It was August 2019 in Athens, Greece. I had an itch to get me a Radiomir. I wanted a Black Seal Ceramic, but I was trying to control myself, unsuccessfully. During a trip to the mall, I pass by an AD and spot the Radiomir Ceramic in the display window. I go in and ask to see the watch. They bring a box with Panerais. I try on the Ceramic. I like it, and I start to discuss pricing. I get a hefty discount, and I’m ready to pull the trigger. And then I spot in the corner of the box the Panerai Radiomir S.L.C. PAM 425.

It was love at first sight. I tried it on. The 47mm was scary at first, as soon as I put it on I knew she was the one. Fifteen minutes later, I was leaving the AD. with the S.L.C. on my wrist.

The watch is stunning, with a unique dial: gold indices, only hours and minutes, and the combination of dots and lines. The black sandwich dial works. And then there are the guys, just above six o’clock. Two Italian commandos are transporting a torpedo.

Big, at 47mm, from polished steel, with the crown, making its presence noted. The strap is excellent, dark brown giving the watch even more heft. It’s comfortable even in the hot Greek summer. Well built and with that ruggedness that reminds you this is a tool watch.

When you turn around the watch, you notice the movement on the clear case back. Hand-wound mechanical, P.3000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, great looking. Each time you wind it, you feel it’s well made, I like that you can set the hour hand separately.

The Panerai Radiomir S.L.C. PAM 425 has been in my rotation for almost a year now. Its limitations arise from its size. With jeans, t-shirts, or buttondown shirts, it becomes part of the attire. It will get noticed. Suits or blazers are not a good match for it. It’s not a dress watch. If you have a lifestyle that needs you to be both casual and formal, it cannot function as your only watch.