As promised, here is a more detailed look at my latest pickup…the Panerai 233 8 day 1950 GMT. As many of you know, this is Panerai’s first “in-house” movement watch. This is my hands down favorite of all the Panerai watches that I’ve owned.

This is also one of my favorite straps…the Vintage Cuts by JC stitchless ammo leather strap.

The 233 incorporates almost every feature in a watch that I like. You’ve got the power reserve function, the GMT hand, a date window, and an exhibition caseback. Yet somehow, with all these functions, the watch manages to maintain a simple, understated look.

The sandwich dial is by far my favorite feature on this watch. It looks cool from every angle.

The bubble crystal is also a cool feature that is part of the 1950 case. I love all Luminors…but have a special affinity for any Panerai with the 1950 case.

I bought one of these from JC when he first started making his Traveler series. At the time when I had my first Traveler I had a PAM 243, and the sophisticated look of the Traveler just didn’t seem to go with the rougher look of the 243 Submersible. I ended up getting rid of the Traveler, and regretted it ever since!

The leather has great texture and color variation, but is smooth and looks very nice.

Here’s a shot of the Traveler on the Panerai 088 Luminor GMT. I think the two pair up quite nicely.

You can’t see much of the strap in this photo, but you gotta love the face on the Panerai GMT. The silver subdial for the seconds hand is my favorite detail.

I think the Traveler might be my new favorite straps, and from this photo, I’m guessing you can see why.