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jwkunkle · 2 March 2017, 10:37 AM

Greetings friends. I have had numerous Panerai references over the last decade. Enjoyed them - then sold them for someone else to enjoy.

I am looking to settle down with one watch. Then concentrate on straps. I am not a multiple high(ish) end watch guy - so says she who must be obeyed - so it's just one single watch for me.

I am pretty much decided that "the one" should be a Panerai. But which one? Have had multiple times the following references...000, 005, 111, 380, 372, 1000. Very much like aspects of each one.

The 000 and 005 and 380 sausage dials are sexy. Have always liked them. But ~4k for a basic movement and closed case back always left me a little bit lacking.

The 111 is nice, but kind of regular. The 1000, meh.

The 372 I have had on 3 different occasions. I believe it is one of the best watches in photographs - but on the wrist it frequently didn't sing to me. Not sure if it's too large, or that a ~6k watch with a plexiglass dial turned me off. Perhaps if it was 45mm...

That leads me to one of the references that I have always lusted after from afar - the 233. Pics online always seem to look great. It's a touch smaller at 45mm (funny observation) but I have never actually worn one - so not sure the wrist presence in comparison to other PAM's. And it has the super-badass bubble crystal. Couple of detractors- little bit of a cluttered face (by Panerai standards) and a bit larger price tag at around $8k.

So...guess what I was hoping for would be some comments, experiences, advice on what everyone here thinks about all of the long-winded babbling above. Anyone love the 233? Anyone hate it? Anyone think it's just not worth it?

I welcome all responses. Thanks guys.

ap1 · 2 March 2017, 11:04 AM

233 is an awesome one watch / Pam pick. From my observations on the forums that one is held in high regard.

fullcourt · 2 March 2017, 12:11 PM

233 is an amazing piece, enjoy

Coffes4closers · 2 March 2017, 12:17 PM

233 is sublime

Coffes4closers · 2 March 2017, 12:22 PM

My one and only Pam.. IMO The 233 is the quintessential panerai with all of the best panerai features

Cru Jones · 2 March 2017, 05:00 PM

233 is a modern classic Panerai, you can't go wrong with it.

I have one PAM, a 164, which I picked up about five years ago. I love it to bits. But, if I had had the funds at the time, I would have probably gone for the 233.

Good luck with your choice!

chickennho · 2 March 2017, 05:55 PM

I have 6" wrist (15 cm), i bought and sold the 233 because i felt it too big. But i always love Panerai, should i buy the 233 again ?

jagwap · 2 March 2017, 06:22 PM

I have a similar sized wrist and it fits fine (flatter?).

The 233 is the first manufacture model and I think they nailed it. It set the tone for the 1950 cases (after the original) and once you learn to love the fang it is perfect. The early dot version is the best looking in my opinion, and may command a premium. Especially now they seem to have discontinued the tunnel strap that came with it.

Dome crystal, jumping hour, dome crystal, 1950 case, dome crystal, 1st in house movement, dome crystal, tunnel strap, dome crystal, really 10 days reserve, dome crystal, hideable GMT hand, did I mention the dome crystal?

Psmith · 2 March 2017, 08:56 PM

233 is a great piece (and is actually 44 mm). The only thing I'm not crazy about is the 'fang' p/r indicator on the dial, but this is nicer in real life than in pics.

1William · 2 March 2017, 09:48 PM

The 233 is a great watch. I have been down the rabbit hole with straps and I can tell you that less is more. Find 8-10 straps and call it quits. If not you can end up with enough money in straps to buy another watch and you can not wear them all.

lapince · 3 March 2017, 09:17 AM

The 233 is 45mm, not 44 like before? When did that change if it did? I had the dot dial 233, if you love the Pam style it's great, Pam love has passed for more comfortable pieces on the wrist but loved it when the love was here, didn't help to fall in love with Genta designs, probably my favorite Pam, and the dot dial is so cool, prefer it much more than am/pm

mfer · 3 March 2017, 10:49 AM

If you've come here to have the forum talk you out of the 233, you've come to the wrong place!

Coffes4closers · 3 March 2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1William

The 233 is a great watch. I have been down the rabbit hole with straps and I can tell you that less is more. Find 8-10 straps and call it quits. If not you can end up with enough money in straps to buy another watch and you can not wear them all.

I suffered from the same affliction for a while, and after a few years, interestingly enough, I now wear my 233 on OEM rubber about 3/4 of the time.

jwkunkle · 3 March 2017, 01:57 PM

After a decade of flipping and constant buying and selling, I just want to find the one. :)

Psmith · 3 March 2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapince

The 233 is 45mm, not 44 like before? When did that change if it did? I had the dot dial 233, if you love the Pam style it's great, Pam love has passed for more comfortable pieces on the wrist but loved it when the love was here, didn't help to fall in love with Genta designs, probably my favorite Pam, and the dot dial is so cool, prefer it much more than am/pm

It is (and has always been) 44 mm

Ruud Van Driver · 3 March 2017, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

It is (and has always been) 44 mm

It's definitely 44mm.

http://www.panerai.com/en/collection..._pam00233.html

If I was allowed three more Panerai, I'd have a 233 in a heartbeat but I'm only allowed one. Fabulous piece.

Al1969 · 4 March 2017, 05:17 PM

233

jwkunkle · 6 March 2017, 10:42 AM

nick c · 6 March 2017, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwkunkle

jbsmith · 7 March 2017, 03:39 AM

233 is my favorite Panerai due to 44mm, polished/brushed, crown guard, hand wound, lower CG on wrist, domed crystal, 8 day reserve, date, GMT, AM/PM, PR indicator, see thru case back, etc....

It's my one and only PAM. I previously had the 312, but traded up for the 233 with not regrets. Good luck, but if you want only one PAM then to me it has to be the 233.

rebel_1 · 11 March 2017, 07:23 PM

I had a 233 for a couple of years. I started having some movement issues, so I ended up flipping it. It is a comfortable watch, but for some reason it just didn't get much wrist time. I have since settled down with my 512. It's my only PAM at this time.

jhcam8 · 12 March 2017, 12:26 AM

Lot of love for the 233. I've had a couple then got tired of them - probably because I prefer a simpler dial. But that could change.....

masterserg · 12 March 2017, 01:03 AM

One of my favorite watches of any brand, bar none. I miss mine.

islands62 · 12 March 2017, 05:29 AM

I just received a NOS Dot dial 233 from Panerai (my spouse works for Richemont) and it was like strapping on an old friend. It's my fourth (118, 005, 372) but is now the only one in my current rotation. As others have said, it just seems to be the perfect combination of size and features. Love it!

And the one I got is a "shadow case" to boot!

Timeguy123 · 13 March 2017, 12:56 AM

I have had few Panerias. I find the 233 fits on the wrist the best and wears more comfortably than some other 44mm Panerias.

2 March 2017, 10:37 AM	#1
jwkunkle 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Josh Location: Indiana Watch: The Next One Posts: 645	Is it the 233? Greetings friends. I have had numerous Panerai references over the last decade. Enjoyed them - then sold them for someone else to enjoy. I am looking to settle down with one watch. Then concentrate on straps. I am not a multiple high(ish) end watch guy - so says she who must be obeyed - so it's just one single watch for me. I am pretty much decided that "the one" should be a Panerai. But which one? Have had multiple times the following references...000, 005, 111, 380, 372, 1000. Very much like aspects of each one. The 000 and 005 and 380 sausage dials are sexy. Have always liked them. But ~4k for a basic movement and closed case back always left me a little bit lacking. The 111 is nice, but kind of regular. The 1000, meh. The 372 I have had on 3 different occasions. I believe it is one of the best watches in photographs - but on the wrist it frequently didn't sing to me. Not sure if it's too large, or that a ~6k watch with a plexiglass dial turned me off. Perhaps if it was 45mm... That leads me to one of the references that I have always lusted after from afar - the 233. Pics online always seem to look great. It's a touch smaller at 45mm (funny observation) but I have never actually worn one - so not sure the wrist presence in comparison to other PAM's. And it has the super-badass bubble crystal. Couple of detractors- little bit of a cluttered face (by Panerai standards) and a bit larger price tag at around $8k. So...guess what I was hoping for would be some comments, experiences, advice on what everyone here thinks about all of the long-winded babbling above. Anyone love the 233? Anyone hate it? Anyone think it's just not worth it? I welcome all responses. Thanks guys.

2 March 2017, 12:11 PM	#3
fullcourt "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: dp Location: chicago, usa Watch: panerai Posts: 2,369	233 is an amazing piece, enjoy __________________ dp just living the dream chicago, usa chgo_risti on IG

2 March 2017, 12:17 PM	#4
Coffes4closers "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NYC Posts: 326	233 is sublime Attached Images

2 March 2017, 12:22 PM	#5
Coffes4closers "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NYC Posts: 326	My one and only Pam.. IMO The 233 is the quintessential panerai with all of the best panerai features Attached Images

2 March 2017, 08:56 PM	#9
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	233 is a great piece (and is actually 44 mm). The only thing I'm not crazy about is the 'fang' p/r indicator on the dial, but this is nicer in real life than in pics. __________________

2 March 2017, 11:04 AM	#2
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,537	233 is an awesome one watch / Pam pick. From my observations on the forums that one is held in high regard.

2 March 2017, 05:00 PM	#6
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	233 is a modern classic Panerai, you can't go wrong with it. I have one PAM, a 164, which I picked up about five years ago. I love it to bits. But, if I had had the funds at the time, I would have probably gone for the 233. Good luck with your choice!

2 March 2017, 05:55 PM	#7
chickennho "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Real Name: Khanh Location: Somewhere Watch: All gone Posts: 133	I have 6" wrist (15 cm), i bought and sold the 233 because i felt it too big. But i always love Panerai, should i buy the 233 again ?

2 March 2017, 06:22 PM	#8
jagwap "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: China Watch: IWC IW389001 Posts: 762	I have a similar sized wrist and it fits fine (flatter?). The 233 is the first manufacture model and I think they nailed it. It set the tone for the 1950 cases (after the original) and once you learn to love the fang it is perfect. The early dot version is the best looking in my opinion, and may command a premium. Especially now they seem to have discontinued the tunnel strap that came with it. Dome crystal, jumping hour, dome crystal, 1950 case, dome crystal, 1st in house movement, dome crystal, tunnel strap, dome crystal, really 10 days reserve, dome crystal, hideable GMT hand, did I mention the dome crystal?

2 March 2017, 09:48 PM	#10
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,776	The 233 is a great watch. I have been down the rabbit hole with straps and I can tell you that less is more. Find 8-10 straps and call it quits. If not you can end up with enough money in straps to buy another watch and you can not wear them all.

3 March 2017, 09:17 AM	#11
lapince "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Mars Watch: 5712 Posts: 11,509	The 233 is 45mm, not 44 like before? When did that change if it did? I had the dot dial 233, if you love the Pam style it's great, Pam love has passed for more comfortable pieces on the wrist but loved it when the love was here, didn't help to fall in love with Genta designs, probably my favorite Pam, and the dot dial is so cool, prefer it much more than am/pm

3 March 2017, 10:49 AM	#12
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,724	If you've come here to have the forum talk you out of the 233, you've come to the wrong place! __________________ member#3242

3 March 2017, 01:57 PM	#14
jwkunkle 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Josh Location: Indiana Watch: The Next One Posts: 645	After a decade of flipping and constant buying and selling, I just want to find the one. :)

4 March 2017, 05:17 PM	#17
Al1969 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,640	233 Attached Images __________________ WG SUB-116719 GMT MASTER II 126719

6 March 2017, 10:42 AM	#18
jwkunkle 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Josh Location: Indiana Watch: The Next One Posts: 645

7 March 2017, 03:39 AM	#20
jbsmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Blake Location: US Watch: Daytonas Posts: 1,869	233 is my favorite Panerai due to 44mm, polished/brushed, crown guard, hand wound, lower CG on wrist, domed crystal, 8 day reserve, date, GMT, AM/PM, PR indicator, see thru case back, etc.... It's my one and only PAM. I previously had the 312, but traded up for the 233 with not regrets. Good luck, but if you want only one PAM then to me it has to be the 233.

11 March 2017, 07:23 PM	#21
rebel_1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 2,132	I had a 233 for a couple of years. I started having some movement issues, so I ended up flipping it. It is a comfortable watch, but for some reason it just didn't get much wrist time. I have since settled down with my 512. It's my only PAM at this time. __________________ Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017

12 March 2017, 12:26 AM	#22
jhcam8 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Jim Location: SE MI, USA Watch: Sub C Posts: 2,068	Lot of love for the 233. I've had a couple then got tired of them - probably because I prefer a simpler dial. But that could change.....

12 March 2017, 01:03 AM	#23
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	One of my favorite watches of any brand, bar none. I miss mine. __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

12 March 2017, 05:29 AM	#24
islands62 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Honolulu Posts: 22	I just received a NOS Dot dial 233 from Panerai (my spouse works for Richemont) and it was like strapping on an old friend. It's my fourth (118, 005, 372) but is now the only one in my current rotation. As others have said, it just seems to be the perfect combination of size and features. Love it! And the one I got is a "shadow case" to boot!

13 March 2017, 12:56 AM	#25
Timeguy123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Canada Posts: 163	I have had few Panerias. I find the 233 fits on the wrist the best and wears more comfortably than some other 44mm Panerias.

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