If you’re familiar with my commentary on Panerai, you’ll know of my mixed feelings towards the brand. While I admire its distinctive design ethos, the logic behind some of its recent offerings has often eluded me, with their use of flamboyant materials and complex mechanics. However, it seems Panerai has finally heeded calls for a return to their roots with the new Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628. Could this be the classic revival we’ve been waiting for, or does it conceal yet more questionable choices? Let's delve deeper to uncover the truth.

At a glance, the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628 epitomises the quintessential Panerai aesthetic. Measuring a robust 47mm in diameter, it features the iconic sandwich dial, a wide 26mm strap, minimal yet oversized dial text, and the unmistakable large crown guard. The case is treated with what Panerai describes as patina steel, meant to mimic a few years of natural wear through manual application—a choice that’s grown on me despite initial reservations about artificially aged products.

The heart of the PAM01628 is the P.3000 calibre, a manually wound movement that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasts a three-day power reserve, thus lending the model its name. Panerai has kept mum on the exact precision of this calibre, but a view through the sapphire case back reveals a meticulously brushed finish contrasting with the aged case exterior.

The PAM01628's dial sticks closely to traditional designs with its classic sandwich structure, albeit missing the acrylic middle layer found in vintage models. An intriguing addition is the vignette effect on the dial, which transitions from black to a lighter grey at the centre, reminiscent of vintage Panerai models with radium burn marks. This subtle gradient, alongside the beige luminescence and patina casing, harmoniously ties into the watch’s overall aged theme.

Upon receiving the PAM01628 after a short holiday break, I was initially relieved to see Panerai reverting to a simpler design that pays homage to its heritage. However, the joy was somewhat dampened by the watch’s price tag of €10,700, which positions it significantly above the PAM00914 Otto Giorni, another model in the lineup offering an eight-day power reserve and superior water resistance, albeit without the patina finish and display case back

Panerai’s latest effort is a beautiful nod to its storied past, blending traditional aesthetics with subtle modern updates. However, the steep price point might prove a hurdle for enthusiasts hoping to embrace this blend of old and new.

For enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of Panerai watches, several resources are available that explore different aspects of this iconic brand. For a comprehensive overview, start with the general Panerai brand guide, which provides a foundation for the brand's history and its various collections.

If you're interested specifically in the Radiomir or Luminor lines, detailed articles are available that delve into each collection. The Panerai Radiomir Watches Guide and the Panerai Luminor Guide offer insights into the development, features, and models of these two significant series. Additionally, for a closer look at a special model, the Panerai Radiomir Eilean PAM01243 article explores its unique attributes and design inspirations.

For comparisons and popular models, the article Panerai or Rolex provides a comparative analysis that may help in making an informed choice between these two prestigious brands. Furthermore, the articles on Popular Panerai Radiomir Watches and Popular Panerai Luminor Watches highlight the most sought-after models in each line, showcasing why they resonate so well with watch aficionados.