Officine Panerai

Hi I already owned a 232 and I have ordered both but if only 1 is to pick up, what would be yr choice and why? many thks

better movement, destro and LE. After the 372 get distributed...massively....if you like one, you can always walk into a Boutique and get it. Not so with the 368...IMHO.

Cheers - Sergio

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For me 368.

I would go for the PAM 368. No doubt about it.

henry hoe

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The fact that the 368 is an LE of 1000 means nothing to me though; to many it does.  What is so special about it?  Brown dial and gold hands, destro, 8 days; sure, nice qualities, but I would take a 346 over it any day with its similar features.  If you want a 47mm destro go for the 217.  I don't see the 368 in that league at all.

The 372 on the other hand is extremely special and oozes Panerai DNA.  3500 pieces and more to come?  Who cares?  If you walked into an AD and saw them side by side and knew nothing about price or limited status, would you honestly pick the 368?  If the answer is yes then there you go; otherwise get the 372 (which is also more different to your 232 than a 368 would be, and I always like diversity).

It is always interesting to read on other's opinions on the forum, and i have a few issues with what you have written.

About the 368, why do you say that it is not in the league of the 217 at all? Is it just cause of the wording Marine Militare? Other than that, virtually all aspects are the same, with the fact that the 368 is crafted out of titanium compared to 217's 316L stainless, shouldnt the material itself already be considered to be more superior? While the 217 JUST has an ETA, which is a way to common and cheap movement, would the in-house that is found in the 368 in fact elevate it further?

As for the 372, how is it more different to the 232 than the 368? They both are base watches, and capability wise is almost the same, except one is ETA and the other is an in house. Wouldnt the seconds hand of the 368 set it apart even more from the 232? And of course the 8 days vs 3 days of the 372 which is closer to 232's 56 hours.

Just for some discussion

Stephen

With regards to the thinking the 372 is more different, I was thinking mainly the dial color (black versus a second brown).  I suppose both being base models makes them more similar, but that was my intent in feeling the 372 gives him a more diverse option to his 232.

To me the 217 was and is a more original design by Panerai.  Not at all for the Marina Militare designation, but because it was a left handed 47mm watch on the heels of the vaunted 127.  I actually prefer it to the 127.  The 368 has a "mix and match", "what combo have we not done yet" feel to it for me, and I'm not sure I understand it as you do.  Of course all brands go down this road, but the 372 is astounding in person.  For me the 368 does not add up to something nearly as special.And I just can't get on board with "8 Days" on the dial.  I'll tell you what, had they added "3 Days" to the 372 then I might agree with you!

And i appreciate them. Often times it helps for others to put new perspective into what i think, or else i get too haughty.

But what you say is true, and i see it all.

We are of course in no way at animosity here, just to each his own.

But i see your point, and it is alright if you do not see mine.

I fully agree with simple is best , but i figured out that if Titanium was as readily available back then in the 30's as if is now, OP would have definitely utilised it due to its characteristics such as higher corrosion resistance to salt water, which would serve their purpose fully.

And about the ETA, yes i see it being closer to the original Rolex, but then if Panerai is as they claim a brand that uses the most innovative methods, an in-house as they have provided today would be testimony to that.

We afterall dont live in the past, but in the present and for the future, so innovation is the way to go, unless you live in an industry that wants to be lag behind, yes some people may say they dont care about the innovations, but unfortunately my industry is not one of those, and i cannot afford to live in being the past, i have to innovate, and so i desire the same in my watches.

Great choice though,

Ciao

Stephen

Absolutely no animosity with our opinions.  We're PuristS, exchanging our views.  I certainly meant no disrespect to the 368 or its fans.  Our specific models here are part of a bigger discussion, which can again apply to most brands.  I do not fault Panerai for creating some interesting variations, and offering a strong variety of choices for prospective buyers, old and new.

I remember when the PAM233 first launched.  I was a huge fan of the watch itself and the idea of Panerai making their own movements.  But many Paneristi at the time were opposed to the idea.  Now it is universally accepted.

For me and my interests in Panerai, I think the marriage of old and new is better executed in some models than others.  Case in point - I would choose a 384 all day long over a 292.  I doubt anyone will agree with me, but I feel the ceramic case matches best with the in-house movement and dial side power reserve.  I just see it as a more harmonious watch than the 292, with its very historic dial set in the ceramic.  So that is an example of my rationale.

Do I contradict myself by liking the 372 even with its new 3 day movement?  Perhaps.  I guess I am not bothered by it as the case and dial are so seductive.  Now I would prefer covering the movement with a sold caseback, but at least the movement is plainly decorated which is correct for the watch.

I appreciate your feedback.  Cheers to you my Friend.

Morning Michael!

Well this is the reason why i love the PuristS so much compared to many other forums, everyone here is highly respectful for one another, and it is great to know more information and opinions.

Thank you Michael for the thoughts, invigorating.

Cheers to you and have a great day!

Stephen

I see steel as more Panerai than titanium, and quite frankly the ETA movement more appropriate for the 217 (even if you think of it as cheap and too common).  

i've been strugling with this issue lately.  though i do enjoy a high quality movement, i do like ETAs, and perhaps find that they do have aplace in PAMs.....a rugged, robust, and time-tested mechanism that will function as it should......

 

J

I have tried various PAMs over the years, and what I like most about Panerai is traditional Panerai.  So a simple dial and movement work great for me.  Still, some of the newer creations are haunting!  I am not big on the whole "historically correct" thing.  If that is the primary goal then buy a vintage model.  But the good news is this brand really offers something for everyone, and I do applaud Panerai's pursuit of movement and model development.

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But for me it has always been a brand where simple is best.

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I've never been a fan of destros since I'm right handed!

Cheers,
Anthony

Base for me and not a destro fans, hence the 372.

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