Base vs Complications, Bettarini vs 1950

[rootbeer7]

Following my initial review (diatribe perhaps) about my newly arrived 233, I finally swapped watches yesterday for my 390.
This has prompted me to write a comparison review as people often ask questions around case, base or complications, sandwich or sausage.
Putting the 390 back on for the weekend, my first impressions was that it felt slightly heavier, a bit more dressy with a polished case, but just as comfortable. The base dial in tobacco with gold hands is incredibly smart, clean and legible, perfect for the weekend when all the other complications feel redundant.
Putting the 2 side by side, the 1950 case is certainly less hefty being more curved and brushed. The exhibition back is a bonus. Comparing the dials, particularly with the dome on the 233 is chalk and cheese. The sandwich dial is spectacular to look at and the layout with the classic dot is perfect. I choose to hide the GMT hand to keep it cleaner. The 390 is what it is clean and beautiful.

Both are manual-wind which reduces depth of the watches.

I feel I have 2 perfectly complimentary Panerai. 233 for the week and 390 for the weekend. Truthfully though, if I could keep only one, the 233 would stay!

To add I have just measured my wrist which is surprisingly almost 7” and both pieces are 44mm.

[Cru Jones]

Very nice set.

[nick c]

Perfect pair my friend

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Very nice set.

Originally Posted by nick c

Perfect pair my friend

Preaching to the converted here!