While the 249 has some novelty in design, I personally prefer the simplicity of the 232 tobacco dial. The dial and arabic numbers are the original reason I was drawn to Panerai. I think it's the dark horse and the let people follow the crowd. If you go on the 2ndary market now, you can also get a nice discount on the 232.
Wasn't the Cali dial originally designed by Rolex or am I wrong here?
-David