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Shade · 2 July 2011, 05:01 PM

So, one of our friends here have asked "How do you feel wearing the 1950 case compared to the Radiomir case?". It got me thinking... how did I actually feel?

There are probably 4 distinct cases that Panerai has - the Luminor case, the "1950" case, the radiomir case, and the sub case. Please ignore the sizing between cases, I'm just talking in general - as well all know there are 47mm radiomir cases, 45mm and 42mm etc..

What I'm talking about here is strictly around 47mm, 44mm, and 45mm.

The most significant case is probably the luminor/1950 case. You can tell that someone is wearing a Panerai from afar, just from the shape of the case and that patented crown guard design. Make no mistake - there are other watches that design crownguards, but none is similiar to Panerai's hence there is no way in mistaking it. Radiomir case comes second, and the rest follows.

Displayed is my most worn two watches, along with two new straps. The 233 is displayed with the "Prototype 3" strap from Wotancraft, whilst the 232 is displayed with "vintage calf gold semimat" from Panerai.

The 232 is at 47mm size, despite the width that some of you may go ooh and aah (I did at the first time honestly), but it is surprisingly wearable. Sure I admit I still prefer the standard 45mm, but at 47mm Radiomir case size, it's not such a big deal actually. It's simple 3 days (or less) movement based on the basic ETA manual winding machine is very simple, and flat. It makes the case really thin (well not as thin as an Altiplano from Piaget), and sits right flat on your wrist. The good thing is, being thin, it's very light, and it doesn't wobble around since it's also very flat on either side. I can wear my radiomir (any radiomir for that matter - except for the chrono version) and won't feel a thing on my wrist. It will just feel - what shall I say - natural.

During driving, working (no hard labour involved - I'm an office guy), photographing, and even sleeping (yes I wear my watches to sleep at times), it gives me a no hassle no frill feeling. Too bad I can't wear it to bath for not having a rubber strap made for a radiomir, so I can't tell you how does it feel when I shower with it

.

It is *for me* the MOST comfortable case design from Panerai to date. And I can just imagine how the titanium radiomir cases must feel - even better. The platinum ones, I'm not sure. I think it'll be rather heavy and will droop on your wrist and wobble around, and besides, I don't have and don't want to spend that kind of money on a Platinum Panerai - at that price range - sorry to say - I'd rather get a Patek.

Now regarding my new Radiomir Strap - it is SERIOUSLY comfortable. Panerai is really catching right up on the vintage strap department. I don't know when this strap was released, nor what watch did it came from, what I knew was I visited my grey dealer one day, and he had one in stock. I looked, I touched, and I fell in love. It's orangey-brown strap, with a crackle vintage finish. The leather is very very dry, and it sucks water - but leaves no mark! Amazing - I don't know how dry straps can do that. Every time I have a dry finished strap, dropping a dot of water on it, will usually leave a mark, at least when wet - it may or may not stain after it dries. But this, it doesn't even stain in the first place. Amazing.

The quality of the leather is top notch I must say, and whilst not for everyone, it is for me. The finish on the backside of the leather is just like the one on the front. Except there are officine panerai stamp/branding there - I even tried wearing it inside out, but well, the writings actually put me off - hehehehe.

For those of you looking for a vintage style dry crackle finish strap, this is THE strap to get. It did cost me some fortune though, but it was worthed.

The 1950 case and the luminor case is very similar. However, I must stress that - being an anal person like me, I feel the luminor case is very very very very slightly more comfortable than the 1950 case. Why? the position of the lugs - the ones on the Luminor case sits closer to your wrist, hence giving you a flatter sitting, and stops your watch from wobbling around too much, and also giving it a better appearance because you can't see the gap too big between the lugs to your wrist. This scenario gets worse on the new 3 day in house auto movements, such as 312-351-352, so on, as the case back is thicker to accomodate the movement, the lugs sits higher thus creating a larger gap.

