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A first encounter with Panerai
Because of their large size and military heritage, Panerai watches aren't something that would naturally appeal to me.
But I've seen a lot of enthusiasm for them on this site, so I decided to go and see them in person.
After being given a very interesting presentation of the brand's history, I asked to try on the two models that attracted me the most, both with wire lugs.
RADIOMIR TRE GIORNI, ref. PAM01350
The “dégradé beige” dial looks very nice (and it matched my sweater).
The cushion case with wire lugs and cone-shaped crown is really appealing, especially in this AISI 316L Patina steel, which gives it a gentle vintage vibe.
The only things I have mixed feelings about are the sandwich dial and the 2-section pencil hour hand:
- I think I would prefer a single-layer dial.
- And, even if I like the double pencil shape of the hands, I think I would prefer the hour hand to feature only one section, like the minute hand.
The case profile is wonderful: I love the curvature of both top and bottom surfaces tightening towards the soft corners and giving the case its “inflated” or “pillow‑like” volume.
The other model which caught my eye was the...
RADIOMIR CALIFORNIA 8 GIORNI, ref. PAM01349
Size wise, the case is almost identical: because of the sapphire case back, it is 14.25 mm thick instead of 14.15 mm, but one can't feel the difference.
There's a lot to love about the dial:
- The iconic “Error-proof” (nicknamed “California”) design, which mixes Roman and Arabic numerals is very much to my taste.
- And so is the absence of any brand name (such a pleasure, really).
- And I prefer this single-layer dial with painted luminescent railroad track and hour markers.
The dégradé green color is nice too, even if it emphasises the military heritage of the watch, which isn't really my personal thing.
The “burnished”, PVD coated (Brunito), steel case looks nice, but I think I prefer the more natural look of the Tre Giorni.
And I really dislike the branded strap (“G. PANERAI & FIGLIO”): they removed the brand name from the dial only to put it on the strap, what a shame!
The case profile is identical to the Tre Giorni and it really is one of the things I like the most about these watches.
Just for comparison, I also tried a 40 mm model, a Radiomir ref. PAM01572, but it didn't appeal to me at all.
The case profile is identical to the Tre Giorni and it really is one of the things I like the most about these watches.
Just for comparison, I also tried a 40 mm model, a Radiomir ref. PAM01572, but it didn't appeal to me at all.
Even if the size was friendlier to my wrist, it looked strangely dressy and, with the small seconds and date, lacked the simplicity of the two other models.
If I had to choose between these two models, I would have a hard time making up my mind.
As I said to the sales person, ideally I would like to have the Tre Giorni case and strap with the “Error-proof” dial of the California.
But since such a model doesn't exist, I think I would probably ultimately opt for the Tre Giorni because I find the color scheme (and the price) more friendly and because...
...it features a solid case back and a 3-day movement (P6000).
If I had to choose between these two models, I would have a hard time making up my mind.
As I said to the sales person, ideally I would like to have the Tre Giorni case and strap with the “Error-proof” dial of the California.
But since such a model doesn't exist, I think I would probably ultimately opt for the Tre Giorni because I find the color scheme (and the price) more friendly and because...
...it features a solid case back and a 3-day movement (P6000).
I love that both watches feature a hand-wound movement with a wonderful screw-down crown to wind them, but I don't really see the purpose of an 8-day movement here (P5000), nor of a display caseback.
That said, both watches are really appealing and I could continue to hesitate for quite some time.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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A first encounter with Panerai
Because of their large size and military heritage , Panerai watches aren't something that would naturally appeal to me. But I've seen a lot of enthusiasm for them on this site, so I decided to go and see them in person . After being given a very interesti...
Hi Emmanuel,
There's the 1382 model, even plainer than the Tre Giorni, no sandwich dial, solid case back...
Thank you, Simone!
I've just had a look and it looks nice indeed. Only I don't find the black (or blue) color as attractive as the dégradé beige... Best, Emmanuel credit: insight-luxury.com ...
I see your point,
Nonetheless, the 1382 is, in my opinion, the model in the current lineup that best reproduce the Radiomir from 1940. It's, however, 45mm in diameter (not 47), has no screw back case, neither blue nor gold hands...
Good to know and to hear from someone who knows the brand.
I only just discover it, so my feelings aren't well informed. Thank you.
Et blague à part,
I would love to own a Radiomir with the look of an ancient 3646. That was a "cheap" watch, so I don't understand why it has to be so difficult to make one the same way.A 1382 with sandwich dial, blue hands and a skrew back case would be my choice. Thanks ...
My pleasure. I think I would also feel attracted to such a simple watch,
looking like the original 3646. I have found this photo online and it appeals to me very much (except maybe for the 2-section hour hand)... credit: perezcope ...
Thank you, Emmanuel. I find many Panerai watches very appealing….
And I have owned two of them over the years. Unfortunately, try as I might, 44 mm and above simply does not fit well on my wrist. But, as you note, an interesting heritage, and lots to choose from, but, not sure either of your options would make my short ...
