Panerai Radiomir California Owner Review : Massive, addictive and timeless

I'm taking a moment to share with you a watch from my collection that I'm particularly fond of. I've owned this watch for five years now, and I still never tire of wearing it. I discovered this model in a Panerai boutique. The moment I tried it on, the magic happened. I thought its 47mm diameter and considerable thickness would be far too disproportionate, but not at all! I must admit, I have a 19cm wrist. I was instantly captivated for several reasons. First, its dial (which I never tire of looking at) with its polished cushion case that sits perfectly. The California hour markers, with their simplicity and exceptional legibility, also caught my eye. I also love the history of this type of dial. I'm also drawn to the history of Panerai. It's a historic watch. The historical dimension of watches is important to me. The 3-day power reserve mechanical movement is a perfect match for the watch. Winding it is a real pleasure. I've never had a problem. I also love the beautifully crafted onion-shaped crown. The case back is transparent. You might say that's inconsistent with a watch that has such a strong diving heritage, but I enjoy taking the time to admire the movement. Some people don't like Panerai for various reasons. But I have to say I do because it has a real identity. It's unapologetic. I like brands that fully embrace their DNA. I added a light brown grained ABP strap to this watch, which goes perfectly with it. It really makes the dial stand out. In short, it's been five years and I'm still not tired of it. Every time I put it on my wrist, I get a real sense of pleasure.