New to Panerai, why are all the models I like discontinued?

[njlam]

Panerai is a new brand to me, but I want to add one or two to my collection.

Doing my research, it seems the ones that appeal to me are no longer in production. Do any of the experts here have opinions on the following models:

PAM 1090/090 - The one that got me interested in Panerai
PAM 233 - sort of like the 1090 with the aesthetically attractive domed crystal
PAM 372 - simple/classic/enormous

Also considering the PAM 670 (which is still in production). What does Equations in Time mean/do?

Are there any others to consider?

[tedo]

I am in the same boat, I like the 995, 127 and 217.

The 233 is great as well and still on website, so not sure discontinued … a very popular model, and well deserved.

From these, you can probably tell I prefer the models with the large domed crystal.

[Zyfon]

I'm a bit bias, but the 233 and the 127 are perfect IMO. If you have the wrist for it, go for the 127. If not, the 233 is a great everyday watch. Been mine for the past few years.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by njlam

Panerai is a new brand to me, but I want to add one or two to my collection.

Doing my research, it seems the ones that appeal to me are no longer in production. Do any of the experts here have opinions on the following models:

PAM 1090/090 - The one that got me interested in Panerai
PAM 233 - sort of like the 1090 with the aesthetically attractive domed crystal
PAM 372 - simple/classic/enormous

Also considering the PAM 670 (which is still in production). What does Equations in Time mean/do?

Are there any others to consider?

Equation of Time Complication:
https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/w...gcase%20clocks.

Pretty sure the 670 is a tricky model to get without some purchase history (correct me if i'm wrong)

Plenty of Pre Owned options out there
Find a reputable dealer and ask them about sourcing one of the models you've mentioned, you may even save yourself some money

Of the 3 you've mentioned, I'd go the 372
Its classic Panerai
That having been said, I already own an 8 Days GMT model, so maybe thats why i'm going with somthing different

[njlam]

I am now leaning towards the 233 over the 1090/090 and the 372.

The 233 has the domed crystal, clear back, and balanced face complications. It is however manual wind vs the 1090/090 automatic.

I think the 372 just may be too big for my wrist.

Any suggestions for finding a new/unworn 233? Chronos24 has very few.

Is it possible the get the 233 with a deployment buckle?

Glad to finally narrow my selection down to one model.

[Cru Jones]

233 is an excellent choice! 8-day manual. Dome. 1st in-house. It will always be special.

Don’t worry about the buckle, IMO.

[tedo]

233 is an excellent choice. I am looking as well for something new, my main criteria being it must be significantly domed … so 995, 127 and 217 on my list.

You can buy extra strap and deployment, I did for my 1056.

[Joearch]

233 or 372 great way to go pre owned. You can find them for well below retail, full set and mint condition. I did that with both with no loss in value. Worth considering from trusted sellers here.

[Zyfon]

I went with the dot dial myself.

Originally Posted by njlam

Any suggestions for finding a new/unworn 233? Chronos24 has very few.

I believe some ADs still have them In-stock. My local AD here in BKK Thailand has one.

[njlam]

What is a "dot dial"?

I am hoping to find a new or unworn 233, but there are no ADs in OR.

Nevertheless, I travel frequently to Seattle, Philadelphia, Manhattan and Boston, so if anyone has any favorite ADs or sellers of high quality watches, please let me know.

Thanks to all who responded.

[arnage]

Originally Posted by njlam

What is a "dot dial"?

I am hoping to find a new or unworn 233, but there are no ADs in OR.

Nevertheless, I travel frequently to Seattle, Philadelphia, Manhattan and Boston, so if anyone has any favorite ADs or sellers of high quality watches, please let me know.

Thanks to all who responded.

in the small seconds indicator on the left of the dial (9 o'clock position) - the original / earlier series of Pam233s (i, j, and k serials) utilized a "dot" to help illustrate if it was daytime (am) or nighttime (pm). starting from "L" serial onwards, this dot-based indicator was replaced with an "am / pm" and rotating arrow-hand.

the dot dial is cosmetically purer, and is more desired by some, as a result. it also is rarer, as it was produced for around 3 years (3 serial letters..).

a dot dial can no longer be bought "new," as a result. and there are constant rumors that the 233 as a model on the whole (in current am/pm configuration) is, or will be discontinued. take it as it may, there's been discontinuation speculation for years, and it still hasn't happened. so who really knows..

the 233 is a great watch, and one of the more popular Panerais, given the various qualities it has - regardless of which dial you choose.

[brandrea]

Happy hunting!

Even if you prefer the discontinued references, they won’t cost you an arm and leg in comparison to another well known brand

[tedo]

Regarding the earlier DOT DIAL, recall reading you may need to be careful when purchasing due to a power reserve indicator (fang) issue requiring some type of fix by Panerai.

Others on forum might be aware and able to clarify. Think you can also a search this as well to learn more.

[arnage]

Re: dot dials with indicator getting stuck..
Yes, you can tell if there's been a service dial installed by comparing the width of the track for the power reserve fang. If it exceeds the demarcations by a decent amount on both ends of the 0 to 8 days scale, it is a service dial replacement (and you won't need to worry about a stuck fang)

[htc8p]

i dont really like the 233. there are good models out there probably until 2020

[TomasB]

Originally Posted by njlam

Panerai is a new brand to me, but I want to add one or two to my collection.

