Which dome crystal model?

[brandon13]

Currently looking to sell my 164 and get a dome crystal style. What options do you recommend? Recently fell in love of domed crystals after seeing my friend's 233. Can't really afford the 233 now though....The 422 is great but I am not sure about a 47". What else is there? (No radiomirs).

[Cru Jones]

372 or 422 might be the least expensive? but, they might be seen as having crystals that are more elevated compared to domed?

if you what you want most is a thick dome, you'll need to break the bank a bit more....233, 289, 127, 217, 270, 335, 368, 317, 212, 213, 253, 286, 276, 306, 396... 212 might the least expensive of that bunch.

[brandon13]

Cru Jones thanks for the detailed response. I really prefer the cleaner dial with stainless case...so gold, ceramica and busy dials are not my thing. Of all
Those you listed my preference is the 233 and 270. I guess I will have to break the bank the a bit more or settle for a more standard dome like the 312.

I love my 164 but want to upgrade to an In house movement. Pams with thicker dome definetley have a more luxurious look on my opinion.

I will only have one Pam in my collection and want to ensure I get one I love for a long time. Currently I own a couple of Rolexes, Omega and AP, but for some reason the Pam gets most wrist time.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandon13

I love my 164 but want to upgrade to an In house movement.

To each their own, but, if you love the 164, I would stick with the tried-and-true modified ETA movement. It's bullet proof, reliable and easy/quick to service.

For Panerai, some of their greatest modern watches (000, 111, 232, 360, etc) are ETA-based, so, I don't think there's any "shame" in owning one. To the contrary, in fact. So, I don't know if in-house is an "upgrade" for Panerai (whatever "in-house" means for most these days, Panerai included, which benefits from its extensive group of watch brands when building its so-called "in-house" movements).

But, if what you want no matter what is dome, then, I can understand that, sure. There's a tiny bit of distortion with the 164, but nothing like the 233. 312 won't get you anything more, dome-wise, than what you have, but it will get you a much thicker and top-heavy watch that's more expensive to service. ;-)

[brandon13]

Cru_Jones, looking mostly a Domed crystal. I am happy with the 164 but feel like if I had to start all over again I would have gone the 233 route if I could afford it. One thing I dislike about the 164 is the magnified date...not crazy about that.

Trying to find a good deal on a 233.

[mfer]

Cru nailed it. 233 is your best option for what you are looking for.

[brandon13]

Done. Bought the 233 ocrolexguy was selling. Incoming Friday!

Stretched the buck farther than I wanted but what the heck!

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by brandon13

Done. Bought the 233 ocrolexguy was selling. Incoming Friday!

Stretched the buck farther than I wanted but what the heck!

Congrats. The 233 is a great looking watch.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandon13

Done. Bought the 233 ocrolexguy was selling. Incoming Friday!

Stretched the buck farther than I wanted but what the heck!

Awesome! Congrats and looking forward to the pics!

[rolexnub]

Originally Posted by brandon13

Done. Bought the 233 ocrolexguy was selling. Incoming Friday!

Stretched the buck farther than I wanted but what the heck!

Congrats!

[Panerai Freak]

Wow! Congrats! I am very happy that you didn't settle for anything else than the 233. You will very satisfied! Wear it in good health!

[Maltie]

Great choice, the PAM233 is an icon ! You will love it.

[brandon13]

Incoming! And there's that beautiful dome I was looking for!