"Final Chronograph" - which El Primero?

[srvrf]

Over the past few months, I've jumped in the deep end and gone from cheap quartz chronographs to a pretty nice collection of what I consider "iconic" type chronographs. Fortunately for me and my pocketbook, I'm nearly satisfied and think that the only chronograph in my price range that I still want but don't have is an El Primero. Two have tempted me quite a bit, a 38mm Zenith and a 40mm Panerai 072, but I have never seen either watch in person. I do have a smaller wrist at about 6.5" so my Speedy is really as big as I can go. But here's what I'm thinking...

Zenith: more dressy, cheaper, light dial with a splash of color
Panerai: more sporty, more expensive, looks great on multiple different straps

So my collection includes my keepers, Speedmaster 9300 (black dial), Navitimer 01 LE (black dial), and IWC Portuguese (light dial, gold numerals/hands) and one I might sell to help finance an El Primero, a Glashütte Original Senator Navigator with Date (black dial). My brain says Zenith, but I still like the PAM, and can get one for a relatively good price with multiple straps and a recent complete overhaul. Should I go with my brain?

[tinger]

Too much thinking hurts my head.. go with your heart.
Personally I prefer the 38mm Zenith

[mike]

Man it's always a problem when your brain and your heart can;t agree.

Both pieces bring a lot to the table and you'll get strong opinions on either side.

I tend to favor the Zenith for a couple reasons. Had the Pam been a 44mm that might affect the process. 40mm Pams always seem to lag their bigger brothers. Personally I've always felt the Zenith is an icon in chrono watches.

But,....my experience only, when your brain and heart don't agree side with your heart,...it seems to know.

[srvrf]

I really need to see these in person is the bottom line I guess. But living in Indiana isn't the most conducive to this habit (may be a good thing). But usually it instantly finalizes the decision. On the other hand, I wouldn't be the first to flip a watch if it didn't quite sing to me.

[dysondiver]

zenith ,,, very overlooked watches ,, no hype no fashion , just solid dependable quality.

[salty_snack]

The El Primero is a classic chrono, worthy of a spot in any collection.

PAM really doesn't do it for me and it seems like the 40 mm iterations don't get much love even from the PAM crowd. If you feel like the Speedie 9300 fits you well then my guess is you wouldn't mind one of the larger PAMs... However, I would avoid the ones in the dinner plate sized range.

[bde]

El Primero definitely!

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Originally Posted by bde

El Primero definitely!

x2

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by salty_snack

The El Primero is a classic chrono, worthy of a spot in any collection.

PAM really doesn't do it for me and it seems like the 40 mm iterations don't get much love even from the PAM crowd. If you feel like the Speedie 9300 fits you well then my guess is you wouldn't mind one of the larger PAMs... However, I would avoid the ones in the dinner plate sized range.

I wouldn't say that the Speedy 9300 fits me well, it's just the upper limit of what I'll tolerate and I love the watch.

[malarky_hk]

Zenith all the way!

[aprasert]

I would vote for a vintage zenith tricolor or a zenith daytona.