Officine Panerai

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My First Panerai!

I had spent weeks laboring over a final decision, and months more acquainting myself with the choices before me. Confusing, to say the least, with the mix of case designs, dial and hand colors, base models versus more involved complications, modest movements versus masterpieces--facets and nuances that paralyze even the most patient and willing enthusiast! Had a chance to strap on the Luminor case as well as its 1950 sister--and though the latter was more alluring, I nevertheless thought the lugs and crown guard--a sine qua non for most enthusiasts--ill-suited for my wrist. The Radiomir, on the other hand, proved surprisingly elegant despite its sizable proportions. I thought the 183 or 210 might be the ones, or even the 232 with its nods to history--but the 190 proved in the end to be, at least in my eyes, fit for my needs. Unfortunately, a new one was not to be had--but the 197 was still about, and proved to be in the end the finer choice. A Hob-nail dial and a rose gold case that set in fine relief the Jaeger-LeCoultre movement--all proved irresistible! Needless to say, I'm in heaven. J