Radiomir at its purest?

[Overkill]

Guys,

I'm a minimalist, and a big fan of simplicity and functionality.

Although Rolex are highly utilitarian "tool" watches, I still find that buying a Radiomir was a huge step towards a simpler more "pure" look... and more so because the Radiomir has changed a lot less than Rolex watches have, since the original design.

With that said, I'm aware that the PAM183 — and in particular the "Black Seal" phrase — isn't the most original thing about a Radiomir. I also know that a 12-3-6-9 dial without small seconds (correct me if I'm wrong) is more desirable when looking for a true original.

On a quest for the purest, most original, most utilitarian Radiomir... I ask you to pick one:

1. 12-3-6-9 dial with small seconds.
2. 12-3-6-9 dial without small seconds.
3. SLC dial.
4. California dial.
5. Other (comment)

[htc8p]

for me the pure pams are the ones:

without a date
manual wind

[sebastien1975]

I am also a minimalist.
I went through a similar thought process when deciding between PAM 504 (manual, no date) and PAM 505 (automatic, no date).
I also don't like to read "BLACK SEAL", "8 DAYS" or "AUTOMATIC" on a dial.
I am just not sure i could go full minimalist; the small second is quite helpful in telling whether the watch is working or not.

[Cru Jones]

easy (among modern variations): 232.

[Andad]

231

[sebastien1975]

Originally Posted by directioneng

231

Great piece. Looks great on your wrist

[mfer]

The best Panerai out there.



Close second...


The numbers are so much bigger and nicer on the 232 and the dial is THE perfect shade of brown.

[echau]

another vote for the 232

[Overkill]

Great input, guys! Thanks a lot, keep the opinions coming

I see a couple of votes for the SLC, but no one has said anything about it. Wasn't that the very first Radiomir ever made, when Panerai was using that dial to test the luminosity?

Originally Posted by directioneng

231

Great looking watch!

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by mfer

The best Panerai out there.



Close second...


The numbers are so much bigger and nicer on the 232 and the dial is THE perfect shade of brown.

The 231 really is beautiful!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by mfer

The best Panerai out there.



Close second...


The numbers are so much bigger and nicer on the 232 and the dial is THE perfect shade of brown.

Agree

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

easy (among modern variations): 232.

No doubt

I would say the 210 is a strong contender, its price point is very appealing and at 45mm may be a better fit for some.
Ps the numbers on the 210 are a bit smaller due to the smaller case size (something that can be missed in images due to perspective). I actually prefer the size and balance of the 210.


Being a minimalist you have certainly found the right brand!

[PanosI]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

easy (among modern variations): 232.

+1

or a modded 210 with gold hands

[B. Doggy]

232 is dead sexy

[manilenyo]

210 for me.

[TDR1982]

Lovely watches! But I prefer the lugs on the luminor case! Less prone to breaking when your a strap change addict like myself!

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Overkill

...I'm a minimalist, and a big fan of simplicity and functionality...I also know that a 12-3-6-9 dial without small seconds (correct me if I'm wrong) is more desirable when looking for a true original...

There are many "originals" in Panerai's short but rich history. You say you're a big fan of "simplicity and functionality"... well, imho, the secs sub-dial was a very important "upgrade" for the combat swimmer's tool-watch; it allowed him to immediately confirm the watch was operational... ! So please enjoy your 183 - it's a very nice PAM



p.s. If you're actually Egyptian, then you should make a 1940 Radiomir your next Panerai... ! The 1940s are based on the 6154, aka "little Egyptian" and is now perhaps the most coveted vintage Panerai... Panerai made 30(!) for the Egyptian Navy... !

Originally Posted by mfer

... numbers are so much bigger and nicer on the 232 and the dial is THE perfect shade of brown.

Say, Mik, what the heck is the 294 all about and why do you think that OP produced it? 2010 SE 47mm base, brown dial, gold hands, /49(!)

[Cabaiguan]

SLC

[Joearch]

I like this one!

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by Travelller

There are many "originals" in Panerai's short but rich history. You say you're a big fan of "simplicity and functionality"... well, imho, the secs sub-dial was a very important "upgrade" for the combat swimmer's tool-watch; it allowed him to immediately confirm the watch was operational... ! So please enjoy your 183 - it's a very nice PAM

p.s. If you're actually Egyptian, then you should make a 1940 Radiomir your next Panerai... ! The 1940s are based on the 6154, aka "little Egyptian" and is now perhaps the most coveted vintage Panerai... Panerai made 30(!) for the Egyptian Navy... !


Say, Mik, what the heck is the 294 all about and why do you think that OP produced it? 2010 SE 47mm base, brown dial, gold hands, /49(!)

You make a good point about the small seconds dial.

Wow, I didn't know about that watch for the Egyptian Navy! And yes, I am Egyptian! Some basic googling also shows that they made 50 submersibles for the Egyptian Navy in the '50s, too!

Maybe I should look for one of those. Any idea how much they go for?

I'm just concerned that Luminors and Radiomir 1940s would be too big on my hand (6.5" wrist). The 45mm Radiomir looks good because the wire loops are low profile and so the Radiomir wears smaller, but I imagine the larger lugs on the other watches would make the whole watch wear bigger.

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

SLC

Love the SLC! :)

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by Joearch

I like this one!

8 Days really is nice with a manual watch, so you don't have to wind it every other morning! I'm only learning this now with my PAM184 — my first manual watch.

However, being a purist, like sebastien1975 said, I prefer not to read "8 Days," "Automatic," or anything like that on the dial.

Have you seen the new 2014 PAM572? It's a 45mm Radiomir 1940 with a 12-3-6-9 dial and an automatic micro-rotor movement! It's an absolute beauty, but they just had to slap "automatic" on the dial!

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Overkill

...Have you seen the new 2014 PAM572? It's a 45mm Radiomir 1940 with a 12-3-6-9 dial and an automatic micro-rotor movement...!

Looks like you already answered your own question Of all the "1940s" out there, [572] this one's my favorite! However, if you're so concerned about size, consider the 512 which has an excellent dial but imo, a few mm too small... (42mm):

c/o Perpetuelle

I'd point out the 47mm 514 but it's probably too big and the date kills it imho.

[Composite]

I like this one!

[Travelller]

^249 & 448, niiiice!
Goin' back to Cali, Cali, Cali...

[stockae92]

PAM 210 was one watch that I wished I didn't sell ...

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Say, Mik, what the heck is the 294 all about and why do you think that OP produced it? 2010 SE 47mm base, brown dial, gold hands, /49(!)

Same reason they do OOR's I suspect....b/c they can.

I prefer the solid caseback of the 232 anyway. But I'm trying to get closer to a 294. Just need a proper delrin gasket and I'll be set.

[kilyung]

I wouldn't mind a 399

[Composite]

Originally Posted by Travelller

^249 & 448, niiiice!
Goin' back to Cali, Cali, Cali...

3646 & 249

[Overkill]

Originally Posted by Travelller

Looks like you already answered your own question Of all the "1940s" out there, [572] this one's my favorite! However, if you're so concerned about size, consider the 512 which has an excellent dial but imo, a few mm too small... (42mm):

c/o Perpetuelle

I'd point out the 47mm 514 but it's probably too big and the date kills it imho.

Interesting! Any idea what the 512 measurements are lug to lug?

[mborkow]

Man...looking at all the Radiomirs makes me think getting my 305 as my second PAM was a mistake...should have gotten a Rad instead