In an exciting announcement, Panerai, the renowned luxury watch manufacturer, has revealed the launch of a captivating reinterpretation of its iconic Radiomir model, aptly named the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio. This collector’s timepiece pays homage to the legendary Angelus caliber found in the Ref. 3646 model from the 1960s. What makes this release even more special is the collaboration between Panerai and the esteemed Phillips auction house. This unique timepiece will be auctioned at The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII on November 3, 2023, with all proceeds, including the entire Phillips’ Buyer’s Premium, going to support the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO).
Panerai’s partnership with Phillips and its commitment to ocean conservation align with its rich maritime heritage, making this collaboration a significant and meaningful one. Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it raises awareness about the critical role of the ocean and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Celebrating Heritage and Innovation
The Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio, according to Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai, not only celebrates the brand’s history but also represents a commitment to pushing boundaries and supporting noble causes. The collaboration between Phillips and Panerai highlights the brand’s dedication to its heritage and craftsmanship.
Inspiration from the 1960s: The Ref. 3646
This unique timepiece takes its inspiration from Panerai’s history in the 1960s when it supplied the Italian Navy with self-luminous Radiomir watches, particularly the Ref. 3646. This model marked a transitional phase, introducing elements that would later become iconic in Panerai’s design, such as robust lugs meticulously welded to the case. However, it was during the GPF 2/56 model, known as The Egyptian, that Panerai adopted the Angelus SF 240 caliber, which featured an impressive 8-day power reserve, eliminating the need for constant winding.
The Panerai Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio pays homage to its heritage with a range of features inspired by the transitional model Ref. 3646. It boasts solid welded lugs, a sandwich dial, the Marina Militare logo, Officine Panerai inscription, gold-color hands, a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, and a domed sapphire crystal. The 47mm case is crafted from Panerai PlatinumtechTM, a proprietary material that retains platinum’s luster while being more scratch-resistant.
The Angelus Caliber: A Mechanical Marvel
One of the Angelus caliber’s distinctive features was its transparent case back, a daring choice made by Giuseppe Panerai himself to showcase the movement’s remarkable power reserve. The historical Angelus caliber discovered in Panerai’s archives served as the inspiration for the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio.
Adding a touch of versatility, the watch comes with two case backs: one modern see-through sapphire crystal and another in Plexiglas®, reminiscent of the original material. The timepiece is complemented by made-in-Italy calf straps with a Swiss-made screw trapezoidal white gold buckle, including a vintage strap crafted by Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli, the original leather strap maker for Officine Panerai.
A Thoughtful Presentation
The Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio arrives in a packaging inspired by historic Panerai boxes, featuring a Radica wood exterior and an internal tray lined with black Alcantara. The box even includes a storage space for the second vintage strap.
Technical Specifications
The Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio (PAM01346) is powered by the hand-wound mechanical SF240 calibre, created by Angelus, offering an impressive 8-day power reserve. It features a 47mm Panerai PlatinumtechTM case with a see-through sapphire crystal and platinum caseback. The black Sandwich dial is adorned with historical numbers, indexes with SLN beige, and white texts, providing a vintage aesthetic. The watch is completed with a vintage oiled brown calf strap and a white gold buckle, ensuring both style and functionality. With a water resistance of 5 bar (approximately 50 meters), it is as reliable as it is beautiful.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio is not just a timepiece; it is a symbol of Panerai’s rich history, a commitment to ocean conservation, and a celebration of craftsmanship. With its exquisite design and noble cause, it promises to be a prized possession for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, all while contributing to the important mission of preserving our oceans.
