Pagani Design PD-1664vsTAG Heuer Carrera Split Seconds Chronograph

Pagani Design PD-1664 owners widely praise its value for the $56 price, comfortable rubber strap, and attractive design, with one owner calling the "meteorite" dial a masterpiece for the price and another noting the 20mm lug width makes it a strap monster. However, multiple owners report significant quality control issues, including a broken chronograph module, a central seconds hand and 60-minute sub-dial stopping after 60 minutes, a crooked crown, and a broken stem. Some also criticize the faux endlinks, the non-genuine meteorite dial, and poor contrast between the silver hands and dial, with one owner finding the rubber strap felt cheap. On balance, owners rate the Pagani Design PD-1664 highly for its exceptional value and striking dial, despite recurring quality control concerns.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Split Seconds Chronograph is praised for its high-tech titanium case, linear brushing, and skeletonized TH81-01 automatic movement which showcases extensive hand-finishing. Reviewers note its subtle dial balances legibility and drama, and the finishing is considered higher than most TAG Heuer models. The movement's skeletonization is less extreme than its predecessor, and it offers a 65-hour power reserve. However, its 30-meter water resistance is considered minuscule, and the price, around $127,000 or CHF 110,000, is described as steep for a titanium Carrera, even with the split-seconds complication. On balance, reviewers highlight the advanced technical execution and refined finishing as key strengths, tempered by the high price point for a titanium construction.