Panerai Proves That Less Can Be More With The New Radiomir Quaranta

Looking to add a little Italian flair to your ensemble? Officine Panerai has just the thing. The famed Florentine watch maker has recently unveiled its new Radiomir Quaranta series, featuring a very wearable 40mm cushion-shaped case, in your choice of the brand’s proprietary Goldtech or polished stainless steel. A classic in the making, the new Radiomir Quaranta is already on the hit list for passionate Paneristi everywhere. Keep reading to find out why.

The Radiomir Collection

The modern Radiomir collection traces its roots firmly back to the beginning of the 20th century. That’s when a small Italian outfit named G. Panerai e Figlio, became an official supplier to the Regia Marina (The Royal Italian Navy.) Around 1915, Guido Panerai invented a radium-based compound, which he would go on to patent in France in 1916, under the name “Radiomir”. Offering high visibility underwater and excellent adhesive qualities, Radiomir became a key component in all subsequent productions for the Regia Marina.

The most notable are the Radiomir watches that Panerai produced in the lead-up to World War II for the Italian Frogmen. It’s from these early models that the modern collection draws heavily for inspiration. Cushion-shaped cases, wire lugs, and luminous, sandwich-style dials are all hallmarks of the original Radiomirs from the 1930s. Unfortunately for some though, another key hallmark of the Radiomir is its oversized case. The original was an impressive 47mm, and there’s never been anything in the modern collection under 45mm. That is until now.

The Radiomir Quaranta

If you didn’t know already, Quaranta means forty in Italian, a fitting name for the first Radiomir series ever to feature a 40mm case diameter. It also happens to be one of the most wearable and versatile case sizes on the market, opening up the Radiomir to a whole new audience. Many of whom have been waiting for this day for a long time. Add to this the fact that the new Radiomir Quranta measures a rather svelte 10.45mm thick and it quickly becomes clear that Panerai has designed this model for fashion as well as watch aficionados. It really is gorgeous to look at and perfectly balanced on the wrist, with its cushion-shape design and wire lugs ensuring it sits nice and flat. This is arguably as close as you’re going to get to a dress watch from Panerai and we are here for it.

Panerai Radiomir Quaranta Goldtech™ PAM01026

As previously mentioned, the Radiomir Quaranta is offered in two different case metals. The PAM01026 boasts a case made from Panerai’s proprietary Goldtech, which features a mix of platinum and copper to create a special blend of gold with a redder hue. It is paired with a silvery white, sun-brushed sandwich dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. The time is displayed centrally by golden sword-shaped hands (also lume-filled), while the date appears through an aperture at 3 o’clock, with small seconds on a separate dial at 9 o’clock. It’s a familiar layout from Panerai and one that is universally admired for its elegant simplicity and exceptional legibility, even in low-light conditions. This reference is worn on an espresso-coloured Alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone espresso-coloured stitching.

There are also a further three options available in polished stainless steel. The PAM01293 and PAM01294 feature eye-catching blue and black sun-brushed dials respectively, with the former coming on a blue alligator leather strap and the latter black. The PAM01292 meanwhile features the same dial and strap as its Goldtech sibling but is presented in a more accessible steel package. All four models are powered by Panerai’s self-winding P.900 Calibre, which uses a single barrel to deliver a healthy three-day power reserve. As an added touch, the PAM01026 Goldtech version displays the inner workings of the movement through a sapphire display back. The steel versions meanwhile feature solid case backs.

Available now from Watches of Switzerland, the new Radiomir Quaranta series is already proving popular. With its effortless good looks, versatile case size, and technical merits it’s not hard to see why. Don’t take our word for it though, this is one of the models that you really need to get on the wrist to fully appreciate what makes it so special. We invite you to make an appointment today to visit us in-store and experience the Radiomir Quaranta for yourself. You will not be disappointed.