In order to produce extraordinary underwater watches for the Royal Italian Navy, Officine Panerai raised accuracy, water-resistance and legibility to a highest level. In 1938, Swiss technology once again had reached high military requirements and a new prototype – Panerai Radiomir, became official wrist watch of Commandos and Gamma forces. Italian watchmaker has recalled the famous past with new Radiomir PAM 00210 and PAM 00231 timepieces.
First several years after Panerai Radiomir watches had been invented, special Italian troupes have used them in some of the most demanding military operations. With the end of The Second World War, watches from this limited edition have become a must-have rarities among collectors from all over the world.
The Panerai Historic Collection has been supplemented with the Luminor Base and Luminor Marina editions, and more than a 50 years latter, Officine Panerai re-issued Radiomir watches. A new productions started in small series, with an important progress in quality, new cases and solutions for improving water-resistance, but basic concept and traditional aesthetic impact weren’t altered.
Today, along with the basic model, the Radiomir range includes the Radiomir 45 mm Black Seal, the Radiomir 8 Days, the Radiomir GMT, the Radiomir Regatta 1/8th Second Titanio – 47 mm, the Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica and other models.
Basic concept
As a result of brand’s determination to offer reliable watches for all kind of extreme situations, Panerai Radiomir case, made of polished steel (PAM 00210) or 18 ct pink gold (PAM 00231) , guaranties water resistance to 10 bar (~100 metres). Its 45 mm case, also includes brand’s patented, removable wire loop strap-attachments and Panerai’s personalized, screw-down winding crown.
Behind the 1.9 mm thick sapphire glass, with anti-reflective coating, there is a black dial with hour markers and big Arabic numerals coated with luminous material (internally called “Radiomir”).
Panerai OP X caliber, with swan’s neck regulator, 16½ lignes and 17 jewels, is resistant to mechanical shocks and has a power reserve of 56 hours – impressive for hand-wound watches. Perfect movements of mechanism can be seen trough sapphire crystal back-case.
Watch comes with the Panerai personalized leather strap and large-size polished steel buckle (for the steel version) or the Panerai personalized alligator strap and 18 ct pink gold buckle (for the gold version).
In any case, with or without some esthetic and technological modifications, Panerai Radiomir represents a highest achievements in production of sport watches, preserving its robustness, water-resistance and the supreme legibility.
- PAM00210
Ref. No. PAM00210
Gender Man Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Diameter 45 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Black leather Dial Black Movement Panerai Caliber OP X hand-winding Shock-Proofing Yes Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 56 Hours Assembly Style Vintage Price - PAM00231
Ref. No. PAM00231
Gender Man Shape Round Case Material Pink gold Case Diameter 45 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Brown leather Dial Black Movement Panerai Caliber OP X hand-winding Shock-Proofing Yes Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 56 Hours Assembly Style Vintage Price - PAM00380
Ref. No. PAM00380
Gender Man Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Diameter 45 mm Case Thickness Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Black leather Dial Black Movement Panerai Caliber OP X hand-winding Shock-Proofing Yes Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 100 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 56 Hours Assembly Style Vintage Price
Panerai Radiomir review was published on Watchalyzer on December 26, 2010
one of the best watches in the world
!!!
I would like to hear someone who had problems with this movement. If there is anyone. According to my experience, Panerai’s mechanisms work absolutely impressive. I love to look at it trough caseback. The way of its moving is amazing. Its also pretty accurate for an hand wound watch. What can I say about Radiomir. Classic. I appreciate the fact that Panerai has preserved its vintage style trough the ages. It has never gone out of style.
I agree with you Fan.
Panerai is my favorite brand for last 4 years. Till now I got Radiomir and Luminor Chrono
I hope that I will soon purchase brown Luminor Marina for my birthday PAM00386
I agree with you all. I have no resistance to Rad Base. Fan says he “would like to hear someone who had problems with this movement”. I think it’s the same movement on the SE 1936 Classic, and i did encounter a problem. The winding crown felt snug. I’m a collector, and once a month winding gradually became a little tight till one day the winding stem braked as a way to describe my encounter. Reward of tender care is that this happened shortly after the warranty expired. Who would expect this kind of failure after spending some amount of money. I believe the problem occurred in the assembly of placing the movement into the case, and the QA failed to detect the problem. AD had no explanation of the problem, except “Yours is new!” Of course, the AD collected a paltry sum for the repair, and said, “Rolex would’ve cost more to repair.” If it’s not a movement problem, how many problems am I expected to condone? Sorry to chill you out, though. That was my awakening. I felt uncomfortable about integrity and credibility of the products, manufacturer, and the ADs. I got rid of my collection of SEs 1950, Marina Militare, 1936 Classic, and a Luminor Marina in Titanium. I decided to keep my Series-A Submersible and Seies-L Rad Base. I guess I’m still a sucker.
Have this watch for a while and now I’m a little worried after I read about problems that Eric had. Can you give me some advice about the basic maintenance of the mechanism and the exterior.
Panerai’s mechanism works really impressively. I have the Panerai Radiomir 8 Days PAM00268 watch and I’m very satisfied. It also has a transparent case back.
How can the premium sports watch have a moderate water resistance?
This watch has a wonderful stainless steel case. It looks simple and very elegant. This watch also gives an impression of confidence and it showed in my personal experience.
Of all the Panerai models, my first and still remaining Panerai is the Radiomir Black Seal 287 Automatic. I let go of the other Pam models not because of any issues but more for practical and personal preferences. I realized that I am someone who prefers a slimmer watch with simple crown and automatic with date. And those requirements can be found in this particular 287 model. Topping it all at the same time is the Black Seal note in the dial which provides some historical reference and origin of this brand.
I am a happy owner and enjoyed this Pam model very much and have not encountered any issues to date. The strap change mechanism is simply amazing, allowing one like myself to put in a personal touch to the watch through the strap.