Panerai’s watches generally use the same elements—it would be easy to spot a timepiece from the brand, or whether it belongs to the Radiomir or Luminor collection, even in just a single glance. There are variations from time to time, but they do not take a big leap from the original design. The watchmaking company has often received criticism for it, but one could argue that it’s part of maintaining its brand identity, which can be a key to its status among collectible watches. With Panerai’s new Radiomir 1940 Art Deco Dial however, the brand dares to experiment more—it is familiar yet different, distinct and dressier even when compared to previous iterations of the Radiomir.
Release Date & Price
Release Date: September 14, 2018
Price: US$9,200.00
The design is rooted in its long history, but that of the time before it became the official watchmaker for the Italian Royal Navy. This latest take on the Radiomir is the first to pick cues from the prized pendulum clock over at Panerai’s Florence boutique that serves as reminder of the time when the watchmaker manufactured pocket watches and clocks. The unique elements, such as the railway track ring and the position of the hands that are of a shape of a spear reflect the previously mentioned historic possession. The watch is also unique for its size, which has a hard-to-ignore 47mm case. Available in ivory and black, the limited edition watches were originally sold at flagship stores for an initial price of US$9,200.
Specifications:
- Reference: PAM 790 & PAM 791
- Caliber: P.3000
- Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)
- Jewels: 21
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case diameter: 47mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Lume: None
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap: Leather strap with steel pin buckle
Pros
Like most Panerai watches, this new Radiomir 1940 Art Deco Dial has a charming, historic, vintage feel to it. Its plexiglass crystal intensifies the vibe, regardless of whether you take it with an ivory or black dial. The exterior belies the updated movement beneath that is made in-house, the P.3000 caliber. It comes with up to 72 hours of power reserve—and that is pretty impressive. The movement is visible through the caseback if you happen to appreciate movements ticking before your own eyes.
Cons
Basing on the appearance of the dial alone, one can assume that the vintage-looking timepiece is a dress watch; it definitely is fancier when put side-by-side with other Panerais. But the case diameter, which hits 47mm, makes you reconsider because they won’t go under the sleeve without a fuss. The watch has decent legibility, but it was the watchmaker’s choice to do away with lume for this one; better get the time from your phone should you need to but find that you’re limited by the lighting conditions. The water resistance rating is unimpressive but not unexpected; we don’t think anyone would dare risk getting the watch wet.
Compare With:
- Omega Speedmaster ’57 Chronograph
- Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver
- Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38
- TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady Calibre 9 Automatic
Image credit: Panerai
