Panerai Radiomir 1940 Review

Panerai watches and I have gone through a lengthy love-hate relationship. Forget garnish like multiple complications, what I’m talking about are Panerais that only tell time and nothing else.

​I admire them for their simple, well-balanced dial where time could easily be told at a glance. I then came across an Instagram account called Panerai Central filled with wrist shots that includes expensive cars, designer brands or champagne. That has done little to no help as such lavish, extravagant portrayal of lifestyle is repelling.

However, the truest Panerai enthusiasts may not actually be into that sort of habits but it seems people who bought or are having a Panerai in mind post 2010 see themselves fitting into that style of living having bought their first luxury watch. This bunch can be easily singled out by their choice of a Luminor over a Radiomir solely for its crown guard regardless of neither history nor horology excellence.

After countless hours of Panerai reading material, I was still left puzzled by it's non-existent teenage days since it started life being a Rolex and went lowkey after the war, resurrected decades later then brought into limelight by steroidal action heroes.

Then there was this time where I stumbled across a Radiomir by accident to only fall head over heels having it laid on my wrist for its exceptional craftsmanship together with a slim profile, very un-Panerai. I took a good few days to think it over as I do not wish for it to be an impulsive decision. Days gone by and I cannot help but to bring one home but mind you, I only came to this decision after having Tag Heuers, a Rolex and an Omega, so do think wisely if a Panerai were going to be your first or only luxury watch.

I adore the PAM 512 for its sleek dimensions, excellence in craftsmanship as well as accuracy in timekeeping (more so than Omega’s FOIS). One of the many reasons why the trigger was pulled is for its skeleton back. Something for the owner and close friends to appreciate. Although a diameter of 42 millimetres is on the larger side, its slim profile together with curved lugs does make wearing smaller and a lot more comfortable.

However, the 512 isn’t without faults. This Panerai is a bit like a hyperactive child that is not only screaming for attention but is also a constant reminder of its presence with its relatively sharp crown that has drawn blood from metacarpals. Potentially more dangerous on larger Radiomir models so watch out, my fellow comrades.

In order to wind the 512, you would first have to unscrew the crown to wind it then screw it back once it is fully wound. A bit of a two-step process compared to a Speedmaster. Inconvenience aside, the PAM 512 is buttery smooth to wind. 

Despite some downsides, there is a bucket load of fun to be had in the process of straps change, an area that has been made very easy by the chaps at Florence.