As avid Paneristi are aware, today’s powerhouse Panerai watch brand had its humble beginnings in a retail watch store in Florence, founded by the Panerai family in 1860. As inspiration for the latest version of its Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio – 47mm, the company reached back to that historical early era, in which the family-owned Orologerie Suizzera (precursor to the modern Officine Panerai) sold not only wristwatches and pocketwatches but also table clocks and pendulum clocks. It is a particular example of this last item that provided the template for the Art Deco dials of the two new models.
The dial of a pendulum clock displayed on the first floor of Panerai’s Florentine shop on the Piazza San Giovanni is re-created in two distinct dial versions, both in 47-mm cases made of polished stainless steel — ivory (Ref. PAM00791) and black (PAM00790). Both retro-look dials are notable for their large, Art Deco hour numerals; peripheral railway minute track track and additional interior ring; and lacquered, spear-shaped hour and minute hands, a style used for the first time on a Panerai timepiece.
The cushion-shaped Radiomir 1940 case, now a mainstay of Panerai’s collection, is exceptionally corrosion-resistant and resists water pressures down to 100 meters — a feature calling to mind the Radiomir’s watch’s origins as a military timepiece for the Royal Italian Navy’s elite combat divers. Inside the case and on display through the clear sapphire caseback is the in-house-made movement, the manual-winding P.3000, which boasts a three-day power reserve held in twp mainspring barrels. Mechanical details in full view include the three brushed-finish bridges protecting the movement’s interior parts, and a large 3-Hz balance held firmly by a bridge with twin supports. Caliber P.3000 is also equipped with a quick-adjustment function that allows the user to move the hour hand independently forward or backward without affecting the minute hand or the continuous running of the watch.
The new, vintage-clock-inspired Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio watches have historically inspired, period-appropriate Plexiglas crystals, slightly domed, over their dials. They are mounted on a sturdy, natural leather strap with beige contrast stitching and an impressed “OP” (Officine Panerai) logo. The price for both special editions is $9,200. What do you think of Panerai’s latest ticking tributes to its pre-military Florentine history? Let us know in the comments below.
At around 40mm it would be hard to say no. At 47mm… No way!
Fantastic look with Panerai quality could’ve been a winner. But I guess Italy didn’t get the memo… 47mm is so yesterday!!
47mm is too big but the style is nice. Hope Richemont will find a way to restore the confidence of the buyers on his brands. IWC and Panerai lost a lot of ground due to the numerous mistakes and lack of proper care and attention to quality and customers satisfaction.
I am not a Panerai fan , but I like it simplicity and I notice it did not have a snap on Bock as do some models
That is the most beautiful dial. I would enjoy seeing an unlimited production with a smaller case size.