are added bonuses. Only problem is that once I got my 233, I lost interest in other Panerais (except the new 564 titanio).

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

My friend Travelller has a great post...

Thx mate Actually, if you Google "officine panerai 233" you'll get the comprehensive edition...

Originally Posted by wmh2

Thanks so much for the info. Time for a 233! Thanks again.

You will not regret it, but please do try one on if possible and at the same time a classic (non-1950) Luminor case, like the 000 / 111 / etc. and a 2nd-gen 1950 like the 372. That way you'll be 100% sure

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

For me, it's not 233 or 372, it's 233 and 372...

Yes, two PAMs are often better than one, so long as one is a 233

[thsiao]

The 233 is THE ultimate PAM in my books... dome crystal, 8 day power reserve, sandwich dial, open caseback... I mean, what's there NOT to love???

[lapince]

The 233 is my first pam, it has an incredible presence on the wrist, but I always hide the GMT hand behind the hours hand, makes the dial too busy for me if you see it, it's pamerai's first inhouse movement, crystal dome, 8 days, with a few straps it's for me the Pam to have if you can have only one, saying that i got hooked and bought 2 more, but not 1950's, anyways I went for discontinued models, my 233 is the dot dial, and the 2 others are limited editions, I can say just one thing, go for it if you can, it's an amazing watch, probably the one which gets the most wrist time here...