The Radiomir 1940 is presented for the first time with an automatic movement and the brand new in-house Panerai calibre P.4000 calibre which was fully designed and assembled by Officine Panerai in Neuchâtel. The distinctive feature of the new calibre is it off-centered oscillating weight, winding in both directions, just like the distinctive micro-rotor inside many of the Patek Philippe automatic movements. With a diameter of 13¾ lignes and just 3.95 mm thick, it has been developed to integrate perfectly with the proportions of the Radiomir 1940 case. The new P.4000 calibre is the first Panerai automatic movement with an off-centered micro-rotor. This means that the rotor is smaller in diameter than the calibre itself: a sophisticated technical solution which enables the movement —and therefore the watch itself— to be much thinner.
In the model with a steel case, the oscillating weight is made of tungsten, a shiny, high density metal, qualities which make it aesthetically appealing and ideal for applications requiring a material with a high specific weight. Additionally, the new calibre P.4000 differs in kind of finish by model. For models with a steel case, the calibre has bridges with a horizontally brushed finish and blue engraving.
In the red gold model, the rotor is made of 22K red gold. Its elegant finish and decoration can be appreciated through the sapphire crystal porthole fitted in the back. Next to the oscillating weight is the balance wheel, which oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, and a large bridge concealing much of the mechanism, making the structure of the movement exceptionally stable. With two spring barrels connected in series, the P.4000 calibre has a power reserve of at least three days, and it is also fitted with the device which stops the balance wheel when the winding crown is pulled out to set the time, useful for synchronizing the watch exactly. The gold model features circular brushed finished bridges, gilded engraving and clous de Paris hobnail finish and polished decorations in relief on the brushed surface of the micro-rotor.
The result is the Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic, the new Officine Panerai timepiece which is available in steel —PAM00572— or in red gold —PAM00573. It is a perfect choice for people looking for a watch that is faithful to the history of Panerai, as well as being suitable for the most elegant occasions with its classic, minimalist design. The new Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic models embody the characteristics and qualities which make every Panerai watch unique but at the same time immediately recognizable. The case represents that of some of the historic models created by Panerai in around 1940. It is 45 mm in diameter and is made of AISI 316L stainless steel or of 5Npt red gold, an alloy which has a higher proportion of copper than usual and a small amount of platinum which helps to reduce any oxidation of the metal.
The lugs are formed out of the same block as the case and they adapt perfectly to the line of the wrist, ensuring maximum comfort for wearers of the watch. The large polished bezel surrounds a classic dial providing excellent legibility, with its minimalist design and its structure of superimposed plates sandwiching the luminous substance between them.
As has been traditional with Panerai since the 1940s, the seconds hand rotates in a small sub-dial at 9 o’clock on the dial, which is black in the steel version and brown in the red gold version. The Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic is water-resistant to 100 meters in the steel version and 50 meters in the red gold version, and it is supplied with an alligator strap, black or brown respectively.
Both models are fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the exceptionally beautiful calibre.
These two new timepieces along with other new Panerai models are being presented at the Watches & Wonders show in Hong Kong starting tomorrow September 30th through October 2nd, 2014.
Sticker Price $11,600 USD for stainless steel and $25,800 USD for 18K rose gold. For more info on Panerai click here.
