Panerai: Is Bigger Always Better?
Author: Karishma Karer
Is wearing oversized watches a trend? Well if there is an iota of truth to that then I jumped on that bandwagon decades ago! Clearly, this had nothing to do with the ongoing and ever-changing trends. It’s just a matter of personal choice. I do agree, however, that your watch should be proportionate to the size of your wrist simply from a comfort perspective. Other than that, go nuts ladies!
Should my watch sit right or should it be a little loose? Should I wear it on the right or the left hand? Is this women’s or a men’s watch? Hold on ladies. Although I’m not of the opinion that “bigger is always better” if it calls out to you and if it makes you happy, take the plunge.
When talking of large dialed watches, one brand that isn’t very popular with the ladies is Panerai. Personally, I have always loved those sandwich dials and the unique identity the brand represents. Often looked upon as a gigantic tool watch, a Panerai can always add that extra oomph and toughen up the simplest of looks. And now with the new 38mm Due’s and interchangeable straps that come in the most spectacular colours, there is a Panerai for almost every wrist, mood, and occasion. Personally, I still prefer the 40mm’s and you’ll see why as you read further. I spent an evening at the Art of Time store in Bandra, Mumbai, experimenting with a few PAM’s and straps and the results may just influence your next purchase ladies.
Let me start with the Luminor Marina Quaranta 1271. Often referred to as the downsized version of the Luminor Marina, the Luminor Marina Quaranta hits that sweet spot between 38 and 42. I am most certainly referring to the case size, although 40 is quite the sweet spot! This 40mm steel Panerai with a pristine white dial sporting the date, small seconds and luminous Arabic numerals and hour comes with a quick-release alligator black strap to begin with. What struck me here is the white dial. So with options of pink, lavender, and red, I tried strapping this beast to a pastel powder pink strap and Voila! Although it still makes the same bold and robust statement, the pink surely adds some grace and softness to this PAM. So while Panerai did shrink it, I pinked it!
Next, I got my hands on the Luminor Due PAM 1247. Now although the Due got a lot of heat from enthusiasts globally, eventually, with its leaner aesthetics it has opened a whole new avenue for the brand. Still sporting the sandwich dial, I love the unexpected gradations on the sun-brushed sandwich dial as light moves across its surface. With lume filled Arabic numerals and hour markers, a date at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock, the PAM01247 is powered by P.900 caliber with a three day power reserve. This 38mm Due originally comes with a shiny black leather strap.
However, with that deep anthracite dial this one here could be paired with almost any colour and it would pop. Given the options of red, white and blue and well considering we are celebrating the month of love, I strapped it on this blazing red one. Just the right look to make a bold yet sultry statement on a night out, well with V-day right around the corner. However, if you do want to dial it down a notch, I’d try it with the white strap and you move swiftly from a night out to a fun day on the deck.
Now how about a Panerai that could be your “daily beater”. I have always had my eyes on the Piccolo Due PAM 1273, well simply because I wear alot of Denim and this one just works as the perfect daily watch. A 38mm blue dial with sun-brushed finishing that sends light dancing across its surface with every movement features the signature Panerai sandwich structure with numerals and indices in white Super-LumiNovaTM that glow green in the dark. Gold colour hands, also filled with white Super-LumiNovaTM, contribute to the elevated sensibility of the watches. The Piccolo Due PAM 1273 is powered by P.900 caliber with a three-day power reserve.
It is elegant, it’s fun and yet makes the necessary statement. Worn just the way it is with a casual pair of jeans and a white shirt, this one here will surely make heads turn. More than that, it gave me a sense of empowerment. It’s just a playful yet powerful piece.
So that’s that ladies, my evening with Panerai at the Art Of Time store in Bandra. Although I do swear by their immaculate hospitality, you could now simply head on over to their website www.artoftimeindia.com and order your Panerai’s from the comfort of your own homes. With all these permutations and combinations, I am certain you will find a Panerai for your wrist. As we celebrate the month of red hearts, chocolates, flowers and love, prioritize yourself ladies and gift yourself something bold and empowering. Be your own Valentine!
Explore Panerai collection.
Credits - Karishma Karer, The Hour Markers.