For me, however, the Radiomir edges out the Luminor case on sex appeal, and the sleek simplicity of the “lume sandwich” dial really helps complete the design package. Panerai could, however, make a few minor improvements such as considering use of additional AR (anti-reflective) coating on the crystal to reduce glare (always an issue in watches like this). I would also like to see a two-hand Panerai watch like this that has a power reserve indicator on the rear of the case (such as in the calibre P.3001). Especially with longer power reserve timepieces, I tend to universally find power reserve indicators very useful. They also prevent me from obsessively winding the crown all the time.

Seriously, for watch lovers like myself who always tend to wind a manually wound watch to its max, power reserve indicators help to prevent constant winding – which can help accuracy, as most watches are at their peak level of accuracy (unless they have a constant force mechanism) somewhere between being fully wound and fully unwound.

Speaking of winding, using the comfortable screw-down crown is a real pleasure on a watch like this. I also happen to like the quite large synthetic ruby palettes used in the movement which are visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback of the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM610. While Panerai Luminor watch cases are generally water resistant to 300 meters, the Radiomir case is water resistant to 100 meters (which still makes it suitable for swimming and many water activities). I would, however, suggest swapping out the super comfortable, supple and tapering, black calf leather strap if you are going to be in water much.

The wire loop-style lugs are removable from the case via two small screws, which allows you to swap out the strap for other ones – even though the strap design isn’t as universally replaceable as those for, say, Luminor-case watches that have more traditional lug mechanisms with straight bars.

So much of the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM610 watch’s character is due to the dial’s functional design and the utterly successful and timeless design of the case. That it is historic sure helps, but it is really the successful modernization of a timeless look that Panerai is offering. Of course, the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM610 isn’t the watch that “has it all,” but it is a very decent watch for what it is – and it is sure pretty at that. Despite an arguably high price, you get a very attractive and simple watch with a decent in-house movement and years of wearability in this Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM610 timepiece. Price for the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM610 is $6,400. panerai.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Panerai
>Model: Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days Acciaio reference PAM00610 (PAM610)
>Price: $6,400
>Size: 45mm wide
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Classic and simple sport watch lovers who nevertheless want something large and bold. Also, its a great starter Panerai for anyone entering the brand for the first time.
>Best characteristic of watch: Refined overall design with beautiful emphasis on the core appeal of a Panerai Radiomir (with an in-house movement) and not much else.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Still too large for some wrists. Price is rather high given the competition at this price point.