Panerai Dials: Blank, Dots, or Dashes? — WatchProSite Forum Digest

John-E-Mac · 2022-04-15T00:14:29Z

Explore Panerai Submersible dial design with collector John-E-Mac's mockups. Community debates dots vs. dashes, ISO standards, and aesthetic preferences for modern Panerai watches.

John-E-Mac, a seasoned collector, initiates a compelling discussion on the aesthetic refinement of the modern Panerai Submersible. His thoughtful mockups, exploring alternative dial markers at 3 and 9 o'clock, invite the community to consider how subtle design changes can elevate a timepiece. This article synthesizes community feedback on his proposed modifications, offering insights into Panerai's design philosophy and ISO standards for dive watches.

I have had a fancy for a "modern" Panerai Submersible. However, I have always felt that it was just a touch left undone.

Maybe one brush stroke short? But it is easy to be one brush stroke too many!

I took the opportunity to mockup a new release with two different options: 1) Dots at 3 and 9, and 2) Dashes at 3 and 9. (Imagine the lume at those spots, too.)

What are your thoughts? -John

Key Points from the Discussion

The original author notes that ISO standards for dive watches require luminous plots every five minutes, a detail that influences dial design choices, even for brands like Seiko.
One collector expressed a strong preference for the 'less is more' aesthetic, advocating for a clean Panerai dial devoid of additional markers, aligning with historical design principles.
A collector shared a personal anecdote, highlighting that while they own a Panerai Submersible, it was acquired for collection purposes (specifically 'lefties') rather than personal aesthetic preference, indicating a nuanced relationship with the model.
Comparing a friend's PAM 305 to a personal PAM 25, a collector noted that the visibility of the dial at night was a key differentiator, suggesting that lume application significantly impacts user experience.
Another contributor humorously speculated that some design decisions might be made with minimal oversight, suggesting a less rigorous design process than one might expect from a luxury brand.

The Discussion

Jim14

Apr 15, 2022

I prefer blank space at those spots — one of the mainstays of the Panerai design ethos is negative space.

John-E-Mac

Apr 15, 2022

Understood. I see your point.

mdg

Apr 15, 2022

If anything would be added...

...the dashes make logical sense to me...

John-E-Mac

Apr 15, 2022

The length of the dashes was an issue when mocking it up.

mdg

Apr 15, 2022

Like the dashes on the PP 5320 at 5 and 7...

...they never looked right to me.

John-E-Mac

Apr 15, 2022

Would no dashes be cleaner? I would love to be a fly on the wall when these design details are being “discussed” and “decided”.

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