I had the 212 time ago and still love it. Now I have the 253, but I think I still prefer the 212.
The Gen 253 is much more difficult to be found than the 212.
I have the same dilemma at this moment, and I have not yet an answer. LOL
I like the clean flat dial of 212 but I like too the hobnail of 253.
At this moment I prefer the 253, but tomorrow...