Can I please get some thoughts on the 233?

[masterserg]

I love this piece but I don't know much about the brand and never owned one. I find this particular reference very appealing. I tried one one and it looks great and it is very comfortable and light.

What are the general thoughts on reliability, service quality, secondary market (this one strikes me as a keeper ... but should I eventually decide otherwise it'd be nice to know that it can be sold).

I am just toying with the idea at the moment (along with other options).

Thanks for the input!

[Cru Jones]

Do some poking around on the sub-forum and you'll quickly see it's one of the most loved and appreciated PAMs.

Congrats in advance!

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Congrats in advance!

hehe ... like I said ... just toying with the idea

[p_mcgee]

I just picked up a 233 last week & its awesome. I timed it 4 days ago and its still within 3 seconds. I've had 3 other Panerai watches with ETA movements and none have been particularly accurate in this regard. Add in the cool domed glass and the 8 day power reserve and you have a winner.

My friends at work are all tired of my watch crap but every one has noticed my 233. I don't really pay much attention to the GMT (or AM/PM), but I suppose they would be nice features if you travel.

As far a secondary market performance, this will depend on how much you pay for it. If you buy pre-owned in the $9,500 range you should get most or all of your money back if its still in good condition. Like all brands, if you buy a new one you will probably take a hit on resale. I say this every time but this time I mean it...this one is a keeper.

[travisb]

I think it's one of the best Panerai models out there.
Had one a few years back and don't remember why I let it go.
One of the few I regret selling and on the short list of my upcoming plan to purchase a new PAM.
The domed saphire crystal is mezmerising. 44mm 1950 case. Yum!

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by travisb

...The domed saphire crystal is mezmerising. 44mm 1950 case. Yum!

Yummy...
...and if that doesn't do it, this certainly will...

[WatchTimes]

Its a great watch...
One of the few personal watches I sold and actually miss.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

I timed it 4 days ago and its still within 3 seconds. I've had 3 other Panerai watches with ETA movements and none have been particularly accurate in this regard...

I've got [great] news for you, then... I set mine to an atomic clock when I bought it in July and I just checked it; it's off by 1s...

Actually, it's not that straightforward, but if you review the recorded variances in your owner's documentation there will be at least one position that is slow and (at least) one that is fast; so every few days, I check the time and depending if it's running a few secs fast / slow, I place it in the appropriate position overnight to bring it back down to zero.

In comparison, my Mühle Flieger runs fast and my Chronoswiss Tora runs slow, regardless of what position they're in...

[masterserg]

Thanks guys! It is a stunning piece indeed! No doubt about that! I've been a Rolex guy for many many years ... It's a big step this one so I am not sure. Rolex is "safe" if you know what I mean ... I'd still have my DeepSea :)

[red1108nyc]

Beautiful, versatile and robust movement.. you will enjoy...

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Yummy...
...and if that doesn't do it, this certainly will...

Yes, that will do it.

The 233 is really beautiful, and although I am a Rolex guy as well, I wandered over here to the Panerai section and fell in love with some of these great watches. 233 being one of the most beautiful.
Good luck in resisting for very long.

[Psmith]

It's a Panerai modern classic - and significant for having the first in-house movement. Wears a little slimmer than other 1950 cases. Imho the downsides are: linear power reserve meter on dial (I guess you either love the 'fang' or not!), GMT function not particularly intuitive, high price (~$16k) puts it up against some very talented competition

[masterserg]

Good points Clive. Price (value is a better word) is my main quibble, though grey prices are significantly lower.

[Psmith]

Thanks Serg

Yes, If I were in the market I'd be talking to a trusted grey dealer, especially as the chances of getting a discount from an AD (unless you've done a lot of business with them) is somewhere between slim and none!

[kilyung]

I love mine.

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I love mine.

what is not to love? That is beautiful!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I love mine.

I like the dot over the am/pm indicator

[HL65]

Awesome watch--go for it Serg! Cheers,

[masterserg]

You people are baaad...

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by masterserg

You people are baaad...

[nishant]

There are a few aspects of the watch that have prevented me from going for it so far :

1) Price Tag : 11500 USD from Pam Dealers [ not AD mind you ..but get AD stamped papers ] .. not a big issue since the package is good for the money if you see it as a definite keeper.
2) Polished Bezel : I hate polished surfaces and even the new ones I ve seen at ADs come with some marks on the bezel .. MEANS .. the watch goes from BNIB to NM in no time at all the moment you strap it on for a couple of days.
3) Resale : Resale of this watch is good but not stupendous. Most NM examples go for around 9500 .. which means close to a 2000 dollar loss at resale .. [ a bit much for my liking ]

So.. The IDEAL SCENARIO .. score a safequeen for 10K

[masterserg]

I've read in some other thread that the power reserve fang mechanism is fragile and susceptible to breakage ... is this accurate?

For the money, I'd like something robust.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by masterserg

I've read in some other thread that the power reserve fang mechanism is fragile and susceptible to breakage ...

You are most likely referring to the "stuck fang" problem that appeared with the DOT 233s. This was a case of the slot tolerances being so tight that if the dial was only ever so slightly off-center, the fang would get stuck.

So yes, there is the danger of the problem with an older DOT (I,J,K I believe) models but it is non-existent with the newer AM/PM dials. Ditto for the 270.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Travelller

You are most likely referring to the "stuck fang" problem that appeared with the DOT 233s. This was a case of the slot tolerances being so tight that if the dial was only ever so slightly off-center, the fang would get stuck.

So yes, there is the danger of the problem with an older DOT (I,J,K I believe) models but it is non-existent with the newer AM/PM dials. Ditto for the 270.

Thank you for the clarification!