ON THE WRIST: Panerai Radiomir PAM 512
MONDAY JUNE 11, 2015
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. Then, I came across an Instagram account called Panerai Central filled with wrist shots that include expensive cars, designer brands or champagne. That has done little to no help as such lavish and extravagant portrayal of lifestyle is repelling.
PRO
Presence
Strap machine
Luminescence
CON
Pricky crown
SPECIFICATION
42 mm Diameter
11.5 mm Thickness
100m Water Resistance
60 hours Power Reserve
48.8 mm Lug to Lug
RM 24,800
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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 historical origins 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 commendable 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 a Tag Heuer, a Rolex and an Omega so do think wisely if a Panerai were going to be your first or only luxury watch.
" Panerai watches have always been in consideration whenever
making a new acquisition but was never
the one.. until now "
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 commendable 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.
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In order to wind the 512, you would first have to unscrew the crown then give it more than a few turns given its 60 hours power reserve. The winding action is an enjoyable one as it is butter smooth and remember to screw the crown back once it is fully wound. An opened back showcases the Piaget based movement which has been decently decorated with horizontally finished stripes.
I adore the PAM 512 for its sleek dimensions, better than usual finishing as well as accuracy in timekeeping. One of the many reasons why the trigger was pulled is for its display back, a first for me and something for the owner and friends to appreciate. Although a diameter of 42 millimetres is on the larger side, its slim and squarish profile together with curved lugs does help in making it wear smaller.
The dial has a matte finish which helps with legibility and with two lines of text on, the simplicity of this watch is another thing to be admired. It also features a sandwich dial which gives out a good amount of luminescence in the dark as it should with its diving dna.
This watch is a strap machine as it goes well with different kinds of straps regardless of colour and type. Every time a new strap is fitted, it somehow feels a bit like having a new watch so if that’s your kind of thing, this Panerai is for you. That aside, it is a demonstration where a watch can be beautiful when it is reduced to only having a few numerals and a small seconds hand on the dial. Sometimes, less is really more because just look at this example here.
No watch is perfect so as the Panerai PAM 512 too does have its faults. This watch 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 sharp crown that has drawn blood from my metacarpals. This can be potentially more dangerous on larger Radiomir models so watch out my fellow comrades.
" Most Panerais are very much bulky, slightly unrefined and rough on the edges but the 512 looks every bit a quality product "
As a whole, there is a bucket load of fun to be had with the Panerai PAM 512, a watch that has been well executed by the people at Florence. I do not wear this watch often but every time I do, it reminds me of the reasons I took it home in the first place. Regardless of who wears them, a Panerai design is recognisable which is no easy thing so let’s just have one in our collection.