Post by Oisac on Feb 26, 2007 22:38:33 GMT -5
Movement: 18/20
First off, let me start by saying that Panerai, ever since the start, has ALWAYS used outsourced movements (Rolex was the original movement they used). It's a part of their history so I did not deduct points based on the fact that this watch does not contain a in-house movement and IMO, it's more historically correct for Panerai to continue using out-sourced movements (but that's another story entirely!)
The movement Panerai sourced for this Radiomir is a Zenith Elite 680 Automatic movement with the date at 3:00 and a seconds dial at 9:00. The movement is what most people would consider a "pedigree" or "noble" as Zenith is considered one of the best movement manufactures. I'm just happy that it's not another ETA/VJ/Unitas movement!
I'm not sure of any "upgrades" that Panerai does to the "base" Zenith movement but it is personalized and nicely decorated to Panerai's specs. Considering that the base movement is pretty good, I can't imagine there's much they can do to improve it.
When manually wound (it is a Automatic however), the winding is smooth. There is no "rotor wobble". It has a quickset date (works in both directions). The movement hacks (for you precision freaks) and overall, I think it very nice movement. The reason why I didn't give it a 20/20 is because I subscribe, somewhat, to the whole "the case size should respect the movement size" school of thought. The case is 42mm and the this movement could probably fit into a 32mm watch (more on this in the case section)
Case, Crystal and Crown 20/20
The case design on this watch follows the ORIGINAL Panerai design which stems from a Rolex design (Rolex was contracted to make the original Panerai watches early on). I'm not sure if it's an "original" Rolex design...I believe this style was just popular back in the days. At any rate, its current iteration is very beautiful IMO and the updated "wire" lugs system (which is removable, via screws on the case bottom, for easy strap changes) adds to the vintage flair. This is the first non-round watch I've owned and the combination of the round dial with the cushion case (I believe that's the correct term) just really works...unlike me, the case is sexy and masculine at the same time (I'm only sexy on the weekends...ok, I'm never really sexy...)
The caseback features a sapphire crystal to show off the movement. The way Panerai designed the back is quite nice. Rather than make a huge display back, they kept the window the exact same size as the movement which also gave them space to add some text. Again, it just works for me. The case is also water resistant to 100M which is nice but my Radiomir isn't going to be seeing any water...
The onion-ish crown is also a nice vintage touch and despite its appearance, it doesn't "dig into" your hands like you think it would (and I wear my watches in front of my wrist bone)
The Crystal is flat and anti-reflective coated (both sides I believe) with an inverted date magnifier. I MUCH prefer this over the Rolex style magnified glued on top of the crystal. The crystal sits even with the bezel to prevent chipping of the edge (my guess anyways). I own several domed sapphire crystal watches and I think on this watch, the flat sapphire crystal was definitely the way to go.
Dial and Hands 15/15
The saying that "the dial sells the watch" was definitely true (at least for me) on this watch. The dial is simple and clean yet it doesn't look boring. This dial as what I would consider the "perfect" combination. It's matte black, it has applied indicies and the indicies are illuminated (SuperLuminova in this case) with a high polished edge. Something about that combination along with the proportions and design makes this one of the best looking dials I've ever run across.
The dial also features a matte silver subdial for the seconds with a nice "leaf" second hand. The hour and minute hands are straight foward "sticks" with points at the end (that was a very elegant way of describing it, wasn't it?) As with all Panerais, the legibility in the dark is very, very good.
Accuracy 14/15
I haven't done any crazy testing on this watch but it seems to be running at -1 sec/day. From what I've read, it takes a little time for the watch to "settle" in so I'll just have to test it again in a couple of months. The COSC papers shows it passing with a +0.6/day average.
Strap, Buckle or Bracelet 8/10
Panerai makes some really nice straps and the one on this watch was no exception. The burgundy color with the black dial really works well (to my surprise). I took a couple of points off for two reasons. The first is because the buckle is a *friction* double deployant. I believe on a watch of this caliber (and price point), a double button deployant is a must. Friction deployants just aren't that secure IMO. I took another point off because the strap size is so odd...25mm at the lugs, 20mm at the buckle. Luckily, "standard" size Panerai straps (24mm lugs, 22mm buckle) work just fine. You just have to use another buckle or deployant clasp.
User Manual and Packaging 5/5
By far the best packaging I've seen on any watch I've bought. The pearwood box is beautiful and beautifully built. Puts many others to shame. Now I understand that most people don't go walking around showing off their watch boxes but I think this kind of thing just shows the elevated level of "overall user experience" that Panerai is so good at. I only wish they would do an inlay polished SS or brushed SS "OP" logo on the top.
The user manual is clear and simple (not much to explain on a time/date watch!)
Comfort 5/5
On my 7-3/8" wrist, the Radiomir sits and looks perfect. Its relatively thinness (compared to the Luminors) is also a bonus as I could easily see myself wearing a suit with this watch (weddings and funerals...hmmm). The OEM Alligator band is very comfortable and required very little "break-in".
Value 8/10
The popularity of the brand (which I *really* hate) has led the value of most Panerais to be upsidedown. I can not wait for the day that Panerais become unpopular or when the US$:Euro becomes 1:1.20 again so I can buy them at discounted Pre-V prices which I feel is a more appropriate price point for MOST Panerais (specifically, the ETA/VJ/Unitas based units)...
I gave the Radiomir a 8/10 as I feel that with the Zenith movement and limited availability (500 units total) it makes the Radiomir more valuable than your run of the mill 6000 unit/year Luminors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, there you have it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me!
Overall Rating 93/100
as reviewed by : Mike3706
First off, let me start by saying that Panerai, ever since the start, has ALWAYS used outsourced movements (Rolex was the original movement they used). It's a part of their history so I did not deduct points based on the fact that this watch does not contain a in-house movement and IMO, it's more historically correct for Panerai to continue using out-sourced movements (but that's another story entirely!)
The movement Panerai sourced for this Radiomir is a Zenith Elite 680 Automatic movement with the date at 3:00 and a seconds dial at 9:00. The movement is what most people would consider a "pedigree" or "noble" as Zenith is considered one of the best movement manufactures. I'm just happy that it's not another ETA/VJ/Unitas movement!
I'm not sure of any "upgrades" that Panerai does to the "base" Zenith movement but it is personalized and nicely decorated to Panerai's specs. Considering that the base movement is pretty good, I can't imagine there's much they can do to improve it.
When manually wound (it is a Automatic however), the winding is smooth. There is no "rotor wobble". It has a quickset date (works in both directions). The movement hacks (for you precision freaks) and overall, I think it very nice movement. The reason why I didn't give it a 20/20 is because I subscribe, somewhat, to the whole "the case size should respect the movement size" school of thought. The case is 42mm and the this movement could probably fit into a 32mm watch (more on this in the case section)
Case, Crystal and Crown 20/20
The case design on this watch follows the ORIGINAL Panerai design which stems from a Rolex design (Rolex was contracted to make the original Panerai watches early on). I'm not sure if it's an "original" Rolex design...I believe this style was just popular back in the days. At any rate, its current iteration is very beautiful IMO and the updated "wire" lugs system (which is removable, via screws on the case bottom, for easy strap changes) adds to the vintage flair. This is the first non-round watch I've owned and the combination of the round dial with the cushion case (I believe that's the correct term) just really works...unlike me, the case is sexy and masculine at the same time (I'm only sexy on the weekends...ok, I'm never really sexy...)
The caseback features a sapphire crystal to show off the movement. The way Panerai designed the back is quite nice. Rather than make a huge display back, they kept the window the exact same size as the movement which also gave them space to add some text. Again, it just works for me. The case is also water resistant to 100M which is nice but my Radiomir isn't going to be seeing any water...
The onion-ish crown is also a nice vintage touch and despite its appearance, it doesn't "dig into" your hands like you think it would (and I wear my watches in front of my wrist bone)
The Crystal is flat and anti-reflective coated (both sides I believe) with an inverted date magnifier. I MUCH prefer this over the Rolex style magnified glued on top of the crystal. The crystal sits even with the bezel to prevent chipping of the edge (my guess anyways). I own several domed sapphire crystal watches and I think on this watch, the flat sapphire crystal was definitely the way to go.
Dial and Hands 15/15
The saying that "the dial sells the watch" was definitely true (at least for me) on this watch. The dial is simple and clean yet it doesn't look boring. This dial as what I would consider the "perfect" combination. It's matte black, it has applied indicies and the indicies are illuminated (SuperLuminova in this case) with a high polished edge. Something about that combination along with the proportions and design makes this one of the best looking dials I've ever run across.
The dial also features a matte silver subdial for the seconds with a nice "leaf" second hand. The hour and minute hands are straight foward "sticks" with points at the end (that was a very elegant way of describing it, wasn't it?) As with all Panerais, the legibility in the dark is very, very good.
Accuracy 14/15
I haven't done any crazy testing on this watch but it seems to be running at -1 sec/day. From what I've read, it takes a little time for the watch to "settle" in so I'll just have to test it again in a couple of months. The COSC papers shows it passing with a +0.6/day average.
Strap, Buckle or Bracelet 8/10
Panerai makes some really nice straps and the one on this watch was no exception. The burgundy color with the black dial really works well (to my surprise). I took a couple of points off for two reasons. The first is because the buckle is a *friction* double deployant. I believe on a watch of this caliber (and price point), a double button deployant is a must. Friction deployants just aren't that secure IMO. I took another point off because the strap size is so odd...25mm at the lugs, 20mm at the buckle. Luckily, "standard" size Panerai straps (24mm lugs, 22mm buckle) work just fine. You just have to use another buckle or deployant clasp.
User Manual and Packaging 5/5
By far the best packaging I've seen on any watch I've bought. The pearwood box is beautiful and beautifully built. Puts many others to shame. Now I understand that most people don't go walking around showing off their watch boxes but I think this kind of thing just shows the elevated level of "overall user experience" that Panerai is so good at. I only wish they would do an inlay polished SS or brushed SS "OP" logo on the top.
The user manual is clear and simple (not much to explain on a time/date watch!)
Comfort 5/5
On my 7-3/8" wrist, the Radiomir sits and looks perfect. Its relatively thinness (compared to the Luminors) is also a bonus as I could easily see myself wearing a suit with this watch (weddings and funerals...hmmm). The OEM Alligator band is very comfortable and required very little "break-in".
Value 8/10
The popularity of the brand (which I *really* hate) has led the value of most Panerais to be upsidedown. I can not wait for the day that Panerais become unpopular or when the US$:Euro becomes 1:1.20 again so I can buy them at discounted Pre-V prices which I feel is a more appropriate price point for MOST Panerais (specifically, the ETA/VJ/Unitas based units)...
I gave the Radiomir a 8/10 as I feel that with the Zenith movement and limited availability (500 units total) it makes the Radiomir more valuable than your run of the mill 6000 unit/year Luminors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, there you have it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me!
Overall Rating 93/100
as reviewed by : Mike3706
