1950 44mm case or luminor 44mm case? pros and cons

[e-man67]

I thought for sure I wanted a 312 or especially a 351 as my first Panerai. I do not have an AD anywhere around me so I need your help. Which do you prefer the 1950 style case (as in the 312 & 351) or do you prefer the 44mm Luminor style case? Why? I know the 1950 style sits higher and I am a bit concerned about it being top heavy (that is why I was thinking a lighter Ti 351 model), I know the Luminor case sits lower but I cannot find any side by side comparision shots nor can I find wrist shots from the extreme side to show height comparisons. What do you guys think? Also, the 1950's style case is looking at at least $1500+++ difference in price over the luminor style case. Also, I would appreciate a few places (you can send a pm) that have good pricing on PAMs since this is my first PAM purchase...Thanks!

[DolphinV8]

http://www.wristwatchphoto.com/2009/...-compared.html

You really need to try both of them on yourself. I wanted an 104, but I ended up picking up a 312 in the end because I liked the brushed finish, sandwich dial, and crystal case back. The reg 44mm case definitely feels more comfortable on the wrist. I don't think the weight of the 1950 case would be an issue, but the thickness of the case and case back can make it uncomfortable for some people.

[Cru Jones]

You've really got to find a way to try one on. I, like many others, find the 1950 to (unfortunately) not fit the wrist well. It just doesn't sit right on me. I really wanted a 312 at first but, after trying it on, ended up with a Bettarini style that's suits me much better. Of course, if it works for you, and it does for many, it's a great looking case.

Good luck with the hunt!

[e-man67]

I wish I could try one on but I don't have any AD's near me in Cinci. Dolphin, I appreciate the article but it is difficult from the photos to see the true height (they look the same to me).

[Rodentman]

I have both and I frankly prefer the Luminor case, but only by a slim margin.

[DolphinV8]

Try this one http://www.wristwatchphoto.com/2009/...inor-case.html

If you are not sure, make a trip to a closest AD. For me, I knew I like the look of the 312, so I dont care about how it wears.

[Psmith]

I get on well with both cases, but my wrist is quite flat in profle which helps. The Luminor (Bet.) case feels more immediately comfortable, but I am happy with either. The 233 is usually regarded as the most comfortable 1950 case, as it is somewhat slimmer than the 312/320/etc and therefore not so top heavy

[Goodwill63]

I had been contemplating adding another panerai to my modest collection and went to the nyc boutique. I tried on almost everything and came away with the impression that the 1950's case sat way too high. I tried on the 422 and 425 and felt the luminor case sat much better on my wrist even at 47mm. It is obviously a personal decision but the luminor really felt better to me. Good luck and enjoy the process of elimination, it's half the fun!!

[Rodentman]

Originally Posted by Goodwill63

...Good luck and enjoy the process of elimination, it's half the fun!!

The other half of the fun is the next morning when you get your exam, no intense offended!!

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I get on well with both cases, but my wrist is quite flat in profle which helps. The Luminor (Bet.) case feels more immediately comfortable, but I am happy with either. The 233 is usually regarded as the most comfortable 1950 case, as it is somewhat slimmer than the 312/320/etc and therefore not so top heavy

Hit the nail on the head... I can wear all of them, however some peoples wrists can't cope with the taller case back on the 3 day auto 1950 pieces!

[Mickey®]

How LARGE is/isn't your wrist?

[Glenn422]

As others said, you have to find a way to try them out first. I was first dead on wanting to buy a 312 but then after trying it out one day in my AD, I find it sits too high on the wrist...

[Palmasea]

I think you have studied the differences quite well...I would tell you not to buy either Pam, until you have tried both 44's, at the same time.

Personally, I dont like the new sizing of the new movements eventhough I like the shape of the 1950s better(I own a 217 - which at 47mm, I consider more comfortable than the 1950 44mm's, but it helps that its a destro).

Good luck on your hunt!

[Glenn422]

I can comment though the 1950 case of my 335 is more comfortable than the luminor case of my 000 but the 335 sits lower than the 312, probably because of the domed crystal so they can move the movement further up, where the 312 have a flat crystal so they have to push the movement further down..

Is this true? What do you guys think?

[Palmasea]

Originally Posted by Glenn422

I can comment though the 1950 case of my 335 is more comfortable than the luminor case of my 000 but the 335 sits lower than the 312, probably because of the domed crystal so they can move the movement further up, where the 312 have a flat crystal so they have to push the movement further down..

Is this true? What do you guys think?

Glenn, I have a feeling you are correct on your observation

[e-man67]

I appreciate the replies guys I really do. Is there a Panerai with a luminor case, automatic movement, sandwich dial, date without magnifier or no date, with a ti case? Does such a watch exist?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by e-man67

I appreciate the replies guys I really do. Is there a Panerai with a luminor case, automatic movement, sandwich dial, date without magnifier or no date, with a ti case? Does such a watch exist?

Nope. 240 will get you auto and titanium, but all Luminor (Bettarini) autos come with painted dials and the cyclops. You could always source a non-cyclops crystal if it bugs you (personally, I find it balances the seconds dial nicely).

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by e-man67

I know the 1950 style sits higher and I am a bit concerned about it being top heavy ... cannot find any side by side comparison shots...

How do you know the 1950 sits higher...? Did you compare hand-wound movements or was there an auto in the mix?
I'd also love to see some comparison reviews / side-by-sides / at the very least, accurate measurements. I measured my 1950 and posted it in several threads, asking owners of Luminor and "372" cases to do the same but apparently this is asking too much (fyi, you can buy a digital caliper over Amazon for less than $20...)

Originally Posted by Travelller

Since I'm asking the 372 owners for data, here is some data back
I just measured my 233 over the center of the dome and it comes out to 17.5mm. That number is fact (I used calipers). I tried to eyeball the actual components and came up with approx. 3.5+8+3.5+2.5 (lower bezel, case, upper bezel, crystal). I also tried to get an approx. via ratios from the photo below with pshop: 3.2 7.7 3.2 3.4...



Last but not least (since we're on the topic of case thickness):
6152................ Case only, 7.4 overall, 16.8
6152/1............................ 7.2, ......... 18.7
6154............................... 5.7, ......... 14.7