I also find it inconvenient that wearing my 233 I need to step down one hole for my tang buckle. Thus making it abit loose, while the luminor cases, I use my usual hole. Is it that different you say? YES I SAY! The sitting of the lug of my 233 is probably 2mm higher than the one in the luminor case, hence making my usual hole for tang buckle is 2mm tighter! At first I always wondered what was different between the cases, because I ALWAYS need to poke a different hole on the strap between my 417 and 233. Some straps are okay due to it's flexibility, but on gator straps, it's a no no. While not only you're choking your wrist, you are also damaging your gator hide when you pry it open.

The 1950 case is also uncomfortable for sleeping. In the morning, I will have a crown guard mark on the back of my palm, and have this sensation that tingles that reminds me that the crownguard may have blocked one of my larger vein during my sleep!

During other activites, it is also great. But you NOTICE you have a watch. And at times, I need to adjust it's position because it wobbles around...

And now regarding the strap, I have always admired Wotancraft's piece of work at www.wotancraft.com. They make straps and leather bags, and also a unique panerai watch case. You go browse yourself, prepare a dry towel or toilet paper as you may wet yourself.

I bought the Prototype 3 strap after a huge debate of either getting this, or the 74 series. But decided I have one too many brown/honey/gold coloured shade of strap. So I choose the yellowish-green type. And behold, I LOVE it. My friend ordered the 74... and to my surprise, it didn't turn out like the one he posted in his pictures. The 74 numbering is faded, almost unrecognizeable - and well, to me it's just a disappointment in comparison to his pictures of it.

The 3 on the other hand, is just as advertised. The leather is great, soft, and very very comfortable to wear. However, this is also a dry leather strap that sucks up water, and I haven't found any stain on it after a few trials. so I think it may be safe. And besides, it may add to the vintage worn out look! :)

So, if I had to choose, if I can ONLY HAVE ONE case type - then I'd choose the 1950 case. *GASP* why you say? Because it is the icon that I myself and many other people will notice first and foremost that it is a Panerai. Some may debate that those radiomir cases are the root of Panerai DNA, sure - I agree, but in today's world, people recognizes the crown guard for it's Panerai-ness. And yeah, despite I am more comfortable in it's radiomir cases, but the Panerai with a crown guard is more of an eye candy to me.

Thanks for reading my crap! :D

bcacncnc · 2 July 2011, 05:44 PM

Thanks for sharing.

fc3s2k · 2 July 2011, 05:59 PM

Damn Norman, that is awesome!!!!
Great information.
Thanks for sharing.

dddrees · 2 July 2011, 08:59 PM

Makes a heck of a read Norman, thanks for sharing.

Shade · 2 July 2011, 09:39 PM

Thanks guys!

johnbeth · 2 July 2011, 09:41 PM

Excellent post Norman!

Thanks mate!

jhcam8 · 2 July 2011, 10:45 PM

^ Ditto - a keen analysis.

Cru Jones · 3 July 2011, 12:10 AM

fantastic write up. thanks very much!

ocwatching · 3 July 2011, 01:17 AM

Nicely done Norman!
Man, that Vintage Calf looks sweet! I need to get that for my 190/249.
WoW...
the Rads are just great dailies. the 190 is next to nothing and despite the plexi, the 249 is comfy...
but you you said is true, my wife even says, you ain't adding one with the little lever? LOL

Thanks!

akira23 · 3 July 2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhcam8

^ Ditto - a keen analysis.

+1....

karmatp · 3 July 2011, 12:57 PM

Interesting Norman, thanks for posting buddy.

red1108nyc · 4 July 2011, 12:56 AM

I feel the same. Rads are super comfy and when paired with a vintage brown.. is super casual and classy!

On the other hand, 233 sits taller and looks good basically with all straps.. dome is indeed very sexy too!

Thanks for you in depth report! 2 super stars!

Best,

Fred

Watchdog · 4 July 2011, 01:26 AM

Excellent post.

Shade · 4 July 2011, 02:46 AM

Thanks for the compliments guys! And Fred, is that the 380 you are wearing? 45mm is it not? Looks great!!

