Officine Panerai Radiomir Annual Calendar

Lots of releases came out in pairs during this year's Watches & Wonders event. One of the brands that followed this scheme was Officine Panerai, especially for their Radiomir collection. A main concern while crafting the new “Annual Calendar” options was to assure readability at a glance. In order to do so the artisans arranged all the calendar information: day of the week, date, and month on the same row at 3 o’clock.The cushion-shaped 45 mm case is made of either GoldTech™ (composed of platinum and copper that create a reddish gold tone) or Platinumtech™, both of which are proprietary alloys developed by Panerai. On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It showcases several jewels, golden gears and an openworked oscillating weight. 

Mounted to the case is a thin bezel with a mirror-like polished finish. This is essentially the same classic design seen throughout most of the Radiomir collection. But includes a recessed pusher that allows the user to adjust the annual calendar, placed on the left-side aligned near the 8 o’clock spot.These watches feature a mechanism that enables the rotating disc to change instantly as each monthly cycle concludes its rotation. It is also able to distinguish between 30 or 31-day months and automatically adjust. But the complication does require a setting adjustment once a year, at the end of February.  It features the iconic thin wire-style lugs which is a standard characteristic of Radiomir models and comes equipped with a knurled setting-crown embossed with the “OP” logo. All topped by a domed sapphire crystal and a water-resistance that can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).Time is exhibited on the iconic Panerai sandwich dial in either blue (Goldtech™) or bordeaux (Platinumtech™) with hour index markers and the Arabic numerals: 6 and 12. Both hues have a sun-brushed finish and a gradient effect that grows darker as it moves outwards towards the dials periphery. The annual calendar is spread out yet contained neatly on the dial with the day and date appearing on two windows, while the current month is displayed on a rotating disc circling the flange and indicated by a fixed arrow, all aligned at 3 o’clock. The months appear written in Italian, just like the model's name “CALENDARIO ANNUALE” on the lower-half of the dial. The central hour/minutes hands, hour index markers and Arabic numerals have all been fitted with a green luminescent hue, for an enhanced legibility. The divided hour hand is a subtle, vintage detail usually only seen on historic Radiomir models. There is also a small-seconds at 9 o’clock with a lume coating. 

Officine Panerai Radiomir Annual Calendar

The “Officine Panerai Radiomir Annual Calendar” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber P.9010/AC with 16 lignes, 40 jewels, and 28,800 Vph. It comes equipped with an Incabloc® anti-shock device and two spring barrels. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours (3 days), when fully wound. Mounted to the watch is either a black or blue Mississippiensis alligator scaled strap with exposed tone-on-tone stitchings, secured to the wrist by a pin buckle. The Experience edition comes with a much heftier price-tag, but every owner of this version will be invited to participate in an extraordinary journey to the Eternal City, Rome, the capital of Italy. During this leisure trip participants will also be immersed in various activities highlighting the brand's qualities. For more up to date information visit the official Panerai website here.

 

 

 

Officine Panerai, Panerai, Radiomir, Annual Calendar, GoldTech, Platinumtech, Luxury Watches