Polynomial Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Delivered day before Christmas, what a timing. Ordered from Josh, processes as usual seamless. Firstly, let me mention the rubber strap it came on. Clearly a huge improvement over the previous (plastic) version, this one is either genuine rubber or has quite a bit of rubber content, as it feels pretty "rubbery". It is bit harder than the gen, but otherwise not bad at all. The only problem (at least I had with mine) are the lug holes -- they are too narrow for the tube, and in fact too narrow for the lug screws as well, -- removing them was a bit of a torture... I have nothing against putting rubber on some bodyparts, but not on wrists so this had to be replaced with leather. Still looking for a perfect strap, not an easy watch to strap, but some light brown or ten colour looks best to me. Here is the watch: The overall quality is exceptional, I am inclined to admit the super-high price was well justified. But let me start with the highlight -- the lume. I cannot compare this to anything I saw on a rep before, this is not a lume, it is a torch, I can use it to read a book in dark, simply incredible. Tried to take a lume shot, but it does not even start to describe how good it is: Now, the size comparisons. The 243 is 44mm, but this watch is known to appear larger than it really is, even though its face is smaller than a face of typical 44mm marina. Let me start with a comparison with other 44mm pams, here is a family shot: It does seem larger than other 44mm, the 250 coming close but still visually smaller (clearly all cases are of the same size!). 243 is tickest, but this does not come in play in frontal photos -- even ignoring the tickness, the 243 design makes it visually larger. Next, let's compare it with the fiddy, which is 47mm: Seems comparable, though 2mm smaller. Tickness -- similar. Finally, comapred with a monster of 50mm it does look smaller: On my 8" wrist it looks just right, though 187 seems a better fit, but one thing for sure -- the rubber strap while pretty looking on pictures does not look any good on the wrist . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Chief Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 "can use it to read a book in dark" wear it well with health! congraturations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maulermacall@hotmail.com Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Nice pic of your collection. There seems to be so many exciting and great out of the box Pams these days my collection might be going in the same direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asf Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 The rubber strap was the same for me on my 243L. PITA to strap change! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMS Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Nice! Definately on my wishlist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sander Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Thanks for the report! Can you let me know how the bezel feels and sounds when you turn it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poretl Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Why don't you buy an OEM rubber strap for less than $150? I think this watch looks best with the rubber strap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leandim Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Great review of a great watch ! Mine is on its way from Josh also. As for straps take a look at the wotancraft website. There are some amazing options for the 243. Congrats !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcagara08 Posted December 28, 2011 Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 nice watch! wear in good health! where are you located? which strap did you get this with? damn the only panerai model I want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polynomial Posted December 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 Thanks for the report! Can you let me know how the bezel feels and sounds when you turn it? Forgot to mention that one -- well bezel on mine is firm, so firm it is trully hard to turn it around! There must have been too many criticisms of floppy bezel on the old version that the factory took it a step too far in the right direction and made it too firm. Tried the WD40 but not much has changed, still hard to turn. I prefer the feel of 187, which is very easy to turn but still firm and has nice click sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polynomial Posted December 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 Why don't you buy an OEM rubber strap for less than $150? I think this watch looks best with the rubber strap. I kind of don't like wearing rubber straps, but if I can get an XL OEM for such price might go for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polynomial Posted December 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 nice watch! wear in good health! where are you located? which strap did you get this with? damn the only panerai model I want London, took under a week to deliver. Came on the "new" rubber strap, I am still looking for a strap to go with it (aside of rubber). This thing looks like a piece of equipment taken from a submarine, a retro submarine that is, so it will have to be a vintage calf of some sort or the original rubber... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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