I'll soon be in the market for a Radiomir as I currently own two Luminors - a 111 and an 029. I really love both the 380 and the 388. If you could only pick one, which would it be?
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"380 Or 388"
- Thread starter Eschenpod
- Start date
They are both great pieces. I have the 380 and I have the 505 (similar to the 388). I love both so damn much. I do like how sleek (and thin) the 380 is though. and I do prefer the 6497 movement to the Seagul/7750 movement due to the sound of the movement (the 6497 movement has a louder ticking sound but the 505 and I'm assuming the 388 have a pretty loud rotor sound. In the end you have to choose what you are wanting more.....do you want the date or no date. thicker or thinner. OP logo or no OP logo.
- 18/1/11
- 19,846
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If you like just a direct answer to your question,
If you could only pick one, which would it be?
For me is very easy: PAM 388. I got a PAM 388 and I have not bought yet a PAM 380
Then my clear option: PAM388 without doubts
But I think your decision should depend on your taste and requirements.
Let me to guide a little asking you some questions:
1-What do you prefer manual or automatic?
If you are not willing to wind the watch every day (o two) PAM380 is not your watch
2-What do you prefer display or solid caseback?
To answer this question bear in mind that a display caseback is very nice but allows to tell the movement flaws.
3-Is very important for you movement accuracy with a display caseback?
In this case you cannot buy a PAM388
4-What do you prefer about thickness: 15mm PAM380 or 16,5mm PAM388?
5-Do you want date? If yes you need a PAM388. Otherwise go to PAM380
6-Can you stand a Radiomir with date? If not you cannot buy a PAM388
7-Can you stand a flaw on dial like PANER_AI space? If not you cannot buy a PAM380
8-It is important for you the OP logo? If yes the only option is PAM380
9-Do you like the combination of soft colours in PAM388 dial, with slightly greenish lume and soft creamy inscriptions and date, like modern Panerais come, or you prefer a more uniform colours like old PAM 380?
10-Are you looking for the best finish and gen appearance? Then KW PAM388 is your watch
11-Are you willing to can get problems with lug screws? If not you cannot buy a Radiomir either PAM388 or PAM380
Reply by yourself above questions and you will be able to get a decision
Good luck
ALE
If you could only pick one, which would it be?
For me is very easy: PAM 388. I got a PAM 388 and I have not bought yet a PAM 380
Then my clear option: PAM388 without doubts
But I think your decision should depend on your taste and requirements.
Let me to guide a little asking you some questions:
1-What do you prefer manual or automatic?
If you are not willing to wind the watch every day (o two) PAM380 is not your watch
2-What do you prefer display or solid caseback?
To answer this question bear in mind that a display caseback is very nice but allows to tell the movement flaws.
3-Is very important for you movement accuracy with a display caseback?
In this case you cannot buy a PAM388
4-What do you prefer about thickness: 15mm PAM380 or 16,5mm PAM388?
5-Do you want date? If yes you need a PAM388. Otherwise go to PAM380
6-Can you stand a Radiomir with date? If not you cannot buy a PAM388
7-Can you stand a flaw on dial like PANER_AI space? If not you cannot buy a PAM380
8-It is important for you the OP logo? If yes the only option is PAM380
9-Do you like the combination of soft colours in PAM388 dial, with slightly greenish lume and soft creamy inscriptions and date, like modern Panerais come, or you prefer a more uniform colours like old PAM 380?
10-Are you looking for the best finish and gen appearance? Then KW PAM388 is your watch
11-Are you willing to can get problems with lug screws? If not you cannot buy a Radiomir either PAM388 or PAM380
Reply by yourself above questions and you will be able to get a decision
Good luck
ALE
You can't go wrong following Ale's guide...
I bought a 388 too and it's the most Gen like Pam I've ever owned (and I've owned many of them, trust me)
The lug screws issue is here but you can easily fix it
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
I bought a 388 too and it's the most Gen like Pam I've ever owned (and I've owned many of them, trust me)
The lug screws issue is here but you can easily fix it
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Ive got the 380 and its a great watch, just ordered a python strap for it. But you cant go wrong with either of these watches. I picked the 380 b/c I like manual movements, they are very reliable and I like the paneria logo on the dial
.. Buy either but be mindful of lug wire issues that apply to pretty much all Radiomirs and appear to be worse in KW models.
As Ale and others have said, the 388 can be elegant…or a tool watch. Versatile and great looking, IMHO.
My personal preference if I could only have one, however…would probably be the 380 with a Panatime lug-bar and screw kit. Mostly because of the hand wind movement over the 7750 auto decorated movement.
Then again…the 388 is an awesome watch, especially if you don't plan on changing the strap much. If you do…there are some fixes in case you have trouble.
This is, of course, KW388 on Drabott Swiss Logo strap.
The 388 again on an ammo strap made by our trusted strap maker Uwe at Timebandit.
Someone else will have to supply the elegant photos…I love these straps on this too much
