andreww Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Mini Fiddy Review I'm not one who generally like "fantasy" watches, but when this "Mini Fiddy" was offered to me as a trade I couldn't refuse. Why you ask? For me this watch incorporates everything Panerai that my 192 Tantalium lacks. Firstly, I love the fiddy case, but the 47mm version would be just to big for my puny wrist. Secondly, I have always been fascinated by the "sandwich dial". And thirdly, I really wanted a display back pam, as I love the decorated movements. I really know very little about the fiddy or the mini fiddy. I do know enough however, to realize that the name is a little misleading. Aside from the smaller 44mm profile, the dial is quite different. Instead of "Luminor Panerai", the mini is labeled "Radiomir Panerai". There is also no "1950" designation on the bottom half of the dial. The watch itself is gorgeous, in fact I've already had an offer to buy it from one of the guys at work. The dial is large, clean and simple. The domed (mineral) crystal is a beautiful touch. I simply love the gold hands, as the blue ones on my 192 are difficult to read. The CG is nice and tight, and the crown seems nice and thick. The display back is probably the most fascinating part of the watch, and it left several of my work mates in total awe. The Asian movement is nicely decorated, although probably a pretty shabby example, compared to some that I've seen. There's no swan necks or daggers on this one, yet its still pretty to look at. My only complaints about this one are the badly "kerned" PANERAI on the dial, and a fair bit of springiness from the crown when winding. But for a watch that Paul (wo-mart) has listed for $110, you can't go wrong. This one is definitely going to get its share of wrist time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 Really thanks for this review! I too love the Mini Fiddy and I would not care about it being fantasy. Frankly, I find it even more balanced and appealing than the 47mm Fiddy. The only thing that prevented me from getting one so far is its date lacking. I would also add that it looks a perfect fit on your wrist. Congrats, wear it well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted August 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2007 Thanks! The lack of a center mounted second hand took some getting used to. Kind of feels like a wrist mounted clock LOL. Definitely a more laid back kind of watch, as there are no minute markers. So its always a rough guess as to the "exact" time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted August 30, 2007 Report Share Posted August 30, 2007 Thanks! The lack of a center mounted second hand took some getting used to. Kind of feels like a wrist mounted clock LOL. Definitely a more laid back kind of watch, as there are no minute markers. So its always a rough guess as to the "exact" time! That's exactly the remark expected from a Breitling lover! BTW, having a small second hand on a specific subdial rather than a large center mounted second hand may help in quickly locating and reading the seconds -- as I guess you already noticed. On the other hand, I have no excuse for the lacking of minute markers -- other than a definitely nicer dial look. I have some PAMs with minute markers (090), or minute markers plus center second hand (027, 028), and I have to admit that they are practical but far less appealing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted August 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2007 You are right IMO. The dial has a very clean feel to it. Just the basics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted August 31, 2007 Report Share Posted August 31, 2007 I'm sorry I missed this review, due to RWG being slow/down! Nice job, Andreww. You made me interested in my own Mini-Fiddy, easily my least liked rep watch because of QC issues. That strap is perfect with it. Hmm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWP Posted September 2, 2007 Report Share Posted September 2, 2007 NIce review Andreww. I have seen several of these and they have always been good sellers. I am modding two right now, one for myself and one for a friend. My movement is a little different asian unitas with a fuctional swan neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleydavidsewell Posted October 8, 2007 Report Share Posted October 8, 2007 hi, i looking to purchase a copy of this watch, could you kindly point me in the right direction of where i need to go many thanks ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UB7 Posted October 8, 2007 Report Share Posted October 8, 2007 Nice little review, since I got my first 005 i've been really interested in buying a mini fiddy for the same reasons as yourself...I have a tiny wrist and 47mm would be way too big....Just one question, hows the lume? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmg Posted October 8, 2007 Report Share Posted October 8, 2007 Nice review Andrew! I am personally not a fan of fantasy watches either but I really enjoy mine and it always puts a grin on my face when I flip it over to glance at the movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted October 9, 2007 Report Share Posted October 9, 2007 hi, i looking to purchase a copy of this watch, could you kindly point me in the right direction of where i need to go many thanks ashley As far as I know "Paul" is the only one who provides it: http://www.pam111.com/product_info.php?cPa...roducts_id=1093 Silix is selling a similar watch here: http://www.silix-prime.com/product.asp?id=1633 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professor_yaffle1 Posted October 9, 2007 Report Share Posted October 9, 2007 As far as I know "Paul" is the only one who provides it: http://www.pam111.com/product_info.php?cPa...roducts_id=1093 Silix is selling a similar watch here: http://www.silix-prime.com/product.asp?id=1633 I've seen it on Andrew's site (trusty), listed as the Radiomir Luminor 2006 model. I'll just add that I also own a mini-fiddy, bought from a fellow member, (no idea where it originally came from), which is currently fitted to a really nice vintage cracked black strap (with barley stitching that matches the gold hands) from HKTan. It gets a surprising amount of attention, more than my 111h which is a similar size, and I put it down to the domed crystal and clean dial; no doubt I'll get a Fiddy at some point, but I'll continue to enjoy this regardless. I don't have small wrists (8"), so I can wear the larger watches with no problems, but I do like the fact that the 44mm size of this one allows it to be worn with a suit without it standing out too much. prof Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssurfer Posted October 9, 2007 Report Share Posted October 9, 2007 I've seen it on Andrew's site (trusty), listed as the Radiomir Luminor 2006 model. Wow, thanks! Finding a 44mm Luminor in the 42/45mm Radiomir section proved to be beyond my skills. I hope that the price that Andrew quotes (more twice than Paul's) prevents from Paul-like issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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