And you know guys.. It hasnt been a full week after two new straps and I already have a few more straps in mind.. Oh the sickness...

red1108nyc · 4 July 2011, 03:03 AM

Thanks Norman! Yes.. I needed to have one of each in Luminor, 1950 case and Rad.. and for my small wrist and my bias towards a painted dial, 380 was my choice!

Enjoy your 2 beauties.. very nicely done my friend!

Best,

Fred/NYC

topcat30093 · 4 July 2011, 03:26 AM

Norman, that is a great review :)

And I just love prototype No.3

Shade · 4 July 2011, 03:43 AM

Thanks Tony, Im loving that strap too!

Interesting Fred! I was always inclined more towards sandwich dial.

red1108nyc · 4 July 2011, 03:58 AM

Norm,

i think I have been too tainted by these watches.. so after a while.. these patina things really drew me in.... I can't help myself!!

Both styled dials have their charm in their own way... any of them would be nice to have!

Enjoy,

Fred/NYC

Shade · 4 July 2011, 12:42 PM

Awesome shots fred! And that's a holy cow 360 eh? *applauses*

red1108nyc · 5 July 2011, 12:37 AM

Thank you Norm! I enjoy these watches immensely! Hope all is well and happy 4th!

Fred

Shade · 5 July 2011, 01:52 AM

Although I dont celebrate 4th of July, but happy 4th to everyone who does! I just got myself another strap.. This one is the dark brown gator that comes with the platino radiomir.. And it does make my 232 look more platinum-ish lol! Will take pics when the sun is up..

dddrees · 5 July 2011, 02:56 AM

Great PICs Fred. Look forward to seeing the PICs of your new strap Norm.

red1108nyc · 5 July 2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shade

Although I dont celebrate 4th of July, but happy 4th to everyone who does! I just got myself another strap.. This one is the dark brown gator that comes with the platino radiomir.. And it does make my 232 look more platinum-ish lol! Will take pics when the sun is up..

Wow Norman.. I was thinking about that identical strap for the 380. Please do show us some pictures when you do get it!

Thank you!

Fred

skyedog · 5 July 2011, 10:52 AM

Great review! Thanks for sharing

Shade · 5 July 2011, 12:03 PM

Thanks guys! And the platino strap thread just got posted!

