Panerai S.L.C. Question

[Ravager135]

Awhile ago I posted a thread asking for suggestions for my first Panerai. I went their boutique in Manhattan and tried on several models in varying sizes. I have looked at everything from their ETA models to their in house models, from Luminor to Radiomir.

I know everyone says the 371 or 372 is the way to go to get the best example of a Panerai but I really have my heart set on a Radiomir. If you look at my Rolex collection (with the exception of my Submariner) I tend to like the less sought after models in collections. This is what first brought me to the Radiomir line. In the line everyone has been suggesting the 183 but I wanted something in house and a little different. The new in house 42mm Radiomir is too small for me, I already have 39mm and 42mm watches. I definitely am considering the 190 with the JLC movement, however also in my crosshairs is the 425 S.L.C. model. I really like the minimalist design. I also appreciate it's size and in house movement.

My question is does anyone here own one and what is your opinion of it. Is the dial layout just a gimmick or was it really the Panerai prototype dial for this model? Is it just too odd of a dial layout to get as my one and only Panerai? My tax return is coming soon and it is going to burn a hole in my pocket, I need to get this straightened out soon.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

...I definitely am considering the 190 with the JLC movement, however also in my crosshairs is the 425 S.L.C. model. ... Is the dial layout just a gimmick or was it really the Panerai prototype dial for this model?

The 190 is one of my favorite Radiomirs - of course I'm partial to 8-day movements

The S.L.C. dial was indeed the very first Panerai prototype, the 2533, produced in 1935!


c/o Jake's

It's a great dial! Having said that, as the one and only Panerai, I would recommend the more standard, first-production dial of the 3646:

c/o Vintage Panerai

Please consider the 232 ("base" w/gold hands), it's the ultimate base-Radiomir or the 190 if you want to have a secs sub-dial on there

Have fun choosing and finding your first Panerai

[Cabaiguan]

I think it's a beautiful dial. I happen to like Rads more than Luminors. The 449, 448, 232 or 190 would be my choice.

[sebastien1975]

That's a cool piece. I like the clean dial too.
Also prefer Radiomir over Luminor.

[Joearch]

Big Radiomir fan also. SLC is a great design. I am happy with my 190.

[Cru Jones]

For the SLC, I happen to prefer the 425 over the 449, because I like the little bit of extra visual interest that the gold hands and pig give.

Having said that, the Rad I would go for would be a 232 it 249.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

For the SLC, I happen to prefer the 425 over the 449, because I like the little bit of extra visual interest that the gold hands and pig give...

Yes, gold is a great accent and I like it now better than stainless, but in the case of the S.L.C., I have to side with the 449 because as the photo I posted above clearly shows, "blued" hands were the first*.

*And yes, Panerai eventually upgraded to brass hands which were more resistant to corrosion.

[Survivor]

I owned the 425......perhaps, at least for me, the nicest dial Panerai makes. My only problem was my wrist........the watch was a tad to big for me as well as the way the case sat upon my wrist. Not Panerai's fault.........just the way I was made.

Anyway, if it looks good on you, I can't think of a better looking Rad.......good luck!!!!

P.S. I had a chance to buy either the 425 or the 449.......for me, it was a No-Brainer........the 425 was the clear winner when it comes to looks!!!!!!

[travisb]

I'm a big fan of the 425.
I've owned many PAMs, but never a Rad.
The 425 would be my first choice if (when) I purchase a Radiomir.

[echau]

i wouldn't be able to decide between the 425 and 449...i love both the blue and gold hands. either way you can't go wrong

[ocwatching]

449 or 190 gets my vote..

[ubvt]

The subtleness of the blue hands, when in the right light, also pop

[mborkow]

The SLC (both of them) look awesome. I still prefer the 372 but in retrospect I should have gotten a Radiomir instead of my 305

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by mborkow

The SLC (both of them) look awesome. I still prefer the 372 but in retrospect I should have gotten a Radiomir instead of my 305

372 + 305 + Rad = the perfect PAM trio! You're almost there. ;-)

[Mlpugh]

449 Rocks!

[Ranfni]

I have 3 Pam's and the 425 is my favorite. It doesn't look like anything else and I love that.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by Ranfni

I have 3 Pam's and the 425 is my favorite. It doesn't look like anything else and I love that.

Probably the biggest selling point!