IWC Big Pilot 5004 vs. Panerai 233

I don't know if this is allowed to ask in this forum. Mod please delete if inappropriate. I'm torn between purchasing an IWC BP 5004 or the Panerai 233. Both are very desirable pieces and want to ask for your
advice. Thanks.

Both are great, but I’ll go IWC no doubt!

Both are great watches and really beautiful, both have in-house movements but the IWC is automatic and the PAM is manual. PAM has a time home GMT function I do not care about it because I will not use it and make the quick date change a long process. The movement of the PAM is a new one, not so tasted as the Cal. 5000 based of the IWC, wich is much more improved over time IMHO.

The BP has one of the more simple and impressive looks I ever see. The 233 is really nice but it hasn’t the big presence of the BP.

Once I had the same dilemma but with one more option: Port. Auto 5001 07. I went for the 5001 because I liked the three watches the same way and the 5001 is really less expensive and same worthy IMHO. The 5001 it is so beautiful and has a more competitive price than the BP and 233. Also, it has the best crystal back I have ever seen and look at the Cal.51010 is a pleasure! I am so happy with my decision:

[](s484.photobucket.com/albums/rr210/Mat-Vill/?action=view¤t=w6.jpg)

[](s484.photobucket.com/albums/rr210/Mat-Vill/?action=view¤t=m4.jpg)

The BP has never vanished from my mind and is on my wish list anyway but I do not think about the 233 anymore. Probably, you wouldn’t find here and unbiased opinion. Most of IWC forum members, like me, are fanatic aficionados. You may have similar answers in favour of 233 from a Panerai´s forum. It is a hard choice, but go with one you like better. It is up to you.

May be Nad can give you a more objective owner opinion. He has both watches.

Go for the 5002!

Classic!

These two watches do the same things ...

but are really very different. It really boils down to which one you like better. I 'd go for the BP but you ought to look at a 5002 also. Some like that better than a 5004.

I don't know

cal 2002 enough to say if I like it. I would like to see beyond the 3 bridges that cover the mainplate to understand what is made of.

I know IWC 50000 family calibres (51111 in this case) a little more to be sure it is worth to buy it.

Generally speaking, I prefer automatic movements and the BP calibre has everything I could desire from an automatic movement: in house, tradition (pellaton), innovation, dimensions (appropriate to a mm 46 case).

I don't like pam at all, so I'm probably the last person to ask, although 233 is one of the few almost acceptable to my eyes. One of the few plus of the 233 compared to BP is waterproofness.

I agree with those who suggested you 5002.

Regards,

Roberto

Once I had the same dilema...

...between panerai and IWC BP. At the end I bought the IWC BP.

Now I have a new problem. It's not enought to have just one IWC, I'm looking forward to buy a second IWC, and so on.

If you go for IWC, you'll get infected.

Luck

Well, almost the same thing >>>>

The Panerai also has a GMT function and is a manual-wind movement :-)

I wish that IWC would make a BP GMT with 24 hour hand, wow!!!

I hear you....

because I found that one was not enough also! I am already scheming to find a way to get a third IWC this year. It is the most enjoyable virus I ever contracted. Get the BP, Pocholo!

Best regards,
Jim

Evidently you overcame your jet lag! lol nt

I had to type it a few times to correct the >>>

....spelling mistakes. My fingers are jet-lagged too, LOL!!!!!!

Cheers :-))

IWC Big Pilot 5004 vs. Panerai 233

Thank you all for taking time and helping me sort out the pros and cons of both watches. I really appreciate all your opinions and inputs. God bless you all.

the obvious answer is...

buy both. they are both great watches.
stephen

Exactly! nt.

the obvious answer is...

It's funny that this question is posed. I agree with Stephen, buy both if possible. I have an IWC perpetual Calendar and am looking to get a PAM 233. It's really hard to find the PAM 233 and you should get it if you can get your hands on one.