Ruud Van Dilemma

[Ruud Van Driver]

There's a lot of love for the BLNR on this forum. I have one and I like it but I'm pretty sure that I could live without it and the world would still spin. Now, the thought entered my head this morning about flipping it to pick up my next Pam.

My dilemma is, am I just being impatient to pick up my next Panerai or do I really want shot of the BLNR? It does get worn. Each of my watches takes its turn in my rotation and gets worn for a week every time, although I must admit I was tempted to keep my 359 on for an extra week. I 'flipped' it this week for the 689

So, fellow Panerai fans, if you were stood behind me now, would you encourage me to move my BLNR for another Pam or would you slap me around the head, tell me to be patient and save the money for the 533 while keeping the BLNR?

Next Pam will almost certainly be the 533 but I'll take Mrs Van D's views on the 233 first. I like the 233 but I'd leave it behind in the event of a zombie apocalypse for the 533. I like the 233 but I don't zombie apocalypse like it.

[Cru Jones]

Nice dilemma to have.

Everyone is different, but, for me, four SS bracelet sports Rolexes is probably one too many. Of the four you have, the BLNR is my least favorite (but still quite nice!) and the other three better fill niches in a collection, so, that's the one I'd flip for sure.

As for 233 v 533, I'd take the 233 for the dome, manual movement and lume color (I know you like the ecru, but the 233's lume will give you more variety in the collection). Plus, other than dial color, the 533 and your 689 are the same.

If you can't decide, maybe wait until the 372 sapphire?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nice dilemma to have.

Everyone is different, but, for me, four SS bracelet sports Rolexes is probably one too many. Of the four you have, the BLNR is my least favorite (but still quite nice!) and the other three better fill niches in a collection, so, that's the one I'd flip for sure.

As for 233 v 533, I'd take the 233 for the dome, manual movement and lume color (I know you like the ecru, but the 233's lume will give you more variety in the collection). Plus, other than dial color, the 533 and your 689 are the same.

If you can't decide, maybe wait until the 372 sapphire?

Pretty much what I'm thinking anyway, Cru. If I buy another watch now, Mrs Van D will grab my wotsits and drag them over my head. I'm not joking.

I know the 533 is the same (ostensibly) as the 689 but it was the first Panerai that really turned my head. If I could turn the clock back, I'd still buy the 689 because I love it but I knew I'd end up wanting the 533. If I pick up the 233, I'd still want the 533 and, as Nick (AMG) said when I first started hunting, I have to get the one I want otherwise I'll regret it and spend (read waste) money when I eventually get what I want.

I'll wait until next year anyway, for which my wotsits will thank me, but I like to do my research and have my ducks lined up before pulling the trigger

[red1108nyc]

BLNR can be easily replaced. I have sold it 2 times and the bid-ask is not a huge deal breaker I think. Do what you must and either way, a good dilemma to have :-)

[1William]

I would buy what you are passionate about. It sounds like the Panerai. Go for it.

[TonyD]

No love for a Radiomir? My local AD has a 323 he'd love to get rid of.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nice dilemma to have.

Everyone is different, but, for me, four SS bracelet sports Rolexes is probably one too many.

Hush your mouth!!! There is no such thing as too many SS Rolexes!!!

Save and buy the Pam. Keep your Rolexes.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nice dilemma to have.

Everyone is different, but, for me, four SS bracelet sports Rolexes is probably one too many. Of the four you have, the BLNR is my least favorite (but still quite nice!) and the other three better fill niches in a collection, so, that's the one I'd flip for sure.

As for 233 v 533, I'd take the 233 for the dome, manual movement and lume color (I know you like the ecru, but the 233's lume will give you more variety in the collection). Plus, other than dial color, the 533 and your 689 are the same.

If you can't decide, maybe wait until the 372 sapphire?

X2

[brandrea]

Crazy Paul, I went in the exact opposite direction

To be fair I was looking at Radiomir and not Luminors. I wanted to add a GMT and decided the BLNR was about as good a GMT as it gets.

[ap1]

I'd take a breadth and pause on flipping the BLNR. It's a superb watch and a much better "store of value" over any panerai. I know easier said than done and I've owned and flipped
3/4 of your Rolex. Looking back I'd like most of them back. Something has to fund the new one right? So I definetly get it.

I also agree with brian above - I had Pam 535 and their execution of gmt isn't as good as Rolex - hand moves on a 12 hour scale and not 24 like the Rolex. So the day night thing kind of gets lost.

Long winded way of saying - I'd hold BLNR over virtually any PAM.

Scrap all this for the due

[4Panerais]

If the BLNR doesn't get the attention I'd flip to fund something that does & so you don't get strung up by the missus. Mmmmmm Panerai

[Psmith]

533 sure is nice, but I prefer the 233 for the reasons Cru (a.k.a. Panerai Enabler-in-Chief!) mentions. Not sure if this is a factor, but the 233 will also run ~10 days. The '8 days' is more of a historical/marketing reference than an accurate description of the power reserve.

Perhaps put the BLNR away for a month, to see how you feel without it (sort of)? If you do flip it, you will have 3x Rolex and 3x Panerai which sounds like a good balance to me

[superdog]

IMHO, this is an easy answer.

But I just can't get on board with the BLNR. I would make this flip in a heartbeat.

I love the style of PAM watches, and they are just so different.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

BLNR can be easily replaced. I have sold it 2 times and the bid-ask is not a huge deal breaker I think. Do what you must and either way, a good dilemma to have :-)

I'm thinking this too but the BLNR is going for silly money at the grey dealers in the UK now. If I did miss it, I would either have to be very patient in replacing it or pay over the odds

Originally Posted by 1William

I would buy what you are passionate about. It sounds like the Panerai. Go for it.

Oh yes

Originally Posted by TonyD

No love for a Radiomir? My local AD has a 323 he'd love to get rid of.

Not a fan of the Rads. Nice pieces but not my bag

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Hush your mouth!!! There is no such thing as too many SS Rolexes!!!

Save and buy the Pam. Keep your Rolexes.

I'm saving already, I started last night. It's my 50th birthday next August, so.................

Originally Posted by brandrea

Crazy Paul, I went in the exact opposite direction

To be fair I was looking at Radiomir and not Luminors. I wanted to add a GMT and decided the BLNR was about as good a GMT as it gets.

It's a nice watch Brian, but it's another that I'd leave behind in a zombie apocalypse

Originally Posted by ap1

I'd take a breadth and pause on flipping the BLNR. It's a superb watch and a much better "store of value" over any panerai. I know easier said than done and I've owned and flipped
3/4 of your Rolex. Looking back I'd like most of them back. Something has to fund the new one right? So I definetly get it.

I also agree with brian above - I had Pam 535 and their execution of gmt isn't as good as Rolex - hand moves on a 12 hour scale and not 24 like the Rolex. So the day night thing kind of gets lost.

Long winded way of saying - I'd hold BLNR over virtually any PAM.

Scrap all this for the due

I actually prefer the 12 hour GMT for some weird reason. I was a professional navigator (ex-ship's captain) so I have a pretty good handle on what the time is in my second time zone anyway.

I think it might be best to hang on to the BLNR having slept on it, but it's still getting left behind in a zombie apocalypse.

Originally Posted by Psmith

533 sure is nice, but I prefer the 233 for the reasons Cru (a.k.a. Panerai Enabler-in-Chief!) mentions. Not sure if this is a factor, but the 233 will also run ~10 days. The '8 days' is more of a historical/marketing reference than an accurate description of the power reserve.

Perhaps put the BLNR away for a month, to see how you feel without it (sort of)? If you do flip it, you will have 3x Rolex and 3x Panerai which sounds like a good balance to me

Thing is Clive, I wouldn't miss the BLNR if I put it away for a month as I wear my watches for a week at a time. I'm on my 689 now, it's back to the Daytona on Monday and start working my way down the list again so it's six weeks between watches. I very seldom go a month without travel so it usually stretches beyond that. I hear what you're saying though and it's not a bad idea. Even though I'll probably keep it, I might take it out of my watch case and stuff it back in the green box for a few months and see if I miss it.

I do like the 233 but the 533 was my 'first love' in Panerai terms. I hear what you and Cru (PEC) are saying but if I pick up the 233, I'll still be jonesing for the 533. I know me too well

Originally Posted by superdog

IMHO, this is an easy answer.

But I just can't get on board with the BLNR. I would make this flip in a heartbeat.

I love the style of PAM watches, and they are just so different.

Those are very similar to the thoughts that have cruising round my head, Seth. I'm actually beginning to wonder if the over-hype of the BLNR is getting up my nose and putting me off it, in much the same way as I have no interest in the Daytona C. I used to really love my BLNR but I'm kind of over it now and that's out of character for me

[Frendrick]

keep the BLNR, don't mess with your rolex collection anymore. Save for another PAM without compromising your rolexes.

I'm all about base, so I think you need a base PAM. 372 sapphire is out now if you're allergic to Plexi (Plexi is too sexy). If not, I'll take 233 over 533 anytime. 233 is a classic for sure. 1 thing that turns me off about my 372 right now is that the ecru lume doesn't hold as long and as bright as my 232. well maybe that's just me being crazy for Lume. But isn't it what's interesting of watching your PAM's lume glows like crazy in the dark?

[mfer]

IMHO just enjoy your new watch for a bit more time before your next one. Basically do nothing for a bit and see if your passion is still there for the 533.

[Dr.Brian]

Wear it for a week with flipping in mind and you'll know what to do by next weekend.

[lig]

BLNR is on my zombie apocalypse list of keepers.

Save for a bit, IMO.

[Pattyb69]

I think you should keep the BLNR. I bought a BLNR back in 2015. Traded it for a PAM 233. And then sold the 233 for a BLNR. I'm happy its back and I really think its a nice combo of beauty and function. Problem now is I miss my 233 lol

I'm really impatient and can't seem to hold a watch when I start to want another. Now I'm trying REALLY hard to save for a watch rather than flipping to get the next one. Funny thing is that it'll probably be a 233.

Why not flip the LVC?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by mfer

IMHO just enjoy your new watch for a bit more time before your next one. Basically do nothing for a bit and see if your passion is still there for the 533.

Has my wife hacked your account, Mik?

You're right though, that's exactly what I need to do

Originally Posted by Frendrick

keep the BLNR, don't mess with your rolex collection anymore. Save for another PAM without compromising your rolexes.

I'm all about base, so I think you need a base PAM. 372 sapphire is out now if you're allergic to Plexi (Plexi is too sexy). If not, I'll take 233 over 533 anytime. 233 is a classic for sure. 1 thing that turns me off about my 372 right now is that the ecru lume doesn't hold as long and as bright as my 232. well maybe that's just me being crazy for Lume. But isn't it what's interesting of watching your PAM's lume glows like crazy in the dark?

Most certainly am allergic to plexi. I'm beginning to warm to the 233 and it's now in the list. I'll keep the BLNR though

Originally Posted by lig

BLNR is on my zombie apocalypse list of keepers.

Save for a bit, IMO.

Originally Posted by Pattyb69

Why not flip the LVC?

The question was about flipping my BLNR, not my Sub. Simply put, no. Not a chance

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by lig

BLNR is on my zombie apocalypse list of keepers.

Save for a bit, IMO.

My LVc is my go to watch in a zombie apocalypse