Since 2019, the Panerai Experiences Program has represented a unique opportunity for collectors, where limited-edition models are paired with exclusive experiences that allow fans of the brand to immerse themselves in one of the pillars of Panerai’s heritage. The types of experiences fall into three categories, which Panerai describes as “adventure, military, and Italianity,” and past experiences have included everything from an excursion to the North Pole with one of its ambassadors to training with the Italian Royal Italian Navy. For 2025, Panerai has just announced its latest experience-bundled model, and along with incorporating pieces of the famous Eilean yacht into its construction, the new Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 comes packaged with an immersive trip to Sicily.

The Eilean is a 70-foot ketch (a two-masted sailboat) that was built in 1936 by the Scottish shipyard Fife of Fairlie, and it serves as the thematic inspiration behind the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition (PAM01643). The Eilean is probably best known for being featured in the music video for the 1982 song “Rio” by British pop band Duran Duran, and after colliding with a ferry and falling into disrepair, the ship was later rediscovered in Antigua and purchased by Panerai in 2006. Part of the included experience in Sicily will be a cruise aboard the Eilean, although the damaged bronze hardware removed from the ship during its restoration process was saved by Panerai and incorporated into the bronze alloy used for the components of the new Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition.

The case of the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition (PAM01643) measures 45mm in diameter, and it features a two-tone aesthetic created by Brunito Steel and bronze components. Brunito Steel is Panerai’s name for stainless steel with an aged burnished finish, which is achieved by applying a PVD treatment to the components and then hand-brushing them to create a pre-worn vintage appearance. While Brunito Steel is used for the case of the PAM01643, its bezel, crown, and the medallion set within its caseback are all crafted from a bronze alloy that incorporates components from the Eilean yacht. The salvaged bronze fittings were cleaned through a process of successive castings and then combined with new metal to create the same type of bronze that Panerai uses for its various Bronzo models, which primarily consists of copper with 8% tin content for additional strength and durability.

To further connect the watch to the ship that serves as its inspiration, the 9 o’clock side of the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition’s case is adorned with an engraving of the dragon emblem that can be found on the Eilean’s hull. Additionally, the caseback consists of a thin Brunito Steel frame, with the majority of its surface occupied by a large bronze medallion engraved with “Eilean 1936” and a rope motif surrounding its perimeter. With that in mind, aside from its distinct two-tone appearance and various ship-themed design details, the overall construction of the PAM01643 otherwise follows the blueprint of a classic 45mm Radiomir, and it features a sapphire crystal above its dial, while its bronze onion-shaped crown screws down to the middle case to help create 100 meters of water resistance.

The dial fitted to the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition appears in a sandwich-style construction with a grainy beige surface to recall the appearance of the Eilean’s sails. To match the warm hue of the watch’s bronze case components, its hands are finished in gold, and while the printing on the dial is done in white, the luminous material is tan-colored to further lean into its vintage inspiration. Beneath the dial of the PAM01643 resides the brand’s Caliber P.5000 manual-wind movement, which features a large 10mm variable-inertia balance wheel and runs at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with an impressive eight-day power reserve. Lastly, completing the PAM01643 is a two-piece strap made from dark brown calf leather with beige contrast stitching near the lugs, and along with having “Eilean 1936” hot-stamped on its 6 o’clock side, the strap is furnished with a Brunito Steel trapezoidal