blaahhh. So torn: VAC088 or VAC089

[asf]

Im looking into doing this huge purchase and trying to see which would be better, the PAM088 or PAM089. Are the 089's anthracite rep dials even close looking? Id rather have a brushed case, but the other gmt models are kinda meh

plus I'd like to be able to put on a bracelet in the future. Do the titanium cases look funny with full SS bracelets on them?

any help?

[redwatch]

Personally I really don't like the silver sub-dial on the 88. I don't know why, but it really rubs me wrong for some reason. I prefer the 89 for it's simpler dial.

For me, the nicest GMT is the 029 with it's tuxedo dial

[blackbard]

Agree with Red...029 all the way...Even though it did not suit me...

[EMM]

I've had both. The 88 silver dial bugs me a little, too, because it kind of clashes with the shiny SS case. And it's hard to get the right shade of silver. The 89 dial, with the cool vertical anthracite pattern, is more interesting. And the black subdial just goes better IMHO. It's a much more subdued and elegant look. I kept the 89 and sold the 88.

On the other hand, when Vac lumed my 89, I had him use more C1 than the gen. The gen lume really pops out on the anthracite dial - looks bright slime green. I don't care for it. The gen lume on the 88's black dial doesn't do that as bad.

The 29 is nice, but I've only seen two reps with the correct number font on the bezel. The gen bezel numbers are very stretched horizontally -wide numbers. The reps aren't. If that doesn't bug you, then it's a good choice.

[Drulee]

Got 'em and love 'em all. Since the 029 was my latest acquisition, and my 089 is at Vac's, it is getting most of my wrist time. But I still love my 088s (one DSN dialed, and one Cartel dialed).

Not very helpful I guess

[aardian]

The silver sub-dial does bother some people and with gen sub-dial color being anywhere between DSN's and cartel's it's not a straightforward pick for some people.

The problem with 089 is the CG, without any viable option out there that's close enough to gen except by going gen (DSN's cg is closest in thickness but shape still falls short).

I'd pick a 088 based on the ultimate from van. It's damn classy as hell for a GMT watch and is more formal looking than the 089. I had my 088 from vac and my friend literally begged me to sell it to him, so I did and am raising fund again to have vac rebuild another one for me

If you need an 089, get both

[Nick2T]

I prefer more the PAM088! I'm not into titanium cases, to light and noisy with a swanneck movement! (but not in your case)!

I love the silver subdial!

But hey the decision is al yours mate!

I just ordered a VAC PAM111H full modded! should be shipped out this thursday!

[EMM]

The 89 does not have a swanneck. It hass an A7750. It is both heavier and quieter than the Ti handwinds I've had.

If well serviced, the A7750 in an 89 should be much quieter than an SS with a 6497, particularly an A6497 with a display back.

The CG thing is an issue,though. I found a nice cartel ultimate CG that I converted with substantial mods into a very good A-F CG (mine is an 89e). But there truly are not a lot of good Ti CG options.

[asf]

haha so Torn. Even though the CG sucks on the 089, I think im going to bite on that one because its a little more unique! Thanks guys!!

[kbiz]

Can't go wrong either way

[cromodora]

And what about 228? Personally that is the sexiest Panerai GMT around.