Panerai has just released two exquisite new Radiomir timepieces celebrating the past. Baroque Access finds out their spec’s
In recognition of its own past, horology brand Panerai returns to its origins by perfecting its Radiomir timepiece collection with two new versions of the iconic watch model. The two new timepieces are sophisticated Radiomir interpretations, both based on the very first Panerai created in 1936 at the request of the Commando of the Submarine Group of the Italian Royal Navy for the Commandos of the Assault Vehicle Flotilla – making it one of the first specialized divers’ watches in history. The new models, the Radiomir California – 47mm (PAM00931) and the Radiomir 8 Days – 45mm (PAM00992), pay tribute to this iconic, historic timepiece.
The Radiomir California is an emotionally charged design of the Panerai watch that was used during the Second World War. It is very distinctive, with a gold dial tinged with tones of shaded brown. It also boasts the original visual design, a minutes track and a combination of Roman numerals, Arabic figures and hour markers. On the dial, there is no reference to the watchmaker, like its predecessor – this was a fundamental condition for an instrument that was covered by military secrecy at the time. The new model is consistent historically, as, like the original watch, it has a Plexiglas® crystal in it. Besides the hands in steel, flame-blued at a controlled temperature of between 290°C and 300°C, its case is made of AISI 316L stainless steel. The new watch has a finishing deposited on it that emulates the effects of wear over time.
These details are also used to create the decidedly vintage identity of the Radiomir 8 Days – 45mm (PAM00992), available exclusively in Panerai boutiques. It has a sandwich structure dial bearing the words ‘8 giorni brevettato’. Clearly designed to evoke the most heroic activities of the brand, the two new Radiomir timepieces have in-house mechanical movements of the latest generation, hand-wound and entirely developed in Panerai’s factory in Neuchâtel.
These are reliable calibers, robust, with relevant aesthetic configurations. The P.3000, chosen to fit the dimensions of the Radiomir California – 47mm (PAM00931), has a power reserve of three days supplied by two spring barrels in series, and it displays hours and minutes. The P.5000 has a supplementary small seconds indication and two spring barrels. It is used in the Radiomir 8 Days – 45mm (PAM00992), with a power reserve of eight days.
Water-resistant to a depth of about 100 meters, the new Radiomir watches are aesthetically enhanced by an oiled dark brown calf leather strap with beige stitching. The strap is made of vintage-style ‘Tuscan Leather’ (Italian calfskin tanned in Italy), with a trapezoid buckle and a clasp forged of the same steel as the case.