2 July 2011, 05:01 PM	#1
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	2 New straps, 2 old watches, and 1 casual review.. So, one of our friends here have asked "How do you feel wearing the 1950 case compared to the Radiomir case?". It got me thinking... how did I actually feel? There are probably 4 distinct cases that Panerai has - the Luminor case, the "1950" case, the radiomir case, and the sub case. Please ignore the sizing between cases, I'm just talking in general - as well all know there are 47mm radiomir cases, 45mm and 42mm etc.. What I'm talking about here is strictly around 47mm, 44mm, and 45mm. The most significant case is probably the luminor/1950 case. You can tell that someone is wearing a Panerai from afar, just from the shape of the case and that patented crown guard design. Make no mistake - there are other watches that design crownguards, but none is similiar to Panerai's hence there is no way in mistaking it. Radiomir case comes second, and the rest follows. Displayed is my most worn two watches, along with two new straps. The 233 is displayed with the "Prototype 3" strap from Wotancraft, whilst the 232 is displayed with "vintage calf gold semimat" from Panerai. The 232 is at 47mm size, despite the width that some of you may go ooh and aah (I did at the first time honestly), but it is surprisingly wearable. Sure I admit I still prefer the standard 45mm, but at 47mm Radiomir case size, it's not such a big deal actually. It's simple 3 days (or less) movement based on the basic ETA manual winding machine is very simple, and flat. It makes the case really thin (well not as thin as an Altiplano from Piaget), and sits right flat on your wrist. The good thing is, being thin, it's very light, and it doesn't wobble around since it's also very flat on either side. I can wear my radiomir (any radiomir for that matter - except for the chrono version) and won't feel a thing on my wrist. It will just feel - what shall I say - natural. During driving, working (no hard labour involved - I'm an office guy), photographing, and even sleeping (yes I wear my watches to sleep at times), it gives me a no hassle no frill feeling. Too bad I can't wear it to bath for not having a rubber strap made for a radiomir, so I can't tell you how does it feel when I shower with it . It is for me the MOST comfortable case design from Panerai to date. And I can just imagine how the titanium radiomir cases must feel - even better. The platinum ones, I'm not sure. I think it'll be rather heavy and will droop on your wrist and wobble around, and besides, I don't have and don't want to spend that kind of money on a Platinum Panerai - at that price range - sorry to say - I'd rather get a Patek. Now regarding my new Radiomir Strap - it is SERIOUSLY comfortable. Panerai is really catching right up on the vintage strap department. I don't know when this strap was released, nor what watch did it came from, what I knew was I visited my grey dealer one day, and he had one in stock. I looked, I touched, and I fell in love. It's orangey-brown strap, with a crackle vintage finish. The leather is very very dry, and it sucks water - but leaves no mark! Amazing - I don't know how dry straps can do that. Every time I have a dry finished strap, dropping a dot of water on it, will usually leave a mark, at least when wet - it may or may not stain after it dries. But this, it doesn't even stain in the first place. Amazing. The quality of the leather is top notch I must say, and whilst not for everyone, it is for me. The finish on the backside of the leather is just like the one on the front. Except there are officine panerai stamp/branding there - I even tried wearing it inside out, but well, the writings actually put me off - hehehehe. For those of you looking for a vintage style dry crackle finish strap, this is THE strap to get. It did cost me some fortune though, but it was worthed. The 1950 case and the luminor case is very similar. However, I must stress that - being an anal person like me, I feel the luminor case is very very very very slightly more comfortable than the 1950 case. Why? the position of the lugs - the ones on the Luminor case sits closer to your wrist, hence giving you a flatter sitting, and stops your watch from wobbling around too much, and also giving it a better appearance because you can't see the gap too big between the lugs to your wrist. This scenario gets worse on the new 3 day in house auto movements, such as 312-351-352, so on, as the case back is thicker to accomodate the movement, the lugs sits higher thus creating a larger gap. I also find it inconvenient that wearing my 233 I need to step down one hole for my tang buckle. Thus making it abit loose, while the luminor cases, I use my usual hole. Is it that different you say? YES I SAY! The sitting of the lug of my 233 is probably 2mm higher than the one in the luminor case, hence making my usual hole for tang buckle is 2mm tighter! At first I always wondered what was different between the cases, because I ALWAYS need to poke a different hole on the strap between my 417 and 233. Some straps are okay due to it's flexibility, but on gator straps, it's a no no. While not only you're choking your wrist, you are also damaging your gator hide when you pry it open. The 1950 case is also uncomfortable for sleeping. In the morning, I will have a crown guard mark on the back of my palm, and have this sensation that tingles that reminds me that the crownguard may have blocked one of my larger vein during my sleep! During other activites, it is also great. But you NOTICE you have a watch. And at times, I need to adjust it's position because it wobbles around... And now regarding the strap, I have always admired Wotancraft's piece of work at www.wotancraft.com. They make straps and leather bags, and also a unique panerai watch case. You go browse yourself, prepare a dry towel or toilet paper as you may wet yourself. I bought the Prototype 3 strap after a huge debate of either getting this, or the 74 series. But decided I have one too many brown/honey/gold coloured shade of strap. So I choose the yellowish-green type. And behold, I LOVE it. My friend ordered the 74... and to my surprise, it didn't turn out like the one he posted in his pictures. The 74 numbering is faded, almost unrecognizeable - and well, to me it's just a disappointment in comparison to his pictures of it. The 3 on the other hand, is just as advertised. The leather is great, soft, and very very comfortable to wear. However, this is also a dry leather strap that sucks up water, and I haven't found any stain on it after a few trials. so I think it may be safe. And besides, it may add to the vintage worn out look! :) So, if I had to choose, if I can ONLY HAVE ONE case type - then I'd choose the 1950 case. GASP why you say? Because it is the icon that I myself and many other people will notice first and foremost that it is a Panerai. Some may debate that those radiomir cases are the root of Panerai DNA, sure - I agree, but in today's world, people recognizes the crown guard for it's Panerai-ness. And yeah, despite I am more comfortable in it's radiomir cases, but the Panerai with a crown guard is more of an eye candy to me. Thanks for reading my crap! :D __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

