Officine 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...  

There's the 1382 model, even plainer than the Tre Giorni, no sandwich dial, solid case back...

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 ...  

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...

I only just discover it, so my feelings aren't well informed. Thank you.

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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 ... 

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 ...  

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 ... 

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 ... 

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

Best, Emmanuel

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...  

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

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...  

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... 

I enjoyed reading your impressions and thoughts about the two that caught your attention.

It's just a first encounter: I'm a complete beginner with this brand... Best, Emmanuel

I had this one on for a while yesterday. The 1334. Best regards, Steve ...  

Minimalist design and wonderful case design. Best, Emmanuel

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 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 ... 

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 ...  

As you say, this large case doesn't wear as massive as one could think and these watches are definitely appealing. Best, Emmanuel

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. ...  

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...  

Best, Emmanuel

With the wire lugs these wear well also on "normal" wrists.

and, yes, they make the large case much more wearable than one would think. Best, Emmanuel

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 ...  

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

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... 

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

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 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

of this brand which I’ve just started to discover a little. And how do you feel about this one? ...