Here at WCL, we have always been big fans of Panerai but mainly of their historically inspired creations. In celebration of the Radiomir anniversary, Panerai just released the Radiomir Officine PAM01385 Anniversary Edition and we go hands-on with this new watch that brings us back to the roots of Panerai. This exclusive eCommerce model is a neo-vintage creation inspired by the first Radiomir prototype introduced on October 24, 1935. To commemorate the milestone, this e-commerce exclusive was launched on October 24, 2023, in a limited edition of only 300 pieces.

For a little bit over a century, the Panerai family legacy has been intertwined with precision instruments made to accompany the Italian military and commissioned by the Royal Italian Navy to supply high-precision instruments, it was Guido Panerai’s Radiomir that began it all when it was patented in 1916.

Things to Know About the Watch

Available in a limited edition of only 300 pieces, the Panerai Radiomir Officine Anniversary Edition PAM01385 pays homage to the Radiomir collection in a flawless execution that any Paneristi would deem as almost perfect.  Featuring elements that bring its aesthetics closer to its roots than ever before, the PAM01385 is equipped with a 45 mm case with wire lugs and a sandwich dial —composed of two superimposed plates—that is very vintage-looking.

An archival receipt shows that the Radiomir prototype was presented on October 24, 1935, testifying to the birth of the first Radiomir prototype.

Even though Officine Panerai leaped into the watch market in 1992 with Luminor Marina references in limited editions and 44 and 42 mm cases, it wasn’t until 1997 —at the time of the Vendome Group (today’s Richemont Group) acquisition of Panerai— that the Radiomir made its appearance as the PAM21 in a special 60-piece limited edition in platinum to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this model.

Set in a polished steel 45 mm case with the iconic onion-shaped crown, the watch is equipped with a beige matte sandwich dial —in reality, more like a taupe color— with a half-segmented hour hand which is an emblematic feature of the Radiomir since inception. The dial has a beautiful grainy texture that gives this watch a very vintage look. The color of the dial on this watch is slightly reminiscent of that on the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days PAM662 launched in 2016 but much grainier and even better looking.

Above: Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days PAM662 Limited Edition

The dial on the Panerai Radiomir Officine Anniversary Edition PAM01385 is a true chameleon depending on lighting conditions and under the sun it typically appears much lighter and ‘chalkier’. The dial features the iconic 12, 3, and 6 Arabic numerals and a running seconds indicator at 9 o’clock. The revamped and restyled elements include the pared-down dial that features only the ‘Radiomir Panerai’ inscription without the collection’s typical OP logo, as well as a case constructed from monoblock steel.

Turning the watch over reveals a solid case back with Panerai Radiomir stamped on it. The Radiomir Officine PAM01385 is powered by the hand-wound P.6000 calibre with a three-day power reserve and is water resistant up to a depth of about 100 meters. As it is the norm when it comes to Panerai watches, the SuperLuminova is extremely bright even when barely exposing the watch to the slightest low light conditions.

Matched with a dark brown Scamosciato calf leather strap —what used to be referred to as the Assolutamente strap— with beige stitching, the timepiece’s monotone shade highlights the beige dial, a matte color style that is presented for the very first time within the collection. The strap is also interchangeable with selections from Panerai’s wide range of colors and equipped with a trapezoidal pin buckle in stainless steel.

On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the Panerai Radiomir Officine Anniversary Edition PAM01385 wears true to its size and just like all other 45 mm case Radiomir watches. The wrist presence comes with a strong vintage aura that will make everyone wonder whether this is a vintage Panerai or a neo-vintage modern execution. And for the price, Panerai got this watch right in the money. An absolute stunner that brings us back to the roots of Panerai the right way.

Sticker Price $5,400 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.