2 July 2011, 05:44 PM	#2
bcacncnc "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Bryan Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,577	Thanks for sharing. __________________ Omega Panerai Chopard Grand Seiko

2 July 2011, 05:59 PM	#3
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	Damn Norman, that is awesome!!!! Great information. Thanks for sharing. __________________

2 July 2011, 08:59 PM	#4
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Makes a heck of a read Norman, thanks for sharing. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

2 July 2011, 09:39 PM	#5
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thanks guys! __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

2 July 2011, 09:41 PM	#6
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Excellent post Norman! Thanks mate!

2 July 2011, 10:45 PM	#7
jhcam8 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Jim Location: SE MI, USA Watch: Sub C Posts: 2,068	^ Ditto - a keen analysis.

3 July 2011, 12:10 AM	#8
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,297	fantastic write up. thanks very much!

3 July 2011, 01:17 AM	#9
ocwatching "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Phil Location: CA Posts: 5,374	Nicely done Norman! Man, that Vintage Calf looks sweet! I need to get that for my 190/249. WoW... the Rads are just great dailies. the 190 is next to nothing and despite the plexi, the 249 is comfy... but you you said is true, my wife even says, you ain't adding one with the little lever? LOL Thanks! __________________ too much into watches...

3 July 2011, 12:57 PM	#11
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	Interesting Norman, thanks for posting buddy. __________________ My grails:

4 July 2011, 12:56 AM	#12
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,512	I feel the same. Rads are super comfy and when paired with a vintage brown.. is super casual and classy! On the other hand, 233 sits taller and looks good basically with all straps.. dome is indeed very sexy too! Thanks for you in depth report! 2 super stars! Best, Fred

4 July 2011, 01:26 AM	#13
Watchdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Junkyard Dog Location: The Doghouse Watch: I can't tell time Posts: 6,822	Excellent post.

4 July 2011, 02:46 AM	#14
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thanks for the compliments guys! And Fred, is that the 380 you are wearing? 45mm is it not? Looks great!! And you know guys.. It hasnt been a full week after two new straps and I already have a few more straps in mind.. Oh the sickness... __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

4 July 2011, 03:03 AM	#15
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,512	Thanks Norman! Yes.. I needed to have one of each in Luminor, 1950 case and Rad.. and for my small wrist and my bias towards a painted dial, 380 was my choice! Enjoy your 2 beauties.. very nicely done my friend! Best, Fred/NYC

4 July 2011, 03:26 AM	#16
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,459	Norman, that is a great review :) And I just love prototype No.3 __________________

4 July 2011, 03:43 AM	#17
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thanks Tony, Im loving that strap too! Interesting Fred! I was always inclined more towards sandwich dial. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

4 July 2011, 03:58 AM	#18
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,512	Norm, i think I have been too tainted by these watches.. so after a while.. these patina things really drew me in.... I can't help myself!! Both styled dials have their charm in their own way... any of them would be nice to have! Enjoy, Fred/NYC

4 July 2011, 12:42 PM	#19
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Awesome shots fred! And that's a holy cow 360 eh? applauses __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

5 July 2011, 12:37 AM	#20
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,512	Thank you Norm! I enjoy these watches immensely! Hope all is well and happy 4th! Fred

5 July 2011, 01:52 AM	#21
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Although I dont celebrate 4th of July, but happy 4th to everyone who does! I just got myself another strap.. This one is the dark brown gator that comes with the platino radiomir.. And it does make my 232 look more platinum-ish lol! Will take pics when the sun is up.. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

5 July 2011, 02:56 AM	#22
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Great PICs Fred. Look forward to seeing the PICs of your new strap Norm. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

5 July 2011, 10:52 AM	#24
skyedog "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Joey Location: around the Bay Watch: ing TRF Posts: 1,942	Great review! Thanks for sharing

5 July 2011, 12:03 PM	#25
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thanks guys! And the platino strap thread just got posted! __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

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