RADIOMIR 1940 ORO ROSSO MODEL, REF. PAM00398, CASE NO. BB1547706 AND 81⁄100, CIRCA 2013RADIOMIR 1940 ACCIAIO MODEL, REF. PAM00399, CASE NO. BB1545035 AND 82⁄100, CIRCA 2013

In 2012, 2013 and 2014, Panerai introduced small series of highly exclusive limited edition wristwatches. A potent mix of both luxury and rarity, these superb new references were not only stunning in appearance, but uniquely their movements were constructed using a group of historic mid-century movements by the Swiss firm of Minerva which had been acquired by the company many years earlier. Created in homage to one of Panerai’s most famous models, the ‘Radiomir’, these very special watches were named ‘Radiomir 1940’ and celebrate the style of Radiomirs of that decade. Vintage styling and the historically accurate use of materials in the ‘Radiomir 1940’ references quickly made them extremely sought-after among collectors who regard them as the most timelessly beautiful and coolest of all modern Panerai – true contemporary classics.

The first two Minerva movement Special Edition references to be launched in 2012 were the red gold ‘PAM 398’ and its twin, the stainless steel ‘PAM 399’. What is immediately apparent with these first ‘Radiomir 1940’ variations is the lugs attached directly to the case, historically accurate 47mm diamater, Plexiglass crystal, cambered bezel, cylindrical crown and screw back. Both the ‘PAM 398’ and ‘PAM 399’ were limited to 100 pieces each worldwide.