This or That?

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Hey Guys,

I have been pondering my next watch and I think it is really starting to come down to these two.
Some requirements I have been looking for:
must be on a leather strap
larger watch ok for this purchase (I have many traditional size watches)
Must be in-house movement
Long power reserve.
I do not own a GMT but will most likely buy a Sky-D next year so not total requirement but nice.
I think its down to these two, I have never owned either brand.
Thoughts???

IWC 7-DAY
I like that this is a traditional style that perhaps will always be a desirable model?

PAM 233
I think this watch looks great, i tried one on the other day. before trying it on i was never interested in the brand. Will Panerai fade into obscurity one day?

[Presa canary]

Out of these two? Portuguese for sure

[BNA/LION]

Iwc 7-day

[capote]

I'm far from a Panerai expert, but isn't that a JLC movement?

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Originally Posted by capote

I'm far from a Panerai expert, but isn't that a JLC movement?

I thought it was a JLC movement too and may have been on the older ones but I have read that PAnerai Calibur 2002 now used for this model is completely in-house.. but I may be wrong. Hopefully one of the experts chimes in soon

[salty_snack]

The blue iwc portuguese is a STUNNER!!!

PAMs have never been my thing.

[McLovin]

Photos don't do that IWC justice -- it's fantastic

[FTX I]

IWC gets my vote.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Wow i didn't think it would be a blowout. Makes me wonder why we have a Panerai Sub-Category and not an IWC one? Owners of either have some wrist shots?

[uscmatt99]

I would take the 233 every day of the week, and have tried on both. It fits exceptionally well even on my relative small 6-3/4" wrist. It's aesthetically unique. It's quite versatile with numerous available OEM and third party straps. It's not a GMT per se, rather it has a second hour hand that is independently adjustable while the movement is still running, and is hidden completely behind the main hour hand when not in use. Don't get me wrong, the IWC is beautiful in its own right, but the 233 is one of my favorite Panerais.

Regarding the movement, it is in-house entirely. There is at least one Radiomir with an 8-day JLC movement, the 190.

[thsiao]

As beautiful as the IWC is, it is just too dressy for me... the PAM233 on the other hand is sporty and can be dressed up if needed with a gator strap. It is THE Panerai to have. The dome crystal and the PR indicator are just amazing.

[CWIN]

Love, love, love the IWC

[speedy_master1]

that

[bar2020]

Slightest edge goes to the IWC

[jnelson3097]

My vote went for the IWC. I really like mine and can't wait to add the brown Santoni strap to give it another look.

[77T]

IWC gets my vote. The Panerai's with the bfcg are just too industrial for me...

[vman]

IWC.

It is a well proportioned watch provided that you have the right amount of wrist real estate. The movement is awesome and the classic design makes it a keeper for years.

[asadtiger]

while I appreciate this IWC model a lot, this specific Panerai iwth the long power reserve GMT inhouse movement is a much better over-all watch in my opinion for the following reasons:

1). unique and stunning look where IWC has any dress watches looks
2). IWC size for this case design makes it way too large to look good on me atleast
3). I like the GMT complication very much

my only gripe with the PAM is that I wish the GMT complication was 24 hours, as that would just be much easier to use...but its clean and fun this way too, where you can simply hide the GMT hand when you are not tracking an additional timezone, and use day night indicator for AM/PM.

p.s. I did mistakenly vote for IWC though...was not clicking that button but I did..sorry.

[Cru Jones]

two very good options from each brand. but.....233 all day long and every day of the week.

the IWC, IMHO, is a bit confused, not really dress, not really sport, and who really needs a PR for an automatic watch? as for fit, while the 233 is large, it somehow fits & is "supposed" to be big (that's in panerai's DNA), while, IMHO, that IWC is a bit of a hockey puck, especially on smaller/normal wrists.

other thoughts on the 233: domed crystal, GMT function, 8-day manual wind, million strap options, unique styling, dress up/dress down.

as for panerai "fading into obscurity"....it's been around for decades and today the same watch giant (richemont) owns both, so, no, it's not going anywhere.

good luck with the choice (even if there really is only one correct answer ).

and, you might try PM'ing mike (kilyung) for his thoughts, as he's a big fan of both models (just in case he doesn't see this thread). though he'll probably say "get both".

[p_mcgee]

PAM 233 for me, but that IWC (on a black strap) is on my list as well. Only thing holding me back is that the IWC would be just a temporary substitute for my real grail, the Lange 1815 Up/Down.

I have read about problems with the IWC 7 day movement...though not sure if that is specific to the big pilot.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

I have read about problems with the IWC 7 day movement...though not sure if that is specific to the big pilot.

No, it was this model, but, earlier generations. AFAIK, the issues have been resolved.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

Very interesting arguments.
I notice the IWC supporters say they like it but with no real explanation, while the PAM supporters post the reasons why the PAM is the winner.
I do like them both but will only get one of the two because I plan on taking the road to Patek and cannot have too many diversions along the way. (i just picked up a DDII white gold and that has thrown me off course already)
I must say after seeing both in the flesh I appreciate the movement decoration of the IWC more as IMO it has a slightly better finish but I do agree with the PAM supporters in the 233 being the more interesting movement with its extra complications... Well anyway I will have to ponder this for at least a month as the watch fund needs to replenish.

[paverman]

Of those two, the Pam gets my vote.

[SearChart]

I like that IWC.

[B. Doggy]

I like the 233 a lot, but the fang just interferes.

[GradyPhilpott]

Iwc 7-day

[DreambreaX]

Iwc