The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I just sold my Rolex milgauss black face because I think the styling was too
In between (sporting and elegance). I need to be formal for work and hoodies/jeans
On weekdays. The only watch I have left now is a Hamilton 46mm below zero which
was a birthday gift.

Anyways I've narrowed down to an IWC 3227 42mm automatic which is discontinued, in-house
movement, and the option for bracelet and strap. Or a Panerai 210 45mm hand-wound ETA, very classic looks,
and huge selection of straps, and the sandwich dial is just amazing

I understand that this is not an apple to an apple comparison, but I would really like your opinion
On which to choose. I'm on my I-phone so can't post pictures, if someone can help me out that
will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi dtm1.

Wow, not an easy choice there. If you don't mind too much I will not vote, and I will tell you why. This is only my opinion (and no disrespect to you), your taste in watches will be the key to a correct decision for you. But, for me (being an older person) the following applies.

I think both watches are great, but IMHO neither bridge the gap on your wants list. The Pam is too Hoodie for formal occasions. I think going to a formal occasion in that would be over the top. Its not serious enough. If you are conscious of what watch you are wearing, then I would suggest it’s not that appropriate for that sort of occasion. Not all formal occasions are cheerful either.

The IWC is also a good choice, but its really a bit plain for an IWC. Kind of reminds me of a Citizen Eco Drive for some reason. Not sure why, but there again taste is something I don’t have buckets of. Not even sure its really good for formal occasions either. Just looks too old fashioned.

Could I suggest, that if you are going to buy a watch in these price ranges, (and these two aren’t even Chronographs) and Breitling have nothing to offer you, then have a look at an Omega Speedmaster instead. Second hand version might suit your price range and you might score one that’s in top condition. Loads of heritage, and they are so choice too! You can’t go wrong, whether you are in a evening suit or in jeans at the Mall.

Hope this all makes sense. You will make the right decision in the end. Trust me.

Regards

Jim

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Jim

"You have Control".

Out of those two, I'd take the IWC in a heartbeat.

The in-house movement, plus the easily adjustable bracelet make it a bit of a no-brainer IMO. The Unitas/ETA 6479 that Panerai modify in the 210 just isn't in the same league IMO.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

The radiomir is actually exactly perfect for formal-work / hoodie-weekends with just a change of strap from croc to ammo...

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a few Pams...

Yep, no hesitation on this one.

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Ing. No doubt if it were my choice. A rationally sized, uniquely styled watch with an in-house. (To be fair, Panerai just doesn't do it for me and I've tried THREE times.)

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SHARKMAN

Ingy, FTW

Here are the some pictures btw.

more.

I am going to go with e Radomir because A.) That is the only Panerai model I have ever been drawn to and B.) because the Inge is the only IWC model I have never really been drawn to. Havent seen either in the flesh though and we all know that is the true test

I tried a 40mm Pam 48 on croc for a while, it could look fairly formal but the shape is just a little too sporty, and on short sleeves it seemed like a junior Panerai. The 44s I have tried on seemed to me, not quite dressy enough. On the other hand, I think the Inge works fine as a formal but it doesn't strike me as unique enough to be a great jeans/hoodie watch. Frankly, I think your Below Zero is a better jeans/hoodie than either of these two. I'd get the Inge for formal and worst case alternate it with the Below Zero for casual.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I love Panerai, but between these 2 it isn't even close. IWC by a mile.

It would be a closer race if you picked a Pam 312, 359, etc.

Personally I would choose other models from both brands, but agree with some others that the IWC wins this one handily.

Thank you for all the help and comments. The reason why I like the 3227 is because not much has changed from the original Gerald Genta's design, but the new ingenieurs are just way too big for my taste.
The only thing I worry about the watch is that the styling is starting to look dated and it does look third/fourth tier watch brands for untrained eyes.

As for Panerai, I have to say the case, crown, wire lugs are very nicely designed and modern even after so many years. The dial is clean and well balanced. But I have to agree the movement sucks though!

To summarize

3227
Pros:
*Attention to details
*In-house movement
*Chance to be a future classic

Cons:
*A watch that only IWC fans might appreciate (probably why it's discontinued in 4 years production)
*Slightly outdated design
*Might need to custom order a leather strap
**Some may say that buying wristwatches is all personal preference, however it does feel sad spending thousands on a watch that no one appreciates.

210
Pros:
*Classic case design
*Clean sandwich dial and balanced
*Can easily change straps for a different look
*Where I live, most people recognize Panerai above IWC (not me though)

Cons:
*ETA ETA ETA!
*Might have trouble fitting under cuff links for some shirts

@dtm - I generally agree with your pros and cons, except that, I don't agree that the Pam's movement "sucks" : certainly it's not in the same league as the IWC's, but the ETA 6479 base is a good reliable workhorse - just a very different beast to the IWC's movement. And secondly, to me at least, the recognisability of a watch shouldn't ever be considered either a pro or a con. I personally buy watches for me and me alone, not for other people's attention. Ultimately you will have to wear it and live with it, so always go for the one you like the most.

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Driver8

Site Moderator