I'm just discovering the brand,
so there are obviously still many things (and models) I don't know. Furthermore, I don't intend to buy a Panerai: given my tastes and lifestyle, I would very rarely have the opportunity or the desire to wear one. But I still find it interesting to better ...
Those are a couple of great looking Panerai Radiomir watches.
My choice out of the two would be the Radiomir Tre Giorni as unlike you I really love the sandwich dials as well as the wire lugs and that stylish crown and I also really like that it is such an unfussy and clean looking dial. Marc
For a long time I appreciated their style but not their size
This eventually led me to acquiring a Radiomir in 42mm, the 338: and a Submersible in 42mm, the 973: Both of those work much better, in my opinion, than any 40mm Panerai. The proportions just aren't right on the 40s. I enjoyed the Submersible thoroughly f...
Thanks for sharing your very interesting experience.
All three models fit your wrist perfectly. Because of the wire lugs and “less is more” aesthetic, I tend to prefer the 338, but I definitely understand the charm of the Submersibles. Best, Emmanuel
Just wearing my Panerai today
Hello Emmanuel, Haven‘t been wearing mine since a long time. For me Panerai is a Military watch and I lost my interest in the brand when they started with all these lifestyle adaptations with super high price tags. A Panerai must be close to its roots and...
Hi Martin,
Thanks a lot for sharing your watch and your thoughts. I'm just discovering the brand, really, so it's very interesting for me to get the feedback of those, like you, who know better. And I must say that I tend to agree with you on all counts. Best, Emman...
Thank you for sharing your Panerai viewing experience with us.
I enjoyed reading your impressions and thoughts about the two that caught your attention.
Thank you so much, pkonos.
It's just a first encounter: I'm a complete beginner with this brand... Best, Emmanuel
I think you wear them pretty well.
I had this one on for a while yesterday. The 1334. Best regards, Steve ...
Thank you for sharing yours, Steve: it's very much my taste!
Minimalist design and wonderful case design. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for sharing your impressions
The Radiomir case is very elegant, almost sensual and you wear it well, even in 47mm it wears smaller than one may think. It is interesting that the 2-section hour hand caught your attention, it seems to be used fairly consistently definitely with Cali di...
I have also tried on a 47 mm model, but it was too big for my wrist.
I like the hands of the ref. 685, which you are drawn to. But I'm personally not sure if I could do with the writing on the bezel (just my impression of course, I would have to see it in real life). Discovering this brand is very interesting, but I don't ...
I love the radiomir models
Especially the new Tri Giorni - the patina case and the sandwich dial have a cool factor.. I opted for the grey dial though.. I think the beige dial suits you.. and the 45mm wears a lot smaller due to the wire lugs ...
Your variant of the Tre Giorni is great looking too and fits your wrist perfectly.
As you say, this large case doesn't wear as massive as one could think and these watches are definitely appealing. Best, Emmanuel
An interesting and provocative article, bringing Panerai lovers out of the undergrowth
Thanks for this. Despite working my way through ~ 200 watches in 30 years, I can only remember owning one Panerai - a brown-dial Basic 44mm. ...
I really enjoyed discovering these watches
and I like the hands (single-section hour hand) and the brown color scheme of your example. I just have a preference for wire lugs, which remind me my first horological love as a child: the watch which belonged to my mother and which she ended up giving m...
The Tre Giorni looks great on your wrist.
With the wire lugs these wear well also on "normal" wrists.
Thank you! I love the wire lugs
and, yes, they make the large case much more wearable than one would think. Best, Emmanuel
A wonderful exploration.
A thoughtful and respectful way to approach a brand that isn't naturally your style. That's what makes this community so special... the willingness to explore and learn from each other. So many members sharing their own Panerai stories. I was a crazy fan ...
Thank you, Bill. The first Luminor looks really great on your wrist.
I love the very clean dial and the “single-section” hour hand! I'm glad to be starting to better understand the appeal of these watches. Best, Emmanuel
All of those look good on your wrist!
As a JLC lover (and Omega/Breguet fan) my entire "watch life" of 25 years, Panerai always seemed very cool but just a bit too big and a bit too in your face. Then I tried one on in the flesh for the first time 2 years ago and I finally understood the pass...
Thank you! Like you, I'm starting to understand much better the appeal of these watches.
I don't know which one you own, but the Radiomir design with wire lugs and “error-proof” dial really appeals to me. Best, Emmanuel
1350 with the “dégradé beige” dial looks awesome.
Like you, I am not mad about Panerai's, and only found one that fits my wrist when the 337 came along: Then, I had its Titanium sibling as well: My only foray into the Panerai world. ...
Both beautiful examples of Radiomir,
both with a “single-section” hour hand, which I like. I don’t plan to acquire a Panerai, but I’m glad I discovered these watches and understand their appeal better. Best, Emmanuel
Good to know as you have such a deep knowledge
of this brand which I’ve just started to discover a little. And how do you feel about this one? ...