My choice between either a 321 & 233

[topcat30093]

I see that there has been a very successful thread regarding the choice between the 312 & 233

But I would like your valued opinions between the two above models.

Both have the same complications and a 1950's case, though of course the crystal design is different.

The main difference is of course one is a 3 day automatic and the other is an 8 day manual wind.

I have to be honest and say that I lean towards the 233, but the price difference between the two is quite considerable.

I would very much appreciate you opinions on the matter.

In the non Rolex forum I have got a poll running which includes these two models as well an IWC Big Pilot.

Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully respond.

Regards
Tony

[MikeJaye]

I own a 312 and am currently looking to also get a 233, so have considered whether the extra cost is worth it.

For me the 233 although similar to the 321 is still worth the extra £££. 8 day movement, slimmer case, domed crystal, AM/PM indicator...plus it looks a lot better. I've never been a fan of the PR indicator on the 321, seems just an after thought where it is located on the dial.

[bcacncnc]

I would go pre-owned on a 233. The "8 day" movements are always going to command some sort of premium and be a little "exclusive". Not that they are any better - just the whole marketing behind it.

[Shade]

The 233 and the domed crystal is always a plus. The big pilot in my honest opinion, is over rated. No offense.

[jhcam8]

The 233's case is a winner for me. I love how it sits on the wrist and provides a different look - at least to us.

[Stoodo]

I was disappointed in the fact the P900x movements of the 312, etc don't have the quick date change function. When in date change mode you move the hour hand in one hour increments until the date changes to the desired result. I don't know if the 233 is the same, but I was less than impressed with that on my 312, 359.

[Shade]

Theres no quickset on the 233 either..

[B. Doggy]

I'm not a fan of the "fang" on the 233. It used to be a watch on my radar, however my lust for it has since waned..

[nauticajoe]

The 233 is my favorite PAM. Dollar-for-dollar it offers more - 1950 case, date, gmt (I prefer the dot indicator), small seconds, sapphire domed crystal, clear caseback, and 8-day (it's more like 10 days) manual wind. Not to mention, it's the 1st reference to carry the new in-house movement.

[walds11]

I was at Tourneau last weekend and tried on a 233 and 312. The 233 is nice and wears smaller than other 1950 case models. Right up my alley :) I am not sure how it wears compared to an 88 or 104. The 312 is a great value play, but clunkier than the 233. The case is a tad thicker on the 312 (I think it is...due to the auto movement). The larger dial and domed crystal on 233 makes it appear and wear smaller and much more comfortable. It's a high "premium" to pay for the 233, but the 8 day manual wind in-house movement kicks butt! I am almost tempted to go for the 312 for the value play, but I'd probably regret it.

[SaddleSC]

I would choose the 233 for sure. The 8 Day movement and the domed crystal seals the deal for me. The watch is so comfortable on the wrist and just works.

[topcat30093]

I am still surprised to read that members would compare the 312 against the 233 rather than the 321?

Is there a reason for that?
Such as the PR indicator not being placed in the correct place on the dial?

[mfer]

Most people on Panerai forums like Panerai for what it is. Simple and clean. That is me too btw. That said, the PR indicator makes the dial busier. Not a bad thing, just not what your average person on a Panerai forum wants. If you go to the public, where people buy watches because they like them and don't even know about forums, I bet many would prefer the PR complication.

[topcat30093]

Mik
Thank you for that, It now makes alot more sense to me.

I suppose that my recent watch purchases have been with complications.

So this simple yet very clear and classic view, has somewhat confused me!

[walds11]

It would make more sense to compare the 233 against the 321. Is the case of the 321 thicker than the 312 because of the GMT function?

I am a big fan of the power reserve fang on the 233. The dial of the 233 is much more aesthetically appealing and than the dial of the 321. The dial of the 321 is way too cluttered in my opinion. As MikeJaye mentioned, the PR fuction seems like an after thought where it is located on the dial.

I prefer autos, but I can handle winding the 233 once a week. The dial, domed crystal and slimmer profile seal the deal for me. I want one!!!

Originally Posted by topcat30093

I am still surprised to read that members would compare the 312 against the 233 rather than the 321?

Is there a reason for that?
Such as the PR indicator not being placed in the correct place on the dial?

[Stoodo]

Originally Posted by walds11

Is the case of the 321 thicker than the 312 because of the GMT function?
As MikeJaye mentioned, the PR fuction seems like an after thought where it is located on the dial.

The thickness of the 321 and 312 is the same. The location of the PR function is reminiscent of the Panerai 90 among others.

[Watchdog]

Like both but 233 for me.

[Shade]

Oh I wouldn't take the new version of the 233 though, I prefer the dot version..

[paulluat]

233 no competition