A Panerai is back into the collection - Panerai 243

Earlier this year after a few unexpected acquisitions, I felt the need to bring some funds back into the fold. With that I sold my one and only Panerai, a Submersible 24. I bought that Panerai in 2009 and wore it to P-Day NYC and the NJ GTG that year, where I got to meet some great people. What I did not realize when I sold it how much I would miss it and owning a Panerai. The only consolation is that the person that bought had never owned a Panerai; he wears it proudly and posts it here quite often. Since it is more about the people than the watch, perhaps that sale was faith to bring somebody else into the family.

So I decided to search for my next Panerai and narrowed it down to two models, when a friend reached out to me last week to tell me he wanted to sell his 243. Since it was a local deal we agreed on a one day test ride as my choices had me moving away from a Submersible and more towards a base or marina. The draw of the 243 which prior to my recent desires would have been a no-brainer was too great. The next day we agreed on a partial trade. With that I got into a t-dial which had become so desirable to me. (The two other models I am considering have aged lume.) The 243 is a beautiful beast, taller and heavier than the 24 or the models I was considering.

The 1950 case has such a robust case and unmistakable lines. The 1000 meter rating though over engineered for my swims in the Atlantic Ocean commands respect among todays divers. This is a J-series and I know the purists including a good friend of mine will say the prior year with screw bars and non-roller lever is the real deal, but I love the quick change system. Armed with two toothpicks I have changed straps throughout the day for several days. (Being Panerai-less left me drooling over 10 straps with no watch and I added two more in anticipation of a new arrival for a total of twelve, so maybe the mid-day strap change is the exception and will not be the norm.)

So enough bantering here are some quick pictures I took this morning with the OEM rubber and todays strap choice, at least until noon.

I am glad to be back and god willing hope to never be Panerai-less again.