Officine Panerai

JohnFM
1273

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It's a tough call Nicolas

My first Panerai was a 564. After learning more about the company and its history (from you, Sergio, Abel, and others), I began to regret this purchase and long for others. After adding several others, however, I've grown to appreciate the 564 -- but it's not my favorite. I also have a 176, 249, 673, and 721. It's almost a tie for first between these four. The 176 is the simplest, most utilitarian, and easy to wear. The 249 is the most interesting and may, in fact, be my favorite -- it's large but thin and comfortable and, while it lacks the sandwich dial, there is something special about that Cali dial. I really like the 249 -- its look and comfort. But ... I'd say the 673 and 721 are 'higher quality' -- built to a slightly higher standard. I could be technically wrong here, but that's how it feels to me. Despite Panerai's missteps in recent years, the 673, 721, and 564 feel quite high in quality -- the movements wind more smoothly, there is less play in the hands, power reserves are longer, etc. The 721 is a LOT of fun, despite its checkered history -- it's bold yet whimsical with its anonymous dial and blue hands. But it wears bigger than the 249. The 673 is the most beautiful -- the dial, gold, pointed hands, and crystal are just special -- it's a watch to stare at and admire -- more than all the others. However, if I had to choose only one to wear everyday, it would be the 249 -- it's just easy and interesting. The 721 is a close second because it's fun and unique, but bulkier. The 673, though the most beautiful, is bulkier still with its lugs. In closing, the 249 is my favorite to wear daily. The 721 is my favorite when I want a big, fun watch. The 673 is my favorite to look at and admire. And the 176 is my favorite for low key stealth. But the Rolex 16610 LV may still be my favorite overall ;-)

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