Thread: Buying myself a present for my 30th birthday (Panerai)

Hi guys, I need a little bit of advice…
For the last 15 years I’ve told myself that I would own a Porsche before I turned 30 - I turned 30 a couple of days ago.
I am at a place in my life where I can afford a Porsche, but due to the fact that I have a 1,5 year old clone of myself, it‘s not the most practical car – Therefore I bought a BMW 5-series estate instead.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that the Porsche has to wait until my baby boy uses a child seat that faces forward.

This is where my dilemma starts…
I want to mark my 30th birthday by treating myself with another Panerai… but I can’t decide on which one.
I have a 111 and want to add a 1950 case luminor to my collection – so far so good.
I’ve always had a weak spot for the 312, It has the sandwich dial, but it lacks the domed crystal, which I think is absolutely stunning.
I’ve always liked the chrono function which also adds the 212 (found a good deal), but the chrono and extra buttons on the 212 makes the dial, and the watch pretty busy to look at.
In a perfect world I would buy a 233, but that will set me back another 4 000 dollars compared to the other two… and that is not an option at the moment.

So between these two watches, which one would you prefer, and why?

312 – which has the sandwich dial but lacks the dome
Or
212 – which has the dome, and chrono but lacks the sandwhich and has an overall busy look

Wrist shots, strap recommendations, anything will be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

I prefer the 312 look personally!

I love the 312...Display back with Auto movement, clean/simple dial. its just classic pam

Easy...312. 1950's case...display back. And panerai's in house movement. Easy choice for me.

Easy. 312.

I agree with everyone- 312.

Here is mine with a new strap i just picked up- Strap Culture Kevlar

Picture 002.jpgPicture 003.jpgPicture 001.jpg

The 312 does look better overall... but you are right about the dome crystal, a very sexy feature... which means that the 233 is what you really want so why settle for another one and then keep wanting the 233? I'm in a similar dilemma myself...

The 312 crystal is not flat by any means. The dome isn't as drastic as the 212 but I don't think you'd be disappointed with a 312.

312 out of the two but 233 above the listed two..
congrats!

Thanks for the input guys, according to you, this choice is a walk in the park huh!
I'm still not totally convinced, but I'm getting there.

@maverick1st - nice strap!
@thsiao - Thanks for the input, you might have a point there, but there are so many watches out there that I want... and I think I'm gonna save the spare cash for something else... But if it turns out your right, both of them will have to go and I'll most def go for the 233 - or 127 if everything goes really well! Got a little bit curious, what's your dilemma? By the way, thanks for the straps, I love 'em, wearing the yellow one on my 111 right now... posting pictures in a couple of minutes.
@J-prime - thanks for the pic, it is a stunning watch, the profile on that beast is amazing!
@ocluxe - Thanks for the congrats!

I'm trying out the 312 next week, and I guess that will be the moment of truth for me.
Any further inputs are much appreciated.