Panerai

Radiomir 1940 Watches

Established in 1860, the Panerai is a watchmaker school and workshop headquartered in Florence, Italy. For over 160 years, the company has been one of the esteemed watch brands, which skillfully combines the beauty of Italian watchmaking with Swiss craftsmanship. Holding up the legacy of its long history, Officine Panerai launched the new Panerai Radiomir 1940 models in 2012, splitting from the Radiomir collection. 

The brand re-edited the exclusive, historically Radiomir models produced in the 1940s into two special editions Radiomir 1940 watches. Unlike the watch models in production in the 1930s, some Panerai Radiomir models produced in the 1940s featured a case with the lugs that did not consist of a welded steel wire. They were made from the same block of the case that were more solid and robust. Resembling the original version, the new Radiomir 1940 special case is 47mm diameter. Combining the vintage beauty and technical complications, the resurrected Panerai watches are more comfortable and stylish to wear in every occasion.

Panerai is one of the renowned watch brands in the world. It was originally established in Florence, Italy in the year 1860. The Panerai’s successful journey of watchmaking began with a small watch repairing workshop and a sales showroom. The celebrated brand was founded by the talented Italian watchmaker, Giovanni Panerai as a family business. Ever since its establishment, the company has been contributing exciting innovations to the world of horology.

For many years, Panerai had been manufacturing precision instruments and pocket watches for the Royal Italian Navy. It was a brilliant breakthrough for the brand when it created Radiomir models due to the navy’s request. The launch of Panerai Radiomir had brought great success for Panerai due to its distinguishing functionality such as high precision, easy-to-read illuminating numerals, and underwater wrist depth gauges.

The Original Panerai Radiomir 1940 Watch

The debut of Panerai Radiomir has, without a doubt, built up a solid pillar for the next generations of the brand. In the 1940s, the demand for highly precise instruments and watches was huge due to the wars. The Royal Italian Navy’s requirements became even more specific as well. Therefore, to cater their customers, Panerai produced the updated versions of Panerai Radiomir models in 1940. These Panerai watch models were more robust and performed higher resistance to the extreme conditions.

The updated Panerai military diving watches were modified to improve durability. The most obvious change was the lugs. Rather than the welded wire lugs that appeared in the 1930s models, the case and thicker lugs were crafted from the same block of steel for the new model. Furthermore, a shorter cylindrical crown was used to replace the large flared winding crown. 

Between 1938 and 1970, Panerai had been producing diving instruments and watches for military use, for example, the precision instruments for Italian Marina Militare. In order to re-position the company, in 1993 the brand started to release its watches in the civilian market. 

While the Radiomir name was first patented for Panerai special luminous substance in early 1916, the Radiomir name had been used for over eighty years later and in the 1990s modern-day Panerai launched the first Radiomir watch models to the public.

The Panerai Radiomir 1940 Special Edition models were presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2012. These Panerai Radiomir 1940 watches took inspiration from the brand's Art Deco pendulum clocks released in the 1940s. There are also some features that are different from standard Panerai menage. 

The Lug

The main difference between the Panerai Radiomir 1940 and the other Radiomir watches from the collection is the lugs of the watches. The watch case and lugs for a Panerai Radiomir 1940 watch are carved out from the same block of metal. Similar to the original Panerai model of the 1940s, the lugs of Radiomir 1940 are hooked up directly to the steel case. 

The case

The first Panerai Radiomir 1940 models are encapsulated in a 47mm case. Following the success of this watch, a few more variations are released with options of small case size like 45mm and 42 mm. 

The new Panerai Radiomir 1940 watch featured a cushion-shaped case in which the edges are more pronounced. This Panerai watch was equipped with a cylindrical, tubular crown on the case instead of a conical, winding crown. Moreover, its iconic easy-to-read dial and the domed Plexiglass crystal added a touch of vintage to the watch. With its high-quality and dressier design, these Panerai watches have instantly become one of the best modern luxury watches.

The dial

The Radiomir collection is one of the most sought-after Panerai collections. These Panerai Radiomir 1940 watches are using its typical dark coloured dials such as black, brown and blue colours. The dials of these watches feature the large Arabic numerals and faux-patina painted luminous dot indexes.

The movement

These Panerai Radiomir 1940 models are equipped with simple yet elegant Panerai in-house manufactured movements. For example, the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days PAM00514 is equipped with an in-house manufactured P.3000 hand wound movement that is shock resistant. Moreover, this remarkable movement provides the watch with a power reserve of 3 days or 72 hours. This has set a new benchmark for all the Panerai watches later. On the Panerai Radiomir watch, you can appreciate the beauty of the movement from its sapphire crystal case back.

Although in the mind of some watch admirers, the Panerai Radiomir 1940 is still simply a sports watch. But this series is especially designed in a dressier style compared to other Panerai collections. It's design aesthetics such as high-contrast dial, stainless steel cushion case with straight lugs, and the contrasting flair of vintage strike an interesting balance between sportiness and sophistication. Every essential form of design from Panerai with Haute Horlogerie technical specification has been integrated into these enthralling Panerai Historic Collection.

Originating from the Panerai Radiomir, the Panerai Radiomir 1940 has rapidly gained its own supporters in the market. It is one of the best luxury watches that is truly worth it for your own collection.