A FAN CLUB’S 20TH
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of paneristi.com, hand-in-hand with an extensive online community, the Italian watchmaker imagined a limited edition which takes its inspiration from the first-ever Radiomir created back in 1936.
What could be more important, more deserving for a watchmaking brand than to boast a loyal customer base, so loyal that it becomes a real community? Panerai is one of these businesses which are fortunate enough to have their own collective of aficionados, grouped together on paneristi.com, a highly-respected site which has a forum and a marketplace. To celebrate this fan club’s 20th anniversary and hand-in-hand with it, the Italian watchmaker imagined a 1,020-piece limited edition via its famous Laboratorio di Idee: Radiomir Venti (PAM02020).
This special model takes its inspiration from the first-ever Radiomir prototypes made back in the 1930s, and reproduces in particular the fluted, conical crown and sword-shaped hour and minute hands. To enhance this newcomer’s vintage look, the dial of its famous “sandwich” construction delights with an exquisite satin-brushed chocolate hue like the tropical style of some black discs which become faded over time as a result of humidity and the sun. This aging effect is highlighted even more so by the matt patina which adorns the 45 mm-diameter cushion-shaped steel case. The 4 Arabic numerals, slender indexes and hands, all gilded, are topped with beige-pink Super-LumiNova® which matches the soft-touch calfskin strap clasped by an ardillon buckle in steel with an aged patina effect.
The Radiomir Venti is driven by the hand-wound P.600 caliber which, like most Panerai watches, delivers a power reserve of 3 days.
Price: CHF6,600
By Sharmila Bertin