I think it's impossible....

Apr 14, 2011,00:50 AM
 

to be objective on the issue. The 21 is THE grail for so many people for such a long time, it has come to represent almost ALL that is desirable in a Panerai (bar the Platinum which, IMO, doesn't defile the watch at all, since the colour is white). Other than the mistique of the 21 and again, IMPO, the visual of the two watches it's almost....6 of one, half a dozen of the other. Which one would I choose? The 21, I think.

Cheers - Sergio

ps I still can't get over the colour of the shirt 232...hahahaha


More posts: PAM232Radiomir 1938 SE

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Compare these two classic Radiomir same size and format

 
 By: Bill : April 13th, 2011-17:48
Anthony's post got me thinking as well as a post in the Rolex forum about reproducing classic models and the previous post the 127 vs the 372. Below are two models that again I would ask you to say which you prefer and why. It is so personal and so subtle...  

Of course...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : April 13th, 2011-19:29
If we disregard the price, I'd pick the 21... The only downside of the 21 is that the case is platinum.. Steel is much preferred material for Panerai.. But just look at the picture... 21 is so much cleaner (without the L SWISS MADE L) have a vintage look ... 

I'm biased but my opinion would still be the same

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : April 13th, 2011-21:20
because I find the vintage looking font on the PAM21 is much more attractive than that of the PAM232's. I love how the PAM21 font is super thin and jumps right out at you. Even if both watches were in steel cases w/ the same exact movements, I'd still pre... 

Great comparison and +1 Anthony..

 
 By: ocwatching : April 13th, 2011-21:36
love that font on the 21's dial...

So if we don't disregard the 15x price

 
 By: Bill : April 13th, 2011-22:33
How does that figure into the mix. I can understand a 1 or 2x difference we can say the comparison holds. But when we are talking about a 15x or 20x diffrence where is our barometer. I guess we get back to a timex tell time like a Patek. But here we are t... 

I think reproduction/reissues are the appeal of Panerai

 
 By: playtime : April 14th, 2011-05:04
It's a distinctive brand whose heritage plays a large role in its appeal. Rolex and PP seem to enjoy such a heritage as well (Submariner and Calatrava respectively).....

The large writing on the 21 makes a difference, compared to the 232.

 
 By: amanico : April 13th, 2011-22:43
The tritium indexes, the movement, the weight of the case ( the 21 is in platinum ), and the price, too. Which one would I prefer, now? Instead of a Pam 21, I would take a 232 and a Vintrage Cali, and I would still have some money to get some more watches... 

I think it's impossible....

 
 By: sirjo : April 14th, 2011-00:50
to be objective on the issue. The 21 is THE grail for so many people for such a long time, it has come to represent almost ALL that is desirable in a Panerai (bar the Platinum which, IMO, doesn't defile the watch at all, since the colour is white). Other ... 

Ahh the shirt that is Euro chic my friend . on the watches...

 
 By: Bill : April 14th, 2011-11:23
As to the watches and the reissue / redesign you will always be re reing and it will always be compared to the original. Now we add the special mix of the LE the 21 had +/- 60 units the PAM 127 had 1950 the 372 I think will not be a LE and will be 1000-15... 

In defense of the 232....

 
 By: playtime : April 14th, 2011-05:06
I do like the fact that it presents a solid case back, as any tool watch should.......of course, i wouldn't be using the 232 as a tool watch J

PAM 21 for me

 
 By: BluNotte : April 14th, 2011-05:22
If the asking price was not $220,000, but probably a quarter of that i'd pull on it right today. Sigh Stephen

21 for me

 
 By: brett_nyc : April 14th, 2011-07:32
If I was considering a 21, it would probably mean I already owned 1 or more vintage pieces, so that aspect of collecting would be taken care of. 21 is a great piece with the Rolex movement and somehow I really like the welded on wire lugs; feels more pure... 

I really like the 232 a lot, but the PAM 21 is just too charming...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 14th, 2011-18:46
Honestly, I would like to own a PAM 232, it is a very historical watch, the 47MM size is the size I like, the dark brown dial and gold hands is just the way I like it. The PAM 232 is definitely a great piece for the money. As for the PAM 21, that's just a... 

Therein is the rub

 
 By: Bill : April 14th, 2011-22:35
When the dimension of price comes into the mix and one what has a slight appeal but is 15x or 20x the price what happens to our perception of the reality. I will say it again I too love the 21 but I am merely illustrating or should I say adding something ... 

I'm close to getting a 232

 
 By: 1watch : April 16th, 2011-11:03
I'm also new to Panerai as a brand, but feel that the price difference and fact that to my knowledge), platinum was not used historically - therefore think 232 is the best representative.

i have the Very Poor Man's 21

 
 By: Tony A.H : April 16th, 2011-12:37
but IF $$$$$$$$$ was no object ?!! of course the 21 wins my Heart. Great Pictures... Cheers