I've owned both, actually 2 of each. The 243 as a rep is one of the best, minimal tells if any, truly spectacular out the box, solid well built gen feel. On the wrist the 243 carries all the charms of Panerai. I like the 1950's case with the dive bezel, the proportions look better to me than the standard style 44mm 1950's style applicants. It looks & feels great with the stock rep rubber strap and of course equally at home on any leather strap variant. I've owned nearly all high end dive reps (187, SFSOs, seawolf, super lume SD, DSSD, TC LV & LN) for me the 243 is just right, matched me perfectly instantly, I never tire of it and loved it from the beginning.
~The rep AP Diver feels incredibly expensive upon immediate touch, the V6 HBB was the only other rep that translated the same feel. The bezel is a challenge to lume I'm not sure if it's improved but the 2 I owned and every picture I've seen has at least 1 or 2 sloppy areas, lume is weak, I've handled and studied the gen, the lume even after a spa doesn't look like gen to me (gen lume is one perfect pass with none touching the inner portions of the "0" numbers) If your picky the cyclops has strong AR tinting. The rubber straps doesn't pivot at the case so it behaves more like a solid bracelet, if your wrist has the right shape it may not be noticeable. It looks gorgeous on the wrist, lume inconsistencies disappear , sporty yet very sophisticated, felt very posh. I foolishly bought a gen strap and difference is so minimal that without good lighting and close inspection I got them mixed up. Even with the less than ideal fit on the wrist for me I would have kept the AP if I wasn't saving for a gen 8500 PO.
The 243 feels like a rugged daily and the AP feels special. :cheers:
