We have the Royal Italian Navy to thank for the existence of Panerai watches. Created for them in 1938 as the first Panerai watch, the Radiomir was characterised by its large size and water-resistant case, the legibility of the dial in immersion, its robustness in extreme use conditions, and a reliable movement.

Now a new chapter in the history of the company has opened with the launch of the Calibre P.2002 mechanism in the latest Radiomir 8 Days GMT watch from the manufacturer based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The movement has an 8 day reserve that is represented by a ‘linear’ dial counting down the watch’s power.

The time is set using the ‘zero reset’ device, which stops the balance and returns the seconds hand to zero when the winding crown is pulled out. The second time zone is indicated by the smaller dial and hands at 9 o’clock that indicate am/pm and the hour, and all time functions (main, secondary and ‘zero reset’) are handled by the three-position screw-down winder.

The black dial is the Panerai ‘sandwich’ type, consisting of two superimposed plates, the upper one perforated with the numerals and hour markers, while the lower one is covered with a layer of Super-LumiNova®, this providing the underwater luminosity and visibility the company is famous for. At 3 o’clock there is the small date window, with a magnifying lens set into the crystal.

The latest Radiomir 8 Days GMT watch, using the Calibre P.2002 movement, is produced in two limited-edition versions. Platinum (50 pieces only) costs 34,000 EURO while white gold (200 units) costs 18,200 EURO. Both are fitted with a hand-sewn alligator strap and folding metal buckle.

For further information, please visit www.panerai.com.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Panerai