SIHH 2014: Introducing the New Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph

20/01/2014 | By Brice Goulard | 4 min read |

SIHH 2014 is on fire and Officine Panerai is part of the game. The Italian brand just reveals a new series of vintage-inspired chronographs based on a wonderful Minerva movement. The Radiomir 1940 Chronograph will be available in three versions, platinum (PAM00518), red gold (PAM00519) and white gold (PAM00520). A new limited edition to inflame the Paneristi’s mind?

Panerai’s first chronograph was created in 1943. It was the famous (and now overpriced) Radiomir Mare Nostrum, developed for the Italian navy’s deck officers. In the light of this rich history, Panerai reveals a new vintage-inspired chronograph, part of the new Radiomir 1940 line. Based on a cushion-shaped case with lugs (not the wire loop strap attachments of the classical Radiomir) and without the crown protection of the Luminor models, this case shows the transition between the old Radiomir and the 1950’s Luminor. Three versions, each in a limited edition of 100 pieces, will be available:

PAM00518, platinum case with an ivory dial, chestnut brown alligator strap
PAM00519, red gold case with a brown ‘California’ dial, tobacco brown alligator strap
PAM00520, white gold case with a black dial, black alligator strap

The 45mm cushion case is presented here in a full mirror-polished finish. As a tribute to the past, we see the presence of a thick Plexiglas instead of modern sapphire crystal. The dial is offered here in three declinations, all in honour of previous models. The ivory version shows luminous dots and batons, applied in relief on the dial – the brown ‘California’ dial shows applied luminous Arabic and Romans numbers – the black dial shows also luminous dots and batons, however this time with a ‘sandwich’ dial construction (see image below). Every of them feature a tachymeter scale round the dial.

The right side of the watch includes the cylindrical winding crown and two push-buttons to control the chronograph functions. No Monopulsante, no split-second function, not even a flyback… A simple bi-compax chronograph with a running second instead, BUT with an amazing movement. And that’s what we love here at Monochrome-Watches.

Taking advantage of the Richemont Group’s resources of, the 1940 Chronograph is engined with one of the prettiest movement ever build, the Minerva 13-22, also know as the OP XXV calibre. It’s not the first time that Panerai integrates Minerva movements, as we have seen in the re-issue of the aforementioned PAM00300 Mare Nostrum (see here). Panerai used other non-chronograph Minerva movements in the 2012 Special Editions PAM00398 and PAM00399 (see here) and the recently presented Special Editions PAM00521 and PAM00522 (see here), both using a Minerva 16-17.

The OP XXV calibre is a manually wound chronograph, featuring a very large balance wheel with adjustments screws and an additional swan-neck regulator. The chronograph function is actuated by a column-wheel with a vertical clutch, which is considered by connoisseurs the be the most beautiful chronograph construction. Visible through a sapphire crystal in the case back, it is finished with very nice details, such as polished bevelled angles on the bridges and levers, and Côtes de Genève on the flat bridge surfaces. Caliber OP XXV is a magnificently beautiful movement, both in construction (typically a Minerva calibre), and the very nice arangement of the chronograph levers and bridge (agin, typical Minerva).

Panerai presents here a very interesting special edition. Not only because of the Minerva movement, but also visually it’s the three models are very appealing. The three versions show slight differences in their treatment, considering the variations in the material and dials. Enough to stir the passion of the Paneristi? We believe so!

Some specifications:

Case: Diameter 45 mm, 18 ct. polished platinum (PAM00518), polished red gold (PAM00519) or polished white gold (PAM00520). Screw-down winding crown. Polished buttons for the chronograph functions at 2 and 4 o’clock. Polished Bezel in platinum, red gold or white gold. 2.8mm thick Plexiglas. See-through sapphire back. 50m water-resistant
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical movement, exclusive Panerai OP XXV calibre, 12¾ lignes, 22 jewels, Glucydur balance, 18,000 alternations/hour. Swan’s neck regulator. Power reserve 55 hours. Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges.
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, two counters chronograph, tachymeter scale.
Limited edition of 100 pieces per version.

Official retail price in Euro, including tax/VAT: