Home » Panerai Watches » SIHH 2016 Preview – Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Accacio 42 mm White Dial Reference PAM006655
As it has been announced, Panerai will be presenting its first watch with the white dial in the Radiomir 1940 collection at the approaching SIHH 2016 event. It is 3 Days Automatic Acciao piece with the diameter of 42 mm, or to be more exact, the watch with the reference PAM00665. This rarity is placed inside a steel housing and it is equipped with Caliber P.4000, the first self-winding movement with an off-centered micro rotor which was completely made in-house by Panerai in its workshops in Neuchatel. The newcomer will be available at the price of $10,000.
The First Albino in the Family
Even though Paneria watches with white dial have been around for very long, they are still pretty scarce, since the brands collection is dominated with the dark-faced pieces. The lack of white dials is obviously even greater in the Radiomir 1940 collection, especially because the upcoming PAM00665 model will actually be the first one in the series with this dial color.
The historic white-faced Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Accacio 42 mm White Dial includes Arabic numerals in all of the positions except the one at the nine o’clock which is reserved for the small seconds indication. Three of these numerals (3, 6 and 12) are notably larger than the rest. Around the hour markers, one can notice dots filled with beige-colored luminous matter. The same type of luminous matter is applied to the typical stubby looking hour and minute central hands, as on the pointer of the small seconds sub-dial.
Based on a Landmark Proprietary Caliber
As it has been mentioned, the watch bases its functioning on a landmark movement. It is P.4000, the first completely proprietary automatic caliber with an off-centered rotor. It is important to underline that this is not the premier of the movement, since it has been previously used in other dark-colored models which were released in the second half of 2015.
The inclusion of a micro-rotor (with winding in both directions) allows the movement to have a very flat profile which measures to just 3.95 mm. By the way, its diameter is 13 ¼ lignes or 31 mm. It features a balance wheel with variable inertia which operates at the frequency of 28,800 vph and includes a Glucydur balance. Its balance cock features a more dependable and durable twin supports, instead of a common single one. For its stability and resilience, it relies on KIF Parachoc anti-shock system.
The movement with 31 jewels and 203 components in total is also characterized with an extended power reserve which is achieved with the inclusion of twin barrels mounted in series. They provide a storage which lasts for three entire days, which is a day more than common self-winding movements. This extensive storage has actually become a norm as a minimal amount for storage or all of its in-house calibers. Unfortunatelly, the state of the power reserve is not indicated on the timekeeper.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Accacio 42 mm White Dial is actually equipped with a less lavish version of Caliber P.4000 which is reserved for steel models. This one includes bridges which are beautified with horizontally brushed pattern, as well as a micro rotor which is made of tungsten and enriched with a relief applied on a matt surface. This level of finishing is not that impressive when upper class watches are in question and it is a source of certain dissatisfaction in the circles of Panerai aficionados.
Original Shape and Size
On the contrary, the trait that actually appeals to the taste of the brand’s fans is the size of the housing which is 42 mm in diameter. Its width, as well as the recognizable cushion shape, are the same as the ones that were used in the original model which gave the name to the entire series. The thickness of the case is 10.93 mm which is enabled with its flat movement. As for the material, it is naturally steel, or to be more accurate AISI 316L stainless steel, as it is hinted with the name of the model since Acciaio means steel in Italian. The polished housing with a fixed bezel is able to withstand water pressure to 100 meters and it should also be said that it possesses sapphire crystals on both of its sides. Its steel crown is made with the brand’s logo that states “OP” which stands for Officine Panerai.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Accacio 42 mm White Dial model is coupled with a beige colored leather strap. The natural and untreated leather is dark brown on its under-side and it is made with contrasting light stitching.