Intriguing AD visit

[KBM]

I was at the mall today with some time to kill and decided to stop by the local AD to try on a 233 (again), since I've been lusting for one ever since I sold my 422, after finally admitting that it wore too large for my liking and was being left at the watch box without getting much use.

Well, they didn't have a 233 in the store, which was a bummer, but I got to try on a 533, which I didn't like as much as the 233. I missed the dome crystal and the thinner profile of the 233, although it was nice to have the 9 numeral on the dial of the 533.

Then, when I was getting ready to leave, something caught my eye in the watch box, and I asked to try it on. It was a 425 (47mm Rad with SLC dial), and wow! I thought it was amazing!

I had never given Radiomir models much thought, but this piece seemed much easier to wear than my 422. The absence of the crown protecting mecanism of the luminor cases, added to the slimmer profile of the hand wind caliber and the sleekness of the wire lugs made this 47mm wear much closer to a 45mm. I thought the dial was pretty cool and unique to boot, and the golden hands... well, those were a big part of the reason I bought the 422 in the first place.

Useless without pics, right? Here are some photos I took in the store:

PAM 425:
















For comparison, the 44mm PAM 533:

















My impression was that they didn't seeem to wear that much different, despite the size difference. The 425 wore more like a 45mm, if that makes any sense.

What are your opinions about the 425? Any impressions are welcome, as I understand it's something a bit different (especially the dial) and perhaps there are some aspects that I may be overlooking.

Cheers,

Kauê

[fullcourt]

425 is a nice piece....looked good on you

[jfestrelabr]

Originally Posted by fullcourt

425 is a nice piece....looked good on you

+ 1

But i like 233, and for this i go with 533


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[dnpina]

I recently picked up a Radiomir. I'm just not digging the crown. I'll likely sell it soon just based on the crown. The 425 has great historical appeal to me and I like the dial. But for me, the 233 is the winner.

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[nick c]

Is it only me? I can't see the pics

[ap1]

Originally Posted by nick c

Is it only me? I can't see the pics

Me too

[dnpina]

I had to look them up

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[KBM]

Really? I'll post them again.

[imperio]

Can't see the pics either!

[oldsalt]

I 'aint getting any pics way down here in Australia either....?

[Cru Jones]

Can't see the pix, either... :-(

As for the 425, it's my favorite SLC dial, as I think the gold hands help add a bit of spice to the mix. But, if the 422 was too large for you, I'm not sure that the 425 will be all that different, especially with that wide open dial....

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Can't see the pix, either... :-(

As for the 425, it's my favorite SLC dial, as I think the gold hands help add a bit of spice to the mix. But, if the 422 was too large for you, I'm not sure that the 425 will be all that different, especially with that wide open dial....

Yes, the large open dial did catch my attention when I was trying it on. But it somehow felt less chunky than my 422. Go figure.

[KBM]

425 pics again

[KBM]

533 pics

[Cru Jones]

^ I can now see the pics.

[KBM]

Great, thanks, Cru!

[nick c]

Now that's better I think the 425 looks stunning on you

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by nick c

Now that's better I think the 425 looks stunning on you

Ditto.... and thanks for reposting the pics...

[agentmeister5]

425 gets my vote. I have one and love it. The SLC dial is gorgeous. I had the same issue with the size at first but like you, after trying it on I felt it didn't wear as large.

[imperio]

You absolutely need to get the 425. It looks amazing on you. I might need to get one too... oh no!!


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[Calatrava r]

You are lucky. Not many Panerai dealers in malls in US. Only the big city folks can walk in for the most part.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

You are lucky. Not many Panerai dealers in malls in US. Only the big city folks can walk in for the most part.

I'm in the capital, so that certainly makes it easier. On top of that, I live within walking distance of the mall where the AD is located. In retrospect, that could get me in trouble...

[mfer]

232 wears even smaller and more comfortable. Just saying.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by mfer

232 wears even smaller and more comfortable. Just saying.

Really? How do you figure? Because of the dial layout?

[fullcourt]

Originally Posted by kauebm

Really? How do you figure? Because of the dial layout?

different movement, it does wear smaller and flatter

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by kauebm

Really? How do you figure? Because of the dial layout?

I like the 425 and it does look good on you but I much prefer the 533 on you. It's an awesome piece.

I agree with Mik though and the 233 will wear a lot smaller on you. The dome crystal and slimmer profile of the manual case of the 233 makes it appear a bit smaller than it's 44mm suggests. I'm wearing my 737 today, also a manual with a dome crystal, and it doesn't seem to dominate my wrist like my 359 and 689.

If you like the 425, knock yourself out Kaue; it's a very unique piece and you're not going to run across many in the wild. However, if your 422 wore big on you then think carefully before pulling the trigger. Oh, and wait until you try a 233 first.

Personally, I'd go 533 though. Just sayin'

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I like the 425 and it does look good on you but I much prefer the 533 on you. It's an awesome piece.

I agree with Mik though and the 233 will wear a lot smaller on you. The dome crystal and slimmer profile of the manual case of the 233 makes it appear a bit smaller than it's 44mm suggests. I'm wearing my 737 today, also a manual with a dome crystal, and it doesn't seem to dominate my wrist like my 359 and 689.

If you like the 425, knock yourself out Kaue; it's a very unique piece and you're not going to run across many in the wild. However, if your 422 wore big on you then think carefully before pulling the trigger. Oh, and wait until you try a 233 first.

Personally, I'd go 533 though. Just sayin'

Thanks, Ruud. I've tried the 233 on before, although not at the same time as the 533. Ideally, I'd like a 45mm 425 or a 44mm 422, but we know that's not how this works...

[mfer]

Originally Posted by kauebm

Really? How do you figure? Because of the dial layout?

232 (not 233) has different movement and sold caseback. The profile of the case is even thinner than the 425. I bet there is a google image out there with that comparison. It results in the 232 wearing smaller!

[KBM]

Originally Posted by mfer

232 (not 233) has different movement and sold caseback. The profile of the case is even thinner than the 425. I bet there is a google image out there with that comparison. It results in the 232 wearing smaller!

Great to know, thanks!!

[Vbmrk]

I have the 425 as well and love it. Perfect "casual dressy" watch I find. I'm also a big fan of the SLC dial and gold hands.