Inspired by its historical origins and exclusively available at the Panerai boutique at the Miami Design District comes the just released Radiomir 3 Days Special Edition PAM 721. A real tribute to the history of Officine Panerai, many of the characteristics of this watch —excepting the dial which is inspired by the 'anonymous' dials that appeared much later around the mid-40s during WWII— come straight from the prototype created by Panerai in 1936 to equip the commandos of the Royal Italian Navy. Fitted with a cushion case in stainless steel measuring 47 mm in diameter, the Radiomir 3 Days Special Edition features the iconic slender wire strap attachments of the Radiomir line as well as the conical —onion shaped— crown and a clean dial with 12, 3, 6 and 9 numerals but without any Panerai writing on it.
The Dial
Its matte black dial with a very simple and minimalist design features the legendary Panerai sandwich dial construction, in which a plate is filled with a layer of 'ecru' —vintage patina colored— superluminova and the luminescence from it emerges through the cutouts corresponding to the markers cut in the upper plate. Reviving the origins of the brand and inspired by the legendary Panerai reference 3646, the new Panerai Radiomir 3 Days Special Edition PAM 721 is not only fitted with a plexiglass but it also features the signature blued hands of the historical Panerai watches. While the dial is 'sterile' without Panerai written on the dial, the PAM 721 features the Panerai name engraved on the flange in a similar way as the PAM 425 with the “S.L.C.” inscription also engraved on the flange at 12 o’clock.
The Case
The 47 mm cushion shaped case is made of AISI 316L polished steel and water resistant to 100 meters thanks to its screwed-in case back and screw-down onion shaped crown. Much like all other historical inspired Panerai watches, the case features an engraving at 6 o'clock with the OP number in this case OP 7102. No engraving is present at 12 o'clock like on other historical models.
The Movement
The Panerai Radiomir 3 Days Special Edition PAM 721 is powered by the in-house calibre P.3000, created entirely by Panerai in Neuchatel. This movement fully visible via the display case back features now the redesigned mainplate with three bridges instead of two as in the earlier P.3000 movements. This 21-jewel manual wound movement provides a power reserve of 72 hours —3 days— when fully wound.
Held by a bridge with twin supports —a fixing much safer and more stable compared to the cantilevered single bridge— the balance wheel oscillates at a frequency 21,600 vph. The calibre P.3000 also features a rapid time adjustment through a small spring clutch that enables the hour hand to be moved one hour at a time, without interfering with the movement of the minute hand or the operation of the watch.
The Strap
To enhance the vintage look of this watch and its direct connection with its predecessors from the 1930s, the watch is fitted with a beautiful Ponte Vecchio strap with large polished pin buckle.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Panerai Radiomir 3 Days Special Edition PAM 721 wears true to its size but slightly different to other 47 mm Panerai watches. While its robust case construction and larger size might not appeal to everyone, this is a watch that doesn't look as big once it's on the wrist. We do have to reiterate that if your wrist is smaller than 7.25" in circumference, you will find it difficult to wear this watch comfortably. The new PAM 721 is an extremely vintage looking Panerai and a watch that will for sure be a conversation piece around Paneristi. Limited to 1,000 pieces exclusively sold at the Panerai Boutique at the Miami Design District.
Sticker Price $9,200 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.
