Panerai 233 Question/Opinion?

[lindstd]

I am thinking about trading/selling my Rolex Sub C or an IWC Portuguese Auto or Panerai 233. I love the look of the Panerai's and I am looking for the right Panerai to fit the best on my wrist. I like the idea of the 233 for the obvious reasons but I like the idea of the domed shape and the fact that it sits lower on the wrist. I am wondering if anyone could give some advice on this model or maybe any other Panerai that would have the feel of fitting a little "smaller on the wrist." With so many watches in their lineup I am struggling to determine if any of these other models are domed shape and have the same feel. Thanks in advance for any help. Any opinions on the IWC to the Panerai 233 would be helpful as well. I understand they are very different watches but I am looking for advice. Thanks!

[HDHNTER]

I would love to own a 233, awesome piece. Would I flip my Sub-C for one, I gave it some serious thought but decided against it since I already have the 312. Have you had an opportunity to try any PAM's on?

[nauticajoe]

Tough one. Both awesome choices. If I had to choose, I'd probably lean more towards the 233 (I prefer the dot dial). IMO, it's the best PAM out there pound for pound.

[walds11]

If the 233 is within your budget, go for it. It's all I could ever want in a Panerai...brushed 1950 case, sandwich dial, domed crystal, manual 8 days movement, linear power reserve, date function w/o cyclops, etc...The case is thinner than other 1950 cased models, ie the 351. When you factor in the domed crystal, the 233 is about the same thickness overall as other 1950 cased models, but it definitely wears and appears smaller on the wrist.

[ocwatching]

the 233 is an modern icon in the panerai line...and yes, the manual wound 8day movement allows it to sit lower on the wrist..
but the dome will make it wear bigger...but that dome is a beauty...
good luck!

Have you look into the Rads?

[p_mcgee]

I considered the 233 but with the big dome and the big crown protector it felt a little thick & blocky when I tried it on at the boutique. Not to mention it was a little more than I wanted to spend....for that amount I'm probably in AP range.

I had more success with the Luminor case than the 1950s case. Ended up with a titanium model (177), pretty much the thinnest & lightest you can get at 44mm. No date, but it hasn't been an issue so far. I switch off between that and my SubC and frankly the Panerai is more comfortable.

[cwilson13]

I added a 233 recently and love it. Also own the IWC Port Auto and wont give it for for anything at the moment. Both watches can be dresses up or down. I would give up the Sub C before the IWC but I am probably in the minority around here.

[bcacncnc]

I think a stainless steel sports watch, a cool weekend fun watch and a classic dress watch is the best collection / combo to have. If you can afford all three, then a Pam would be a perfect addition, and the 233 is a great choice. otherwise if money is a factor, then "downgrade" from the 233 to one of the base models, 111, 112, 000, 176, etc. You'll have just as much fun with it. Good luck.

[kilyung]

To be honest, if you wear your Sub and Port regularly I'd keep them and save for the 233.

[Rollie2011]

Originally Posted by kilyung

To be honest, if you wear your Sub and Port regularly I'd keep them and save for the 233.

+1

I love my Sub-c and would love to have a Portuguese...

I love my new PAM 104 but honestly would take either of those two over it

[whizz]

Keep the SubC, as I love my one.. I have a Pam 111 and it tells everything about a panerai..I would not spend that much amount of money buying a panerai, would go for an AP or SS daytona..

[MikeJaye]

I've owned multiple Pam's in the past and the Pam 233 is definitely the best out of thee bunch for me. Admittedly it's also the most expensive but in my eyes worth it as it is a big step up from the 112 and even the 312. My wrist are a tad under 6.5inches and I find the 233 very comfortable. Much more so than the 312 as the case is a lot slimmer and lighter due to the manual wind movement.

Having said that it's not an everyday watch. I hardly ever wear it to work as it is very tight under shirt cuffs. I also never wear it out when I'm out on the town with the lads as I'm bound to knock it against something. For me it's more of a casual weekend watch...dress it down on a dark leather strap sort of style.

All in all though it is great...definitely worth you checking out.

Good luck

[kekes7]

233 dot dial all the way. that is the exact pam that is next on my list :)

[red1108nyc]

Having the option to switch up btw the 233 and a sub is truly a pleasure and worth saving up for. I waited a long time before I got both and is very happy now! On a 6.5 inch wrist.. the 233 fits like a beauty. Here is my DOT 233K and 1680:

[hng]

233 is great choice but it comes with quite hefty price tag. Why don't you consider basic PAM and try it out. I'd keep the sub and IWC and safe for the basic PAM.