Officine Panerai

BMR
1851

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Good question.

Panerai is such an interesting case study to me. In a way they are a victim of their own success, but really they are also a victim of their own inability to provide variety earlier in their history. I hear people say “it’s not Panerai DNA.” Well, what exactly is Panerai DNA? It’s totally subjective. To me, size isn’t the only element of their DNA. Their case shapes and dials are, to me, are also fundamental to their DNA, and of course the larger water resistance. I feel it’s myopic to say DNA is only one or two things.

I also find it quite ironic that a brand like AP gets criticized to no end for, in some people’s opinions, focusing too much on the RO, and Panerai gets flamed for the exact opposite reason - any time they stray a little too much.

I’m the type of watch collector and enthusiast they are targeting. I have a 16cm wrist. I love the design of Panerai. Most of their pieces I love best are still available in only the larger sizes. Would I be interested in a smaller version of those favorites? Absolutely. I bought the 728, which is a 42mm Due, and I love it. I actually had a 392, which is a Luminor 42mm, and the Due appears larger because of the thinner bezel. The thickness, or should I say thinness, of the case is 100x more comfortable on my wrist.

I know the OP asked about the 38mm models just released, and on those I can’t weigh in because I haven’t experienced one in the metal, but I felt my experience with my 42mm Due applied in this context.