For this year’s Watches & Wonders, Panerai revisits its legendary Radiomir, a model that was associated with the Italian Navy with a history that dates back to the 1930s. Over the years, the timepiece has gone through various adjustments, especially for its signature sandwich construction.
In an exclusive conversation, Jean-Marc Pontroué, Panerai’s CEO tells Hypebeast that “This year’s launch of the Radiomir collection defines where it all began for us. It was the invention of the radiomir substance for the Italian Navy that set in motion Panerai’s legendary story, and a Radiomir was the first ever Panerai watch made in 1935. Merging our innovation in materials while staying true to the Radiomir DNA, we are proud to say that we’ve introduced many innovative elements that spotlight our capability in reinterpreting an icon and its vintage aesthetics in a contemporary key to appeal to connoisseurs.”
Radiomir Annual Calendar
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The Radiomir Annual Calendar is presented in two versions — one option sees a Goldtech™ case with a blue dial, while the other features a Platinumtech™ case and a moody burgundy dial. Both iterations are outfitted in a polished 45mm, cushion-shaped case with a matching bezel, framing the radiant sun-brushed and shaded dial. Luminous Arabic numerals and indices enhance the pieces’ readability in low-light conditions. It runs on the P.9010/AC caliber, an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to three days, which can be clearly observed through the watch’s open sapphire caseback.
Radiomir Quaranta in Goldtech™
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Described by the Maison as “the contemporary and most versatile of Radiomir interpretations,” the Quranta now debuts a polished Panerai’s Goldtech™ case for Watches & Wonders. Matching the sleek case is a white sun-brushed dial, which is accompanied by a classic alligator strap in a dark matte brown. The watch is built with a 3-day power reserve that utilizes the automatic mechanical P.900 calibre. This new iteration also sees the Quaranta model in a larger, and more modern 47mm case size.
Radiomir Otto Giorni
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A contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic model, the Radiomir Otto Giorni arrives in Panerai’s own eSteel™ case, which is individually hand-finished to give it its antiquated charms. Many distinctive attributes of the original model are retained in this new watch, from the cushion-shaped case and slim wire lugs to the signature sandwich dial. Two color options are offered in a Dégradé Brown or blue, which are paired with marching calf leather straps. Other dial details such as the indices, hands, and the small seconds- display at the 9 o’clock mark are doused in a Super-LumiNova. Inside, the hand-wound P.5000 calibre powers the timepiece for as long as eight days.
Radiomir California
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With this piece, the Maison debuts its first-ever 45mm version of the California dial, which historically, has always been crafted in a 47mm case size. Releasing as a Panerai boutique-exclusive model, its dark green dial is characterized by a mix of Roman and Arabic numerals, complete with bar indexes and a minute track. A brand new finishing for the case is also introduced, known as Brunito eSteel™ which douses the case with an aged look. To finish, it’s paired with a raw-cut leather strap with minimal yet contrasting stitch details, complete with a hot-printed “G. Panerai e Figlio” inscription.
Visit Panerai’s official website to read more about the availability and price points of the watches mentioned above.
More Watches & Wonders coverage can be read here.
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