Officine Panerai

Hi,

I have been waiting to puchase a 279 (Marina Auto, Tobac. Titan. Brace.) for some months after placing one on order. During this wait, the chance of puchasing a 233 has arisen (obviously more than a third again more expensive than the 279). I have tried to research as much as possible the watches but am still unsure of a few things.

Without taking the strap and Bracelet into account, would I be right in thinking that the steel case and polished steel bezel of the 233, is perhaps a little less durable (will scratch and wear more easily than the Titanium 279?

Would I be correct in saying that the cheaper 279 a more rugged 'every day' watch and the 233 a more 'dressier' watch?

How will the 233 hold it's resale value after a few years of wear?

I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has owned a 233 as an 'every day' watch for a few years and hear how durable they find it, with regard to small scratches and bumps they may have encountered.

I plan, of course to treasure and take care of the watch but I have a rather 'physical' and 'manual' lifestyle, hence the concern about scratch damage.

Many thanks for any advise if available!

Both the 279 and 233 are great watches.  The 233 is at the top of my "want" list.  I love the tobacco dial on my 279, it really complements the brushed Ti case and bracelet.  As for the 233, I am attracted to the domed crystal and the sandwiched dial.   The 1950 case of the 233 wears a little different than the Luminor Marine case.

Both models will attract scratches.  With the brushed Ti case it is easy to remove scratches with a Bergeon scratch pad or similar product.  With a polished case like the 233, a Cape Code cloth or buffing wheel will remove most scratch.  My greatest fear is dents and dings, and both Ti and SS are subject to these if not careful.   

Good luck with your search, both are great watches that you won't see often in the "wild."

Hi Casey,

Many thanks for your reply, your titanium dos look cool!

Thanks for your advise on the polishing clothes etc.

Do you know if there are crown protectors for either of these 2 watches? Could be an answer for me when Im out and about..

But would say you would have a little less work, and you could do it yourself, maintaining a SS watch with a cap cod cloth.  There are various techniques to keep your titanium in tip top shape but it is a little harder.

But at the end of the day the watch will build character and after the first scratch you will no longer worry about it and may even have a story to tell.  Do get me me wrong and start bashing it around.  Just wear and exercise basic care.

Good luke.

Bill

233 owner

Thanks for your reply,

You are right in saying that the watch will gain character after some years. Will consider my move... cheers.

 

they are durable. Unlike the titanium material, the polished SS is easier to be scratched and it will be nice if you can wear it very carefully. As Bill said, if you get your first scratch...then it will set you free.. I know everyone love their own watch(es), but remember one thing that you can't only keep it in the box. You have to wear it some other times. All watches are made to be wear...not just a keeper.

Well, you probably feel that the 279 should be your daily beater and 233 looks more dressier..... this is only because the PAM233's 1950 case with polished bezel makes everything looks more dressier. I would say Panerai in Radiomir case  will give the dress look than Luminor.

Regarding your question on 233 holding its resale value....I don't really have comment on that but with the first P.2002 in-house movement, I believe the watch will run really well and trustworthy in the long-term.

FYI....I bought my wife the PAM219 on our wedding ceremony (+Valentine's)....only few week past and the watch has got 2-3 scratches and 2 small dings. She seemed to worry about what happened but I finally told her that "honey, just wear it...this is not a vintage watch and I'll buy you a cape cod very soon"

Hope this help more or less and wish you get your Panerai very soon.

Cheers

PS. Keep us update of what's your pick.

Thanks for your advise Krieng,

I plan to wear the watch as an every day, so will have to accept the wear and tear, you're right. Will keep the plastic protecter on for a few months to get back in tune with it being there (havent worn a watch for many years!)

Thanks again for your advise! I will pick up one of those cloths.

Congrats on your wedding ceremony and gift by the way!

Hi Krieng,

I noticed in another post that you were in BKK? Are you Thai? I am in BKK quite often. I'll keep in touch and let you know when I'm next in town. Please let me know if there are any Panerai meetings coming up in May! Cheers! Mat

I think you will find the 233 extremely durable and it is already starting to become collectable.

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Many thanks, I can't tell you what a wonderful discovery this site is for me. I have always loved watches and this site has such wide ranging content and depth of quality.

Best,

Greg.

As the General Manager of PPro, it's always great to hear positive comments like yours.  We have a wonderful dedicated team as well as highly knowledgable community participants, and are always happy to reach out to new community members such as yourself.  Hope to see you more around the forums!

Best regards,
Anthony