I was contemplating it for a while but no other watch I tried scratched this itch for me, so eventually I decided to roll with it. Hella expensive watch for me, but it feels amazing. I walked home from the boutique to let the lume catch plenty of sunlight, and I’m still a bit buzzed from the purchase. Here’s a lume shot to be just a bit different from every other “got my first” post. Guess the model?

Elle profite de tout ce qui fait une Panerai classique.

45 mms de diamètre, fond sandwich, très belle luminosité…
Je m amuse de changer régulièrement le bracelet en fonction de l’activité.
Aujourd’hui elle profite d’un bracelet tissu de chez Panerai .

Que pensez vous de cette Radiomir ?

Stopped into the Chicago boutique and really liked it.

Love at first sight.

With the new 42 models my bias against the brand finally gave way to my interest to the case design. Unfortunately the AD I hit up a couple days ago didn’t have the 42 or titanium 44 to try on, but he threw the tobacco with domed crystal at me and the brand finally clicked. I’ve always liked that they had the most cohesive cushion case on the market, sandwich dial and domed crystal really brought the elements together. Rare circumstance where I don’t hate yellow lume.

I was also always hesitant about a 44mm case but learned earlier this year 43mm navitimers look fine on me. Wrist shots the 44mm luminor is borderline comical but the mirror shot says otherwise

I might have to wait for a unicorn, something with 2 hands, domed crystal, and possibly destro or 8 day. Basically give me the 1732 Not Blue

I loved the new 42mm even in my 6,5” wrist it looks good. Hopefully Panerai are going to release more 42mm options in the future.

One detail I've always found interesting about Panerai is the difference between sandwich dials and painted dials.

The sandwich dial has that beautiful depth, with the luminous material showing through the cutouts. It's one of those little design details that makes Panerai special.

But there's also something charming about the simplicity of the older painted, or "sausage," numerals.

I enjoy collecting Panerai watches, and the more I explore the brand, the more I appreciate how these small differences give each reference its own personality.

For those who have owned both styles, which do you prefer after actually wearing them?

I'm especially curious whether your preference has changed over time, rather than just judging from photographs.

Well nearly. I didn’t check how much an OEM canvas strap would cost but picked this one up from MTStraps on Etsy.

The new 42mm models are extremely tempting at their price point. I recently saw them at an AD and they certainly can stand out amongst the larger watches and submersibles. Tempted to also buy a green canvas strap. Normally wear it on brown alligator or black ostrich leg. This makes a nice (casual) change.

I recently posted asking if the 44mm in the picture is too big for me. I went to fit a 42mm (no pics unfortunately) and i prefer the proportions of that one but i don't like that it's fully polished and no sandwich dial. The Marina also has a more elegant case shape imo.

Which one would you choose if you were me? I'm scared i will buy the 44mm and only afterwards notice it's too big for me.

One of the best Panerai in my opinion for suiting so many different strap choices. 42mm for size reference

I've always loved Panerai, but thought they were too big for me (I'm a short man). Then they released the new Luminor in 42mm. I checked it out at a local AD along with some other models. I love this model. It is a large watch, but in a cute way.

I have a 39mm speedy with day-date, and recently bought a DJ36 with a blue dial. I don't plan to buy another luxury watch for a while but I can still fantasize, right? This watch would nicely close the gap between the two.

One thing I'm not sure about is the lack of a sandwich-dial. I don't personally care too much, but I also would love to hear opinions among Panerai enthusiast.

Off topic, but I tried on a 44m, and while it looked large, it felt comfortable. Then my SA told me it has the same lug to lug with 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field he owns (and I also own).

Anyhow, would love to hear your opinion!

And what is the actual lug to lug of the PAM03312?

I'm curious to see it on a rubber or leather strap.

Just a photo of the pam250 while I was out and about. Such a fun watch to wear!