Doing my research, it seems the ones that appeal to me are no longer in production. Do any of the experts here have opinions on the following models:

PAM 1090/090 - The one that got me interested in Panerai
PAM 233 - sort of like the 1090 with the aesthetically attractive domed crystal
PAM 372 - simple/classic/enormous

Also considering the PAM 670 (which is still in production). What does Equations in Time mean/do?

Are there any others to consider?

Because all Panerai-models are limited. Some are "less limited" than others but all are done in a limited number. There is no ref that is "ongoing".

For me, personally the 372 is the optimal Panerai. All the DNA, reliable movement, the historic touch and beautiful.

[Andad]

Keep looking, there are plenty more model numbers on the way I’m sure.

[KBM]

Worth noting that, although this has been speculated on for many years, the 233 has not been discontinued.

[njlam]

I spoke to the US and European Panerai concierges and they both said the 233 is no longer being made.


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[jagwap]

Get a 233 while you can, it seems. There are a few iconic Panerais, and the 233 is THE manufacture 1950 case icon. Try to find one with the original "tunnel" strap. It is a perfect match.

It is the combination that makes it icon is: The fang PR, the sandwich dial, teh 1950 case tapering, but most of all it is the domed crystal. It looks odd in pictures, but in person, the distortions animate the dial as you move the piece.

I think the chances of a 233 dot not having the fix very slight. Mine got done pretty quick after it stalled. I have an early K series.

Good luck.

[njlam]

I agree re 233 and it has replaced the 1090 as the one I want next…..What is a “tunnel strap”?


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[jagwap]

Originally Posted by njlam

I agree re 233 and it has replaced the 1090 as the one I want next…..What is a “tunnel strap”?


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It is the original strap that came with the 233 dot when it was released:

[njlam]

To all who responded, thank you. I just purchased a 233 and it will be here next week.

While preowned, it has all the original papers and box along with both OEM straps and tools. It is a V vintage, so I think it may have been one of the last produced. I am thrilled to be joining the Panerai club!

Still wondering if the 372 should be added to my collection...at 47mm, I will need to get comfortable with my 44mm 233 before moving forward on that one!

[Zyfon]

Originally Posted by njlam

To all who responded, thank you. I just purchased a 233 and it will be here next week.

While preowned, it has all the original papers and box along with both OEM straps and tools. It is a V vintage, so I think it may have been one of the last produced. I am thrilled to be joining the Panerai club!

Still wondering if the 372 should be added to my collection...at 47mm, I will need to get comfortable with my 44mm 233 before moving forward on that one!

Congrats. The first of many

[njlam]

Received today and I love it. Very large!

I don't think the 372 or 670 are in my future given they are larger.

Love the 233....I think it has all the elements of Panerai's greatest hits.

[pdnb]

…. Here is dot bersion… actually I miss it!!!


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[Travelller]

Originally Posted by njlam

To all who responded, thank you. I just purchased a 233 and it will be here next week...

Congrats

I love my 233 - for so many reasons! Perhaps my (now ancient) thread can keep you entertained while you wait for yours to arrive




EDIT: If I'm honest, the "full" thread on my 233 can be found elsewhere. If interested, Google "Officine Panerai 233" (in quotes).

[1kw]

The Pam 1321 is another classic with automatic 72 PR indicator on the dial, GMT, domed crystal with less distortion, blue second etc.

[Iamci]

This too is my dilemma with Panerai: I like them but then right when I’m about to pull the trigger, I get that unexpected call from my AD and I put off on getting the Panerai. However because they’re producing so few of each models, by the time I’ve saved up for another watch those are discontinued and going on the secondary market for a PAM is still something I’m hesitant to do. For context I’m really digging the new white dial 1271. Hopefully there will still be some at the boutiques later this year.

[njlam]

After weeks of research, I am coming to the conclusion that there are very few Panerai models that I like, but the ones that I do, I have really fallen in love with.

These are the classic, old-school, rugged, stainless steel, 1950 case, domed-crystal, exhibition back, watches with the crown guard, that aren't really part of the current Panarai line. I wonder, given the watches I am drawn to are not longer made, is Panerai going is a different direction than the one that made them famous?

I have become a big fan of the 233 (which I now own), the 372 (which may be too big for me) and the 127 (which is similarly big and also quite rare). While there are a few models in Parerai's history that are similar to these, none are in the current line. While I feel a crown guard defines the brand, there are some Radiomirs that look cool, but then again it is the older vintage 1940 case, the domed crystal etc, are what make these watches worthy to me.

I think the reason it took me so long to come to this conclusion is that Panerai make so many models it was hard to distinguish all the slight/small differences between all the models and product lines. Does anyone else feel they make too many models? I also think this recent move into sleeker, thinner precious metal watches is misguided, sort of like a two-door sportscar made by Range Rover...while i am sure it would be a great car, I would never want one.

Instead of fancier watches, perhaps the classic models in slightly smaller sizes? My 233 at 44mm is the largest watch I own and I worry that my coveted 372/127 may be ostentatious (or ridiculous looking on me) at 47mm (all the on-line dealers I contact insist that I try one one before ordering).

Some of the most popular models reimagined in 44mm, 42mm or 40mm would go a long way with me.

It is worth noting when I got married almost 30 years ago, my wife bought me a Patek Calatrava which is a beautiful watch and at that time was period appropriate at 30mm. Today, the same model is now 37mm reflecting market conditions.

Might Panerai make similar adjustments in the other direction? Hope springs eternal.