Officine Panerai

I discovered Panerai perhaps ten years ago. Not just in books but through a friend who was working on the new brand under the sunlights.

That was not a time for Radiomir lovers. It was only a story about Luminor. Sylvester Stallone was still successful, the year 2000 was still the future.

A hundred different references of Panerai watches was not something we could imagine. I had not even bought a JLC yet!

The story was nice but I don't remember really considering buying a Luminor, although they were quite appealing. Maybe because I was too young to afford any serious watch. :-)

My first real and strong desire for a Panerai came later with a 103, tried on in Firenze in 2001. I never saw any later on.

I would not imagine a 40mm Radiomir now that I'm used to a 45, specially after reading the recent books and knowing more about the Panerai history. 45mm seems a fair way to feel what was the real thing.

I would not mind getting a 249 in its 47mm case! That's a strong option.

One of the main aspects of the Historical watches from Panerai is the Unitas based OP calibre. I've always loved pocket watch calibres and that's the first one on my wrist. Hopefully  a Daniel Roth Athys 2 will follow someday.

I've always avoided to buy a Rolex as I don't like to wear watches that are too recognizable. This aspect also stopped me from getting seriously into Panerai watches. Let's say that the appeal was finally too strong.

The golden hands on a 210 helped a lot to make the decision, at a time when the 232 is so obvious.

The cushion case of the Radiomir is not specific to Panerai but that's the only modern option AFAIK!

I've long desired a cushion cased watch!

The thin and shord lugs also help this large case to fit my medium wrist.

I live on the sea side so a diving watch is a necessity for me. A diving watch with a soul and a story is a must.

I've not been diving with it yet, but I run with it and I've never had a more readable watch to run with!

If you don't like simple things you may not like the Panerai history. A date is already a modern feature, if not high tech, in a Panerai. A power reserve indicator is necessary only because eight days are a long time to remember to wind the tuna can! 

I admit a second hand would give some light to the dial, but do we have to read so much to get it! :-)

So I came in too late to seriously think about a vintage Panerai. The good news is that Panerai does its best to make new vintage watches! The 210 is not close to the 249 of course, but good enough to be a keeper!

Of course some may be tempted to say : why do you get a 210 when the 21 exists? Good question! Anybody would dare and answer?

The Rolex Cortebert would surely be a plus, but the platinum case wouldn't be in line with the real thing.

What is a Panerai ?

I would say that a Panerai is a diving watch that is readable, luminous, simple, stylish!

I could add that you need a watch to wear your straps !  :-)

Is it a Radiomir or a Panerai ? That's IMO a true question because the first Radiomir models were not just Panerai watches, but to some extent Rolex watches.

Oh my god I got a Rolex!

OK I got a Rolex but of the best vintage style. OK this is not a Rolex but it has a mat dial!

Could you imagine a 210 not just with golden hand but also with yellow indices?

It was asked recently what we would do as the Panerai CEO. I would limit the range to two pieces, perhaps three. The golden 210 you see here would be one reference, and then two Luminor models, one in steel, one in titanium, both with a seconds hand, but just with Luminor Panerai on the dial! 

Of course you'll probably think that I'm a bit excessive, but yes I'm a bit excessive, but Panerai watches are a bit excessive, that's part of their charm!

Why would you need to complicate such ideas !

When you get tools you take tools made for one use. Your screwdriver doesn't make the coffee.

So if you want to get the spirit of Panerai you don't need to take the maximum from it, you have to get the minimum.

Of course you may like and get any Panerai of your choice. Take the one you like.

Let's just say simple pleasures are great !

That's like biking! Nothing really special but such a great pleasure that you feel so good!

Do you really need a motorbike to gte more fun ?

You don't need the logo on the dial, it's already on the crown.

I should add that it's a perfect watch to wear at night as it is so readable in the dark.

I just spent two days wearing this Panerai AND a Rolex Sub. Nice watch the Rolex, but that's a children's watch, no?

You may hope to get caught by the simpler way out of horology addiction !

I may soon try it on the beach. What do you think of this idea of seeing the Radiomir as a dressed Panerai?

I can hardly share this opinion !

What will you do of your 210?

Will you get it ?

Dje