Why have a see through case back when 80% of the view is blocked by a Spartan piece of grey metal?? 
Agreed that it would be nice if more were 'displayed' yet many fall head over heel for German watches with their three quarter plate.... Oh just realized the Germans offers 5% more view. 
It is indeed curious every time we critique a pam watch, an explanation or defence will be raised referring to another brand no matter how relevant, irrelevant or tenuous that may be. Whatever another brand is doing, surely the issue at hand is what panerai is doing or has done, in this case the Pam 510, with the Cal. P5000. When someone is charged with theft, it is of no consequence if he says Robin Hood also stole, no matter how famous or noble Robin Hood was. It is indeed strange, but...oh just realised again we are talking about a fashion watch which is being passed off as something grander.
Ok. Lets look at panerai as a brand or watch. I have no idea as to why they design the watch or rather movement such, they claim that it is a homage to old movements they use to use. I would guess the Angelus movement of old that had a larger than normal plate. To me, the failing point of the movement is the lack of the power reserve indicator. It may be because the old angelus movement that was also an 8 day movement was without a power reserve indicator. At the end of the day, we can only speculate, the truth, I guess we will never know.
As for the watch being a fashion brand passing off as something grander, maybe it is true. We have to establish the definition of fashion brand. Just because the owners changes the straps and have access to thousands, makes it a fashion brand, so be it. It may not be a brand for all, some like it, some love it, some hate it and some even loath it. Can't please everyone.
If you like the watch, buy it, if not don't. If you think the lack of the minute marker is a not for you, perhaps models in the historic collection may not be for you, save the white dial models. Perhaps, models in the contemporary collection may suit you more, as they do have models with the minute markers. However this is based on the fact that you like the watch/ brand or what ever reason you are buying the watch.
