Daytona Vs PAM 233

[dr-go]

I'm a long time lurker but I have a question for the experts. My story is that about 6 yrs ago I was looking for my first nice watch. After going back and forth between various Rolex and Paerai selections, I settled on a Sea-Dweller, which I have been happily wearing since.

Fast forward to today, and I am looking at my second nice watch. I am keeping the Sea-Dweller and am looking hard at the Panerai 233 and the Rolex Daytona SS white face.

I'm a physician and wear my watch to work. I'm also fairly active outside in my free time, hiking etc. I want to be able to wear this watch for both of these purposes.

I know the two selections are different in purpose, but these are the two that speak to me most right now.

As far as a robust, classic watch that I will be happy with 6 years + from now, what would you choose????

Pictures are encouraged.

Thanks!
Ryan

[kilyung]

I love the 233 even four years later. I can't say as much about the 116520. However the 233 is a sizable watch and not something I'd wear for extreme exercise.

[s14roller]

For long term, I'd say Daytona between the 2. Had both, Daytona still stuck around.

[AK797]

Daytona for me, Pams styling is not to my taste.

[Mastergreenhand]

I do like the 233. But between the Daytona and 233 I'd go for the Daytona hands down every time. You can do anything with it, swim, shower, hiking, etc. 233 is a bit limited in terms of wearability. Doesn't fit under sleeve cuffs, yet looks on the dressy side with a tee shirt.

[jjnd08]

Daytona. Steel is more comfortable when doing active things.

[Mystro]

Panerai. Its a totally different look than a Rolex and will give you the size you are use to wearing. The Daytona feels like a mid size watch hence why so many women are wearing them.
The Panerai also gives you unlimited strap options and the rubber dive strap is perfect for high activities. I too am a avid outdoorsman and the Panerai on rubber or leather works better than a bracelet. My TT Sub and Panerai live in harmony. The clean artistic dial of the Panerai is refreshing compared the opposite styling of cramming every word possible on a watch dial.
44mm is not a big watch by today's standards.

A morning run in the woods with the dogs.

[dr-go]

Thanks for the replys so far. I didn't want to mention my other thought which is the Submariner Hulk. I love the Dweller so I'm sure I'll love the Submariner, just not sure if changing the color is going to differentiate the two watches enough.

[jvo300]

Having owned both I'm going to say neither fit your criteria well. The Panerai is just too big and heavy for an all occasion watch IMO. The Daytona will get scratched to hell in your physical activities due to all the polished parts (bezels, center links,etc). Have you considered a submariner? For that price range you could hunt down a nice vintage 1680 or even a red 1680 sub.

[dr-go]

jvo300

Interesting take. I was thinking new just because it would be more accessible and less scary to me. Vintage is cool as hell, I would just have to research it more and really do the homework. That is an interesting thought.

[paltak]

Sold my 233 and kept the Daytona, no regrets!

Ultimately, while I loved the 233, I got tired of the size over time. The PR on the 233 has been known to be problematic, especially on the earlier series. Should the quick-release mechanism go bad, you'll need a brand new case to the tune of $3K+.

[jvo300]

Originally Posted by dr-go

jvo300

Interesting take. I was thinking new just because it would be more accessible and less scary to me. Vintage is cool as hell, I would just have to research it more and really do the homework. That is an interesting thought.

Indeed, you must do your homework! That is part of the fun though. Check out the vintage subsection of this forum and ask questions -- everyone there is very helpful!

[Tooomey]

44mm to big to wear for a doctor everyday IMO. Rather see my doc wearing a Daytona. That said I like the 233 just not for what your going to use it for.

[wangany17]

Don't forget about the functionality. I love my PAMs as much as I do my rolexes. The 233 will dwarf your Daytona however but I had no problems switching between my 44mm and my 40mm watches.

If you get a 233 with a DOT indicator though, you'll have something very very nice. 2nd time zone, domed glass, manual wind (I think of that as a bonus - something to do in mtgs actually), 8 day reserve, noticeable wrist presence. All good. Of all these features, I value the 2nd time zone the most.

If you find you need the chrono or enjoy it more, the Daytona is a great way to go.

So for me, 233 with a Dot indicator is the way to go over the Daytona. Now if it's 233 against a 216570 or a GMT BLNR or a vintage 1675.....well different story.

There is no wrong answer - just what features you need and enjoy!

[dr-go]

What if we were to throw the GMT BLNR and Sub Hulk in the discussion?

[iLLGT2]

233 for me, was never a daytona fan

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by dr-go

What if we were to throw the GMT BLNR and Sub Hulk in the discussion?

If you're throwing new watches in, what about a green Milgauss? Could be a cool Dr's watch as well.

[Sam Philip]

Daytona

[EricG75]

Sub hulk is awesome

[Chewbacca]

daytona. but ditch the pcl's.

[hitman23]

Funny, I have been pondering this same exact scenario. I fear the daytona will wear too small for my tastes now, but I'm not sure 5 years down the road. And the exact opposite with the 233. My 3 choices are the 233/white daytona/blnr. Hard to choose one. And they all sing very loud.

[wangany17]

BLNR vs. Daytona vs 233? BLNR maybe by a smidge... I don't need a chrono. 233 with a dot is a great rugged watch. So do you need/want 3 time zones or just 2?

[SixPak]

Originally Posted by dr-go

What if we were to throw the GMT BLNR and Sub Hulk in the discussion?

Now we're talking, Doc. I would consider either the GMT BLNR or the Datejust II as your next Rolex to compliment your existing Sea-Dweller. Both of these are all-rounders. They can be elegant and classy for your office work yet rough and tumble for your outdoor needs. Many will say the PCL's on those two watches render them anything but a tool watch. I disagree.

[arnage]

I went for the 116520 prior to the 233, as I thought it was a more classic model and design; pricing between the two might also be a factor if you're planning to buy new, as list on the 233 is a good bit higher than that of the Daytona. On the secondary market, the two are priced close to parity.

For the most part, I think you'll read that the daytona movement is more robust, though there are definitely examples of people who have had no issues with their 233s.

[simongpaez]

Daytona any day, super classic you can use in jeans and suit , for some people 40mm might be small for today standatds but I think it is a timeless size.

[lig]

Originally Posted by simongpaez

Daytona any day, super classic you can use in jeans and suit , for some people 40mm might be small for today standatds but I think it is a timeless size.

This.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by simongpaez

Daytona any day, super classic you can use in jeans and suit , for some people 40mm might be small for today standatds but I think it is a timeless size.

I would think the chrono function would come in handy as well in your line of work.

[stockae92]

Rolex for me, I done with PAM.

[FTX I]

I would vote Daytona or GMT BLNR

[jvo300]

Originally Posted by dr-go

What if we were to throw the GMT BLNR and Sub Hulk in the discussion?

I think either Hulk or BLNR over your original choices. What colors do you like more? Since you threw Hulk into the mix, let me also suggest the anniversary steel insert 16610LV.