Radiomir: 30m vs 100m?

[Fredrik]

I am currently looking for a Radiomir and I am a bit puzzled concerning the depth rating for different models. Seemingly identically cased watches are sometimes rated to 30m and sometimes to 100m.

How come?

There is a nice 249 at the moment for sale here, but is for some reason rated to 30m while the 232, released simultaneously I think, is rated to 100m.

Am I missing something glaringly obvious, it would not be the first time...

[synequano]

249 have plexi crystal,232 have flat sapphire,probably that’s one of the factor,another thing is 249 have display back while 232 have solid caseback

All these play the factors for WR difference

[Fredrik]

I thought about the display back, but the 210 has one and it is 100m, but it has a sapphire crystal.

Then again, you have the 721 with plexi and display back that is also 100m...

I have failed to see a consistent pattern.

[eonflux]

Every Panerai should be at least 100m.
Disappointing that is not the case.

[synequano]

Another consideration is the age of the watch

249 came out maybe around 10 years (or even more) than 720/721

I’d also like to see the difference on gasket (size and construction) between 249 and 210 (is it more difficult to increase the WR on bigger case size? As 294 which is like 232 with plexi IIRC also have 30m WR)

Personally I’m not going to buy a pam with “only” 30m WR

I have pam 62 in my PAMily and despite being a small (40mm) and thin radiomir in precious metal,it still has a respectable 100m WR

[pdnb]

I know bummer... 448 is the update Cali with higher depth rating I believe. I like 100m rating and sapphire glass and see through caseback


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[synequano]

448 has plexi crystal as well,but it’s more affordable in the pre owned market than 249 and for me,I like the quickset hour for travelling

However the dial of 249 is more black than 448 and the hands on 249 are darker shade of blue as I’ve seen the comparison photo

[fullcourt]

since most people don't even shower while wearing their pams having a 30m (90 ft) is fine....

i own both the 232/249 and others that have both the 30 & 100m ratings. the only one i've taken in the water is my sub, not because i'm worried just because it was convenient.

as i always say, buy what you like, wear what you want.

[Fredrik]

I shower, swim, workout, do everything with my watches and would like it to be 100m at least.

There is a 448 for sale local to me, but currently I am looking into getting a 232 or 721 instead. It will probably take another year for me to make up my mind.

Anyway, the depth rating seems to be a mixed bag, I made a list of all that could be interesting and just crossed out the 30m ones for now.