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hennabav · 11 August 2010, 02:05 PM

Recently I have become very interested in making my next watch a Panerai. I've been looking at several models. One is a 190 but since it is already completely discontinued, I am unable to try it on. I had the opportunity to try on a 183 today. It was my first time trying a Radiomir on and I was very surprised at how light it felt especially for a 45mm piece. It just didn't feel as solid as the Luminor models. I was curious whether the 190 feels more solid or heavier than the 183 Black Seal?

At the AD, I also tried on the 312 and a 275. The 275 with the domed crystal is absolutely gorgeous but at a price of little over $20k, that is quite high. What do you think the best price is for one of these?

Any opinions between the 312 and 233 ?

inspires · 11 August 2010, 02:12 PM

Hi Jon,

I don't know the exact weight of the 183 and the 190 but I've tried on both and the 190 is definitely a tad heavier than the 183 due to the movement.

The Radiomirs are wonderful pieces and have lots of history behind them as well.

For me, the 1950s cases don't feel right on my wrist as I have a relatively flat and small wrist (6.25"), it just sits a little to high and shifts around a bit. If you have a relatively flat wrist, I would have to say the comfort of the Radiomirs is the one for you.

I've tried on both the 312 and 233 and they are really two different watches. The 233 is gorgeous and I would pick it over the 312.

Good luck in your search!

Cheers,

Eric

hennabav · 11 August 2010, 02:56 PM

Thanks for your opinion Eric. I didn't know the 190 was a little heftier. It will make a big difference if the Radiomirs were a little heavier. I personally have a small wrist as well...runs in our blood LOL!! I was afraid the Luminor models would be too large but I guess that's their design. It's more of an "in your face" type watch but nevertheless its a nice piece. Are the 312's a hot item? I'm afriad if I do purchase it and didn't like it, I would have to flip it and I don't want to lose any money on it. What price do these command right now?

inspires · 11 August 2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hennabav

Thanks for your opinion Eric. I didn't know the 190 was a little heftier. It will make a big difference if the Radiomirs were a little heavier. I personally have a small wrist as well...runs in our blood LOL!! I was afraid the Luminor models would be too large but I guess that's their design. It's more of an "in your face" type watch but nevertheless its a nice piece. Are the 312's a hot item? I'm afriad if I do purchase it and didn't like it, I would have to flip it and I don't want to lose any money on it. What price do these command right now?

The 312's are one of the most popular entry level PAMs with inhouse movement. I suggest that you try one on at an AD and wear it for about 10 minutes to see if you like the weight and height of it.

As for prices, depends if you are looking new or pre-owned. Some of the trusted sellers have some up for sale, do a search in the FS forum.

As for flipping and not losing money, it is very rare that you won't lose money on flipping but sometimes it does happen.

Max · 11 August 2010, 03:09 PM

312 and 233 are quite similar, when I was considering the purchase of a 233 I thought about waiting for the release of the 312. A few things that swayed me to the 233:

- Domed crystal
- First Panerai in-house movement
- Eight day power reserve
- More attractive dial w/the power reserve fang
- No waiting for the 312 :)

As mentioned, the 312 is a great entry level PAM w/in house movement. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. The 233 wears much larger than the 312 with the domed crystal, so that may be a concern if you've a smaller wrist. I really recommend trying both on and seeing which you prefer, if you dealer doesn't have a 233 they may have another watch w/the domed crystal.

All said and done, after recently trying on a 312, I'm very glad I made the decision to go with a 233 instead. If your wrist and wallet can pull it off, I'd go with that. However, whichever one puts the biggest grin on your face is the right one for you. Have fun!

Joey_V · 11 August 2010, 03:59 PM

I personally think the 312 appears bigger than the 233. The 233 has the bubble crystal which makes the face appear much smaller and thus the watch seems smaller than the 312 on the wrist. I also think the 233 is smaller in terms of thickness.

mfer · 11 August 2010, 10:43 PM

The 190 is also thicker than the 183.

