PAM688 vs PAM1033

[jbertch]

Hi all,
I’ve been browsing the forums looking for all the info on these two models from VSF. It sounds like neither is without some flaws compared to gen, but I can’t quite seem to determine which is the more accurate of the two based on my researcg? Or are they too similar to each other and I should base decision solely on aesthetics?

Also, if I’m correct, the main difference between the 688 and 1033 is the rose gold color of the hands on the 688? Both beautiful watches! Having difficulty deciding, thanks.

 

[KOT1917]

Hello.

I correctly understood that the essence of the question is, is this the difference between PAM688 and PAM1033?
In fact, all they have in common should be a blue dial, GMT function and patinated lume.

- 42mm case versus 44mm case.
- Polished case, against satin finish.
- Golden hands against polished steel.

GENs should even have different movements: P.9001 versus the newer P.9011 on PAM1033, although the REP in both cases has a P.9001 clone.
After all, the PAM688 is a special edition in 300 pieces, against the PAM1033 serial more widespread model.

They look and feel too different, and, as you said yourself, both have drawbacks, so start with at least size.
688 were piidumans, as a more exclusive watch, small, possibly suit, then there were fewer blue dials at panerai. PAM1033 is essentially a stock PAM1313, with a patina of hands and a GMT function. This is a more casual watch.

Good luck in making your decision.

 

[jbertch]

Thanks much for the reply. I did overlook the size difference of the 42mm vs 44mm. I don’t have huge wrists at 6.875”, I imagine the 42 would suit me better but maybe I could squeak by with the 44. They both have their pros and cons! I think I may have to do a coin flip in this case. I would normally let the size dictate my decision but considering a characteristic of a Panerai is the large dial, I’m not so sure.

In anycase, I think I would be happy with either and appreciate the feedback.

 

[KOT1917]

I'm afraid in this case, the coin will be flipped in TD for you. During the raids, the availability of VSF PAMs is difficult to predict, so I'm not sure if you will have a choice ... Moreover, the PAM688 is not such a fresh model, and the likelihood of its availability, I would rate it as less, although only after asking you will know for sure ..

 

[jbertch]

I managed to find a couple TD’s that had one of each surprisingly, so I ended up buying both since I’m not sure which will wear better on my wrist, the 42 or 44. I figured I can sell the one I don’t want or perhaps trade it for a different color or style Panerai. But as you said, given the rarity I didn’t want to take a chance and go with the wrong size seeing as the other would likely be gone. Excited to compare the two watches anyhow and see which suits me best.

 

[KOT1917]

Great move! I will look forward to visually comparing with photos and describing your impressions in this thread. I believe that the choice between these two models is faced by many, and you would be grateful for a visualization and an opinion on this matter.

 

[jbertch]

Thanks! Yeah I debated whether to take the chance with one or the other but I think there would always be doubt in the back of my mind if I didn’t compare both side by side. I will gladly take some pictures of the two watches and give my impressions, though I recently became interested in watches and still learning a lot myself. Can’t wait to see how these look in person!

 

[Hazing]

I know a lot of people - especially those not familiar with panerai - tend to think “44 or 47 mm is too big for me” but a 44mm panerai doesn’t really wear like a 44mm invictica.

I don’t think it looks too big on even the smallest wrists and it is easy to get used to. To me, the due line is more of a ladies line and the 42mm due models are just too small and they give up the wrist presence that you’d get in most 44mm models.

That being said, I’m obviously not a fan of the 688. It also has a closed case back too, and the polished case I think tends to get scratched up wayyyyy too easily. Especially For daily wear.

The 1033 though is a beautiful watch. I have one and love it. Vsf does a great job with dials and this one can look very matte in some light while has a dark sunburst in others and a light sunburst in others.

Just my opinion. As Kot mentioned you might only be able to get the 1033 (out of those two models) but that might not be a bad thing.

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