Panerai Radiomir California

It had been awhile since we got to see a new California dial, but the time has come. Officine Panerai has released a model for their Radiomir collection with many vintage undertones. It features a gradient green dial with a textured finish which adds mystique to this vintage inspired timepiece. The cushion-shaped 45mm case is made of Brunito eSteel with an aged look, made possible by a PVD coating that simulates the wear and tear of time of putting the watch through an “aging process”. Mounted to the case is an aged  eSteel bezel that follows the same aesthetics, seamlessly blending in with the case and providing a cohesive design. This eSteel consists of 52% recycled materials, while the rest is newly sourced steel. Panerai claims that the percentage of recycled materials is calculated by the weight of the watch. So if the watches total weight is 137 grams, 72 of those grams come from recycled materials. But in essence eSteel has the same properties as regular stainless-steel.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 and golden gears, grinding away.It features the iconic thin wire-style lugs, often seen on the Radiomir model and comes equipped with a knurled setting-crown, embossed with the “OP” logo. All topped by a domed crystal for an authentic vintage vibe. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).Time is exhibited on a green dial with the iconic “California” dial which consists of a mixture of Arabic and Roman numerals, plus hour index markers. It may sound complex on paper, but the end result provides a simple yet remarkably endearing design. The green hue has a smoked, textured aesthetic that gives off a noir vibe. Then it gains another layer by featuring a gradient effect that starts off with a brighter center, and then darkens as it moves towards the dials periphery. Given the vintage aesthetics the brand intended for this particular model, these were all wise choices to achieve that aged aspect.It includes their signature blued central hands, which fun fact to obtain this hue the hands are aged by oxidizing at about 300 degrees centigrade. While also circling the dial is a beige rail-road motif minute index ring, assisting with precise readings at a glance. The central hands along with the Arabic numerals, Roman numerals and hour index markers that make up this “California dial” have been fitted with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

Panerai Radiomir California

The “Officine Panerai Radiomir California” (Ref#: PAM01349) is powered by a in-house hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber P.5000 with 15½ lignes, 21 jewels, 161 components and 21,600 Vph. It comes equipped with a Glucydur balance and two barrels for the reserve. Power reserve can last up to 192-hours (8 days), when fully wound. Mounted to the watch is a brown Ponte Vecchio calfskin leather strap with exposed beige stitching, secured to the wrist by an aged eSteel trapezoidal buckle. For more up to date information visit the official Panerai website here.

 

Officine Panerai, Panerai, Radiomir, eSteel, Luxury Watches