In terms of resale, I think the 190 is the safest bet, followed by the 233. I'm still a little Leary of Panerai's in-house movements. There have been a decent number of problems reported and their service department is subpar at best it seems.

breukelenvr6 · 13 August 2010, 03:02 PM

190 holds it values better than the 183. Other than the overall general case shape, they're fairly different watches. Mostly because the 190 has a JLC 8 day movement with a clear caseback to show off the lovely mechanics. 183 is your standard ETA handwind. Nice and simple. The case on the 190 is, like others have said, heftier and thicker too. As for the 312, I owned one... loved it for a short while then sold it. I didn't end up liking how thick the new in-house auto movements are resulting in a thick exterior 50's case that sits comfortably but quite noticeably there on your wrist. The 233 does a much better job on the wrist, imho

11 August 2010, 02:05 PM	#1
hennabav Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jon Location: New England Watch: --Rolex-- Posts: 2,391	Weight difference between 190 & 183 Recently I have become very interested in making my next watch a Panerai. I've been looking at several models. One is a 190 but since it is already completely discontinued, I am unable to try it on. I had the opportunity to try on a 183 today. It was my first time trying a Radiomir on and I was very surprised at how light it felt especially for a 45mm piece. It just didn't feel as solid as the Luminor models. I was curious whether the 190 feels more solid or heavier than the 183 Black Seal? At the AD, I also tried on the 312 and a 275. The 275 with the domed crystal is absolutely gorgeous but at a price of little over $20k, that is quite high. What do you think the best price is for one of these? Any opinions between the 312 and 233 ?

11 August 2010, 02:12 PM	#2
inspires "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Hong Kong Watch: 1665 Posts: 1,495	Hi Jon, I don't know the exact weight of the 183 and the 190 but I've tried on both and the 190 is definitely a tad heavier than the 183 due to the movement. The Radiomirs are wonderful pieces and have lots of history behind them as well. For me, the 1950s cases don't feel right on my wrist as I have a relatively flat and small wrist (6.25"), it just sits a little to high and shifts around a bit. If you have a relatively flat wrist, I would have to say the comfort of the Radiomirs is the one for you. I've tried on both the 312 and 233 and they are really two different watches. The 233 is gorgeous and I would pick it over the 312. Good luck in your search! Cheers, Eric __________________ _____________ All GREEN

11 August 2010, 03:59 PM	#6
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	I personally think the 312 appears bigger than the 233. The 233 has the bubble crystal which makes the face appear much smaller and thus the watch seems smaller than the 312 on the wrist. I also think the 233 is smaller in terms of thickness. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

11 August 2010, 02:56 PM	#3
hennabav Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jon Location: New England Watch: --Rolex-- Posts: 2,391	Thanks for your opinion Eric. I didn't know the 190 was a little heftier. It will make a big difference if the Radiomirs were a little heavier. I personally have a small wrist as well...runs in our blood LOL!! I was afraid the Luminor models would be too large but I guess that's their design. It's more of an "in your face" type watch but nevertheless its a nice piece. Are the 312's a hot item? I'm afriad if I do purchase it and didn't like it, I would have to flip it and I don't want to lose any money on it. What price do these command right now?

11 August 2010, 03:09 PM	#5
Max Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 161	312 and 233 are quite similar, when I was considering the purchase of a 233 I thought about waiting for the release of the 312. A few things that swayed me to the 233: - Domed crystal - First Panerai in-house movement - Eight day power reserve - More attractive dial w/the power reserve fang - No waiting for the 312 :) As mentioned, the 312 is a great entry level PAM w/in house movement. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. The 233 wears much larger than the 312 with the domed crystal, so that may be a concern if you've a smaller wrist. I really recommend trying both on and seeing which you prefer, if you dealer doesn't have a 233 they may have another watch w/the domed crystal. All said and done, after recently trying on a 312, I'm very glad I made the decision to go with a 233 instead. If your wrist and wallet can pull it off, I'd go with that. However, whichever one puts the biggest grin on your face is the right one for you. Have fun!

11 August 2010, 10:43 PM	#7
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,724	The 190 is also thicker than the 183. In terms of resale, I think the 190 is the safest bet, followed by the 233. I'm still a little Leary of Panerai's in-house movements. There have been a decent number of problems reported and their service department is subpar at best it seems.

13 August 2010, 03:02 PM	#8
breukelenvr6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT Posts: 12	190 holds it values better than the 183. Other than the overall general case shape, they're fairly different watches. Mostly because the 190 has a JLC 8 day movement with a clear caseback to show off the lovely mechanics. 183 is your standard ETA handwind. Nice and simple. The case on the 190 is, like others have said, heftier and thicker too. As for the 312, I owned one... loved it for a short while then sold it. I didn't end up liking how thick the new in-house auto movements are resulting in a thick exterior 50's case that sits comfortably but quite noticeably there on your wrist. The 233 does a much better job on the wrist, imho

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