ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
23 July 2020, 04:45 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Decisions decisions...any help appreciated! 683 or 1661?
Hola TRF!
Okay, here is my dilemma. I REALLY like them both. I cannot afford both, as much as I might like. So, the new 683 Sub, or the newer 1661 Luminor in carbotech? Here is how I see it in a dead heat so far to me... 683: Love the look of the new Subs with ceramic bezels. The brushed steel case is next level. In general I prefer smaller watches (AP Jumbo, 40mm Rolex, 39-40mm FPJ, etc), and this is as small as "legit" PAMs get (apologies to Duo owners below 42 this is just my humble opinion). I just think the watch is dynamite. Looks super industrial, and comes in a decent price (about 8200 bucks with discount). Downsides? You bet. No in house movement is the only significant negative, for me. 1661: So yeah, pretty much the coolest watch PAM has done in awhile imho. 44mm Luminor in Carbotech with in house movement AND sandwich dial for mid 10's with discount (bit of a guess here)? Um, okay. Where do I sign? Love the idea of Carbotech in general as basically indestructible. First sandwich dial in Carbotech appeals to me. So, this is a couple grand more (minimum) than the 683, and likely wears a good bit bigger. So, size wise I think I might prefer the 42mm on my 7 inch wrist (I know I can do 44 on my wrist, but the 42 is wheelhouse sizing), but tech wise you can't beat the carbotech. And a traditional luminor + sandwich dial is a killer combo. I'm stuck! I've owned a couple of PAMs before and miss having one. Previous versions Rads were shifted because the 47mm wore too big on me, and the 45 wore perfect but went when I was offered a trade I could not say no to (loved the 45 Rad though). I have included internet photos of both watches, and one of me in my 45mm for wrist sizing. TIA from the Paneristi around here for any thoughts good or bad. Appreciate it!
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
23 July 2020, 06:08 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 512
|
I purchased the 1661 about a month ago from a US boutique. In my opinion it is one of the coolest and most comfortable watches I've ever owned.
The blue markers on the dial can be subtle or really pop depending on lighting but always nice to look at in the sandwich dial. The carbotech pattern is simply awesome as an aesthetic case. Overall, no complaints on the 1661 and I highly recommend it to any Panerai fans. |
23 July 2020, 07:53 PM | #3 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Quote:
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
23 July 2020, 06:41 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Marco Island
Posts: 81
|
Carbotech is cutting edge, but the 683 is gorgeous I paid my money and made my choice
, zero regrets. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
23 July 2020, 07:53 PM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Man that looks great. Just fantastic. Not making it any easier.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
23 July 2020, 08:13 AM | #6 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 35,300
|
683 for me. 1661 is cool, but I think its blue lume limits strap choice.
|
23 July 2020, 07:54 PM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
This is a good point. I think I'd usually just be in black rubber, but if I wanted to do more switching the 683 might be easier.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
23 July 2020, 09:40 PM | #8 |
Facilitator
Join Date: Nov 2005
Real Name: Steve
Location: Omnipresent
Posts: 33,588
|
The 1661 is a groundbreaking watch, so I guess it depends on your style.
If you need a rotating bezel then the choice is clear. I prefer the sold hands to skeleton hands. 1661 is definitely more stealth with its all dark non-metallic appearance.
__________________
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim |
24 July 2020, 01:47 AM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Appreciate the perspective. I actually quite like the skeleton hands on the 683, but prefer the sandwich dial on the 1661.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
23 July 2020, 10:18 PM | #10 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: The Mystro ;)
Location: Central Pa.
Posts: 15,514
|
Look at a 661 in Carbotech if you think the blue isn’t versatile enough.
I adore mine. Probably the most comfortable and versatile watch I have ever owned. |
23 July 2020, 11:59 PM | #11 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Richard
Location: GA
Watch: YTBD
Posts: 23,509
|
[QUOTE=Mystro;10769950]Look at a 661 in Carbotech if you think the blue isn’t versatile enough.
I adore mine. Probably the most comfortable and versatile watch I have ever owned. Agree with Mysrto...that’s the direction I’d go if going carbo. I Like both, but the blue is very bold, unless it’s part of a bigger collection and it’s strictly for fun/weekend. The submersible looks sharp, and more traditional, but I’d want a bigger Panerai. Personally....your third picture (your first Pam) would be my choice...but out of your two, I’d have a little fun and go carbotech |
24 July 2020, 01:53 AM | #12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
[QUOTE=Richris1;10770177]
Quote:
What my collection is missing (I feel), is a tough as nails "take no prisoners" watch for fishing and camping trips, wrenching in the garage, etc. And a rubber strap. Both these watches fit my criteria of go anywhere, do anything on land or water type watches. Appreciate the insight. Collection photos below, and this watch will be very unlike anything I currently have, which is certainly the point.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
24 July 2020, 01:58 AM | #13 | |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Richard
Location: GA
Watch: YTBD
Posts: 23,509
|
[QUOTE=Swaye;10770467]
Quote:
Agree! Given your beautiful, diverse collection, I’d go carbotech. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
|
24 July 2020, 02:03 AM | #14 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
[QUOTE=Richris1;10770477]
Quote:
Really appreciate all the thoughtful responses everyone. The good news is the decision does not have to be made now, as the Boutique I will be using does not have the 1661 right now, so I have some time to wrestle with this. Great problem to have huh? Two fantastic watches to choose from.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
24 July 2020, 08:25 AM | #15 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: Steven
Location: Glocal
Posts: 21,190
|
[QUOTE=Swaye;10770467]
Quote:
Considering your collection, Carbotech. Was going to say the 683, yet case material / color gets the nod imho. You want durability, yep, badarse darkness, yup, case shape, yup... Carbotech.
__________________
__________________ ----> Was Great Seeing Everyone At The TRF December 9 Tampa Meetup <---- https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=968133 Love timepieces and want to become a Watchmaker? Rolex has a sensational school. www.RolexWatchmakingTrainingCenter.com/ Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory. |
|
24 July 2020, 07:59 PM | #16 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
[QUOTE=enjoythemusic;10771503]
Quote:
Yeah, the case being made for Carbotech is strong. My very good friend VinceKSA still has me turned on to the 683, but the 1661 is tough to beat on balance.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
24 July 2020, 01:47 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Great looking watch I have looked at your photos many times!
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
24 July 2020, 12:49 AM | #18 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Real Name: Jimmy
Location: Central, Florida
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 288
|
Tough call but for me I’d go with the 683. I love the look of the combo and the size is perfect for me. I have an incoming 42mm Rad though the 683 is a grail for me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
24 July 2020, 01:57 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
I really like the size as well. Prefer it in fact. The size and hands of the 683 are a win to me, but the technology and nod to tradition of the 1661 keep my attention. It is why I am stuck at this crossroads. And I do mean stuck.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
24 July 2020, 01:38 AM | #20 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South West
Posts: 75
|
Or a 979 MM perhaps? Very stealthy, and you can add colour via the strap.
|
24 July 2020, 01:57 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
If that watch was 44mm I do not think I could control myself. At 47mm, just too big for me.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
24 July 2020, 02:02 AM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Saudi Arabia
Watch: Daytona 116500LN
Posts: 752
|
For me the proportions of the 683 are perfect, lovely design and ceramic bezel, brushed steel, but you know my choice anyway Mark. Likewise, the seconds sub-dial balances perfectly with the crown-guard and date. Its symmetry is perfect in my opinion.
Put it this way I just changed my mind and took the Panerai 683 sub, instead of a Rolex sub no date, I just prefer the Pam!
__________________
Patek Philippe 5168-G (Aquanaut Blue) - Rolex Daytona 116508 Green Dial - Rolex Submariner 116619LB ( Smurf) - Panerai 1116 (Platinum 1 of 70) - Panerai 932 Radiomir 47mm - Panerai 968 Submersible "Bronzo" - NOMOS Glashutte Club 453 Campus - SS Omega Seamaster Orange - Porsche Design GMT - G Shock Solar - Tag F1 Circa 1995 - J W Benson Circa 1950. ( F.PJ. Complication on order 👍🏼) |
24 July 2020, 02:04 AM | #23 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Quote:
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
24 July 2020, 02:22 AM | #24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: USA
Posts: 321
|
I have some pics of my 1661 on IG. 6.75 wrist for reference. Watch is amazing, better than other Panerai I've had in the past. Lume is not blue, its just a bluer green if that makes sense. Check out the lume shots compared to my AP Offshore for a color comparison
www.instagram.com/j_t410 |
24 July 2020, 02:30 AM | #25 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Quote:
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
|
24 July 2020, 03:19 AM | #26 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: The Mystro ;)
Location: Central Pa.
Posts: 15,514
|
A big black luxury watch is a must on a established collection. I think Panerai does this category best when you are getting a bespoke material with a very good in-house movement.
|
24 July 2020, 07:56 PM | #27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Completely agree. I have Panerai as the best in the "do anything black watch" category, especially when talking unique materials. Love them.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
24 July 2020, 03:21 AM | #28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Munich
Posts: 119
|
Taking your collection and what you want a watch for into consideration definitely the Carbotech. I bought the 1661 for the same reason (holiday / weekend watch highly scratch and dent resistent...).
|
24 July 2020, 07:57 PM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: USA
Watch: What I am wearing.
Posts: 1,879
|
Appreciate it.
__________________
Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want." |
24 July 2020, 08:46 PM | #30 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Tokyo
Watch: SD43,PAM1616,Hulk
Posts: 3,567
|
1661! carbotech is strong, more special and due to its color it wears smaller and closer sizewise to a steel 42mm.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.