Panerai 243 (from EL) and MP strap

[Cucumber_Jones]

Well I got this 243 a few weeks ago and I sent it to Ziggy for a service and re-lume. This is an awesome watch. I am getting more and more into Panerai subs. I love my 24a and my 187. This is a great in between watch - it is a 44mm but it wears a little bigger as it is a thicker case and a thicker bezel then the 24a. It has an engraved HE valve and it is the fiddy case as you can see. The watch is from Eddie Lee and his service was top notch as always. T

he service from Ziggy was good (I think - tough to tell with out stripping it down to check) and it was shipped quick and the pricing was very fair.

The strap is from Elliot and it is an Mario Paci. This strap is GREAT. I am loving MP's more and more. Anyone who has one will agree with this I suspect. I really only want to buy MP's from now on. They are thick, they smell good, they feel good and the patina they develop is great. The buckles on these are awesome as well.

Now for the pics.

 

[panman8888]

Stunning!

Thank you for sharing!

This is the watch that got me into subs as well. Once I strapped on the gen, I had to have one.

Does this have real sapphire? How's the bezel, as I've heard some subs rattle/are loose.

Does the lume job make a big difference?

I've been aching to get one of these, and have been holding out for real sapphire and bezel improvements.

 

[lacklusterplus]

That strap is very nice. I like the color.

 

[Cucumber_Jones]

This is the EL version with saphire. The bezel is tight like a tiger! By that I mean it is perfect. The gens had some bezel probelms and the early reps did as well. I waited for the better version. The lume is better but it is not bad to begin with on this one.

I tried to buy the first version and Eddie would not let me as he said it had probelms. This is the second version and it is all good.

 

[panman8888]

that's great

it looks FABULOUS in your pictures - great shots by the way, i love the effect, the strap and the cigar

congrats on a beautiful watch. i may be picking one up very shortly!

 

[babola]

Nice one CJ, just as you I'm slowly warming up to idea of owning PAM Sub(s), currently tossing up between 239 and 243

That lume work is really something...show us some lume shots when you have some time.

cheers,
babola

 

[RqThrottle]

Very Nice CJ. I love those pictures. That strap complements the watch. I have the same exact watch at Ziggy being relumed and serviced. It is truly a great sub.

 

[Cucumber_Jones]

I have trouble with lume shots but I will see what I can do this weekend.

 

[squeaker]

Just out of curiousity, how close to gen is this model?
Do the gen models have ar coating on their stupid thick crystal?

 

[Cucumber_Jones]

Just out of curiousity, how close to gen is this model?
Do the gen models have ar coating on their stupid thick crystal?

Here is a gen - you tell me.
These were just released to the public.

 

[squeaker]

On initial glance other than the TswissmadeT being under the 6 differently its pretty dam close to me.
I need to get a sub, I was really wanting an 087 but this one looks great!

 

[crick]

you cant go wrong with MP's!!!!@!

they are much softer. I didnt know how soft until i got a GeF strap in hand to compare.

those mp straps really do spoil you though MmmHhmmmm!

 

[kruzer00]

I own this one as well and the other two flaws (IMHO) are the thickness of the metal frame on the bezel pearl and the crown guard has too large an opening. The funny thing is that if you look at the pics of the 243 on Paneristi they show the T swiss T with the same spread as the rep. The price we pay for getting reps before the gen is out. Having said all that I love it and am wearing it with a black 99 Dirks as we speak. I just have to get it off my wrist to send to Ziggy as well.

 

[WatchDude13]

Mmmmmm, Tatuaje - one of the best non-Cubans out there.

Love the strap too! Although the PAM subs do nothing for me, she's a beaut! Enjoy.

 

[lovepanerai]

biggest difference and in my opinion biggest giveaway - besides the usual date issue - are the 5 minute bezel markers are about twice as big than on the original

 

[Cucumber_Jones]

Mmmmmm, Tatuaje - one of the best non-Cubans out there.

I am glad someone noticed!!! Thanks...

 

[bigbadbrad]

wow!!

-

CJ - greeaat looking watch, fabulously shot.

Now I want one: you're such a mate You need to be on PAM commish.

Re MPs: these, and my GeFs, are more and more my favs. Aside from if you need a special, minimalist, vintage-look (e.g. MM 1942) they are likely my only choice going forward. Have at least a doz now - love 'em all!

As you say CJ: patina development and thickness is key, very tactile and pleasing once broken in.

[smilie=occasion14.gif]

 

[briank996]

biggest difference and in my opinion biggest giveaway - besides the usual date issue - are the 5 minute bezel markers are about twice as big than on the original

One would never know unless they were both in one's hands.

 

[briank996]

The watch looks great! I agree with you on the MP straps, IMO they're the best straps out there. Very 'Old World'y