Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 Watch News
The Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 is a one-off timepiece, created in support of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). It successfully unites two of Panerai’s historical design elements with a period Angelus SF240 movement. Moreover, the watch is housed in the brand’s proprietary noble metal, Platinumtech™️. It will be auctioned at ‘The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII’ on November 3rd 2023.
Panerai – a brand synonymous with luminescence
Thumb the pages of old Panerai catalogues, I confess I have a few, and you will discover the brand’s rich history of making divers’ watches. The company’s roots are indelibly linked with luminescence. Indeed, its two famous collections, the Radiomir and Luminor take their names from the luminous material previously employed on the firm’s military-issue watches. These days, Panerai uses modern-day Super-LumiNova.
Panerai – the first military divers’ watch in history (1938)
In 1938, Panerai released the Radiomir, ‘the first military divers’ watch in history’. The model measured 47 mm in diameter and featured a luminous dial, screw-down crown and wire loop strap attachments. Interestingly, this watch, made for the Italian Navy, contained a Rolex movement.
Panerai – horns, sandwich dials and the Angelus SF240 movement
During the 1940s, the wire loop strap attachments were replaced with sturdier, conventional horn-shaped lugs. It was also about this time that Panerai began fitting its now-legendary sandwich dials. These comprise an upper membrane with cut-out markings/indexes that reveal the luminous layer underneath.
Around 1950, Panerai fitted a Luminor model with an 8-day Angelus movement. These days, such models are much sought-after by watch aficionados and Paneristi alike. Now, Panerai has released a unique collectors’ timepiece equipped with a historic Angelus SF240 movement.
Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 in support of IOC-UNESCO
The watch, the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346, has been created in support of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) and will be auctioned by Phillips, the prestigious auction house, which will also donate its fees to this good cause.
The raised funds will be used to heighten awareness of the ‘ocean’s critical importance and the dire need for decisive interventions’. IOC-UNESCO hopes to achieve its stated aim ‘through collective action in education and empowerment of youth’.
Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 – dial and case
In producing this watch, Panerai has chosen to embrace some historical details and fuse them with some of the firm’s modern-day know-how. Measuring 47 mm in diameter, the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 unites the Radiomir’s cushion-shaped case with the aforementioned sturdier lugs usually associated with the Luminor. Moreover, the Italian-Swiss brand has chosen to house the watch in a gorgeous case crafted from Platinumtech™️, the brand’s proprietary noble metal that is less prone to scratching than ‘regular’ platinum and exhibits a richer lustre.
Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 – Angelus SF240 movement
Beneath the domed sapphire crystal, avid fans of the marque are indulged with a black sandwich dial bearing the much-loved ‘Marina Militare’ branding. But ultimately, all roads lead to the movement within, the model’s pièce de résistance, the aforesaid historical Angelus SF240 movement.
Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346 – closing remarks
There will only be one fortunate bidder going home with this glorious timepiece; however, those brand devotees, inevitably frustrated at missing out, can console themselves with the thought that this charitable initiative has raised lots of funds for a worthy cause.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio PAM01346
- Case: Platinumtech™️, diameter 47 mm, water resistance 5 ATM (50 m); sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds.
- Movement: SF240 calibre, hand-wound movement, frequency 18,000 vph (4 Hz), power reserve 8 days
- Strap: vintage oiled brown calf strap 27/22, BA. White gold buckle
- Price: unique piece to be auctioned at ‘The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII’ on November 3rd 2023