Decisions decisions...any help appreciated! 683 or 1661?

[Swaye]

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!

[Bushido]

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.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Bushido

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.

Thanks for the info. Have any wrist shots, and if so, what size wrist do you have? Thanks much!

[sjap68]

Carbotech is cutting edge, but the 683 is gorgeous I paid my money and made my choice
, zero regrets.


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[Swaye]

Originally Posted by sjap68

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

Man that looks great. Just fantastic. Not making it any easier.

[Cru Jones]

683 for me. 1661 is cool, but I think its blue lume limits strap choice.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

683 for me. 1661 is cool, but I think its blue lume limits strap choice.

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.

[Lol-x]

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.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

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.

Appreciate the perspective. I actually quite like the skeleton hands on the 683, but prefer the sandwich dial on the 1661.

[Mystro]

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.

[rmlovett1]

[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

[Swaye]

[QUOTE=Richris1;10770177]

Originally Posted by Mystro

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

Hey Richard. Appreciate your thoughts. I have a dozen watches right now, and pretty varied approach - 3 FPJs, an Urban Jurgensen, a white dial AP Jumbo, and 7 Rolex, 2 of which are plexis from the mid 80s pushing right up on vintage. So, a pretty varied collection mixed between dress and sport, and PM and SS, and even modern, classic and almost vintage.

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.

[rmlovett1]

[QUOTE=Swaye;10770467]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Hey Richard. Appreciate your thoughts. I have a dozen watches right now, and pretty varied approach - 3 FPJs, an Urban Jurgensen, a white dial AP Jumbo, and 7 Rolex, 2 of which are plexis from the mid 80s pushing right up on vintage. So, a pretty varied collection mixed between dress and sport, and PM and SS, and even modern, classic and almost vintage.

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.

Agree! Given your beautiful, diverse collection, I’d go carbotech.


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[Swaye]

[QUOTE=Richris1;10770477]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Agree! Given your beautiful, diverse collection, I’d go carbotech.


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Appreciate the warm comments. And yes, while the 1661 is sort of "trendy" in the black and blue styling, it is certainly an aggressive, indestructible companion for adventure watch that I am lacking (though of course you can argue the Hulk will do anything you want it to).

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.

[enjoythemusic]

[QUOTE=Swaye;10770467]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Hey Richard. Appreciate your thoughts. I have a dozen watches right now, and pretty varied approach - 3 FPJs, an Urban Jurgensen, a white dial AP Jumbo, and 7 Rolex, 2 of which are plexis from the mid 80s pushing right up on vintage. So, a pretty varied collection mixed between dress and sport, and PM and SS, and even modern, classic and almost vintage.

First, gotta say that is one of the best-chosen collections I've seen on TRF in a long time. And I bet you wear 'em too

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.

[Swaye]

[QUOTE=enjoythemusic;10771503]

Originally Posted by Swaye

First, gotta say that is one of the best-chosen collections I've seen on TRF in a long time. And I bet you wear 'em too

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.

Thank you very much! And yes, every single one of them get worn in rotation. I have had safe queens before and found I did not like it.

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.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Mystro

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.

Great looking watch I have looked at your photos many times!

[Glock2710]

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.


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[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Glock2710

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.


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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.

[Skyman]

Or a 979 MM perhaps? Very stealthy, and you can add colour via the strap.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Skyman

Or a 979 MM perhaps? Very stealthy, and you can add colour via the strap.

If that watch was 44mm I do not think I could control myself. At 47mm, just too big for me.

[Vince KSA]

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!

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Vince KSA

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!


Attachment 1151621

Hey buddy! Yeah, you are the one who got me all fired up on the 683! Your video trying it on stopped me dead in my tracks. Looks great on you my friend. Truly!

[J.T.]

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

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by J.T.

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

Really appreciate the photos. Watch looks amazing on you!

[Mystro]

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.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Mystro

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.

Completely agree. I have Panerai as the best in the "do anything black watch" category, especially when talking unique materials. Love them.

[Crashblue]

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...).

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Crashblue

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...).

Appreciate it.

[rambo99]

1661! carbotech is strong, more special and due to its color it wears smaller and closer sizewise to a steel 42mm.