If they ever needed to effectively yet quietly steer away from the "historical baggage" of any brand, this would be the way to do it. Put in an auto on what should be a manual BUT make it so that the die hard can stop and rethink his position.. plop in a nice micro rotor! Reduce the size on what traditionally should be a 47 but stop where it still IS a Panerai just short of dropping to 44 (the 210 if I remember correctly is 45mm). Besides, and this may sound sacrilegious, but I think a rad 1940 case type looks better on a 45mm size but we just don't want to admit it :p
It's a good way for a Panerai wrist to relax without venturing outside the brand.
Yes, this one makes me think. A Panerai I like to put on my "list". That and the 720.
One thing about Panerai, they know how to choose color.. think 662, 690, 605 to name a few.. I'd almost say that dial color is an overlooked signature. Look at the 995, that I think is the best looking ecru-green combination out there.
Maybe I need to step out of retirement :p