Aug
Panerai watches are unique and funky but have a storied history that can’t be ignored. One of the brand’s most legendary models are the Radiomir watches, which have been worn by undersea adventurers and people who appreciate classic design for decades. The watches are big but gorgeous and represent everything we love about the Panerai brand.
Looking at the Radiomir, its original purpose becomes clear. The watch was used by the Italian navy during intense and dangerous underwater missions that required a watch with incredible legibility. The timepiece’s dial is simple and uncluttered but features giant numerals with significant illumination. Even today, when almost nobody is diving with these watches, their almost unbeatable legibility makes them ideal for anyone working after dark.
The Radiomir is also one of the simpler designs in the Panerai catalog. Where the brand has grown to include timepieces that seem to be giant just for the sake of being giant, many Radiomir designs are simple and true to the brand’s roots. They lack Panerai’s now-trademark crown guard and aren’t typically as enormous as some Submersible or Luminor models.Â
Also, like almost all other Panerai models, the Radiomir works well on a variety of straps. Many come from the factory with soft leather straps but changing to an attractive canvas or rubber strap is easy. Thanks to their simple design, the Radiomir can easily accommodate nearly any strap material, so owning one can be fun for people who love customization.
One of our favorite features of the Panerai Radiomir, however, is the value that the model presents. Some of the brand’s best movements and best designs are housed under the Radiomir name, and for the most part, prices for the timepieces are reasonable. It’s easy to find an interesting manual-wind model with a three-day power reserve, excellent water resistance, and an attractive design for a price that most would consider down-to-earth.