Officine Panerai

I was able to locate a 232 and a JLC Polaris (re-edition) at a local dealer - both resales.  I know these are two totally different watches but wanted to get a sense of you would do in my situation - knowing that most people on this forum are Panerai fans.  I also like the new 305 and that is a possibility.  I have a 104 and recently added a 292 to my collection.  If you could add one more watch, which would it be?  (I'd love to get them both but my wife would kill me.)  Thanks for your input.

 

 

Let's make it short:

If your criteria is Horological, so, go on the Polaris, which is a good alarm watch with an in house movement, for quite  the same price than an Eta movement.

If it is historical, both are interesting, as both are re editions of Vintage watches, and quite faithful re editions!

If it is aesthetical, so I can't do nothing for you, as everyone has its favorite.

Both are gorgeous, indeed, so you'll have to decide once you'll try them.

Best,

Nicolas

 

My interest would be more historical and aesthetic than horological.  I would like to add all of these watches to my collection.  I definitely want to add a sub to my collection and I love the 1950 case so the 305 (if it isn't too big) would be my choice for a sub.  However, I think I will be able to add the 305 down the road.  The 232 and Polaris are both hard to find.  Again, I would like to add them both eventually.  I like them both aesthetically.  My decision will probably come down to this - if I were to add one today and let the other one go, which one would be harder to find in the future? 

Without doubt the 232 or the Polaris.

The harder to find will be the Polaris as it is 2.5 rarer than a 232, but it is a bit more expensive, too.

The 305 doesn't fit the historical criteria as it is a strange mix between the Luminor Vintage ( the Case ), the Proto 2533 Radiomir ( the vertical indexes ) and a Pam  24 ( the round indexes )...

Best,

Nicolas

 

 

Nicolas,

First of all thanks for your advice.  I have a slight preference for the 65 Polaris over the 68 Polaris.  I recently tried on a platinum 65 Polaris - and didn't want to take it off.  .  Unfortunately, it is too pricey for me.  Do you know if they made a stainless version of the 65 Polaris and if so, how many they produced?  I would be more than happy with either one though.

Josh

The SS '65 Polaris was a Limited Edition of 65 pieces for the Paris Boutique.

They are now all sold out.

Best,

Nicolas

 

Of all the choices, I would prefer the Polaris (the '65 re-edition would be my preference, but only slightly over the '68) because I happen to have, what sometimes seems to be, an unnatural love of vintage-inspired dive watches with internal rotating bezels.  However, you seem like you really enjoy Panerai, so why not add a Submersible to your collection?  The new 305 is so handsome, and has that new manufacture movement and great 3-day power reserve.  What's not to like?    I like the 232 also, but you've already got a nice Rad and Luminor Marina, so I might go for something a bit different.

Whatever your choice, I'm sure it will be a winner.  Let us know how it turns out!

Cheers,
Daos

Thanks Daos.  I'm leaning toward the Polaris.  I also have a slight preference for the 65 over the 68 version.  I recently located a 65 while on vacation in Paris and tried it on.  It's beautiful.  Unfortunately for me it was the platinum version, which is a bit out of my price range.  I would guess it is likely that the version at my local dealer is the 68 version.  Both are beautiful. 

Josh

Joshua, nice choice to have!  The 232 and Polaris are both nods to the past, and both achieve their purpose.  For what it is worth, I owned a 232 briefly and I let it go. (Many, however, find it's 47mm size, gold hands and tobacco dial inspiring.) The Polaris is beautiful, but I wonder about how it would wear.  I fear I would baby a watch like that rather than "put it through the paces". The 305, while retaining the historic roots of the 1950s case, is a unique design with a manufacture movement and a three day power reserve.  It looks and feels wonderfully beastly! I've had one on the wrist, and if I could part with the funds I would have one on order right now!  If you have not seen one in the metal, I suggest you try to find one to see!

Good luck. All are nice watches.

Best,

Jed

I haven't seen a 305 in person yet.  I have had a chance to try on the 312 but not the 305, which is a bit bigger.  I love the way it looks in pictures but would need to try it on in person since my wrist isn't too large.  This probably won't be my next watch but I hope to own it one day. 

but 305 looks great (i've only seen it in pictures) so it would be my secomd addition as well...

 Tony

The PAM305 will be released in the retail channels in hopefully another month or 2 if you're waiting to see one in person, u'll be able to very shortly.

The PAM232 is an awesome watch but it shouldn't be too difficult to find down the road.  There are almost 2000 of them floating around, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get your hands on one later down the road.

The JLC Polaris re-edition is a nice watch as well but isn't enough of a "wow" watch for me to whip out the plastic and purchase it. 

Cheers,
Anthony

the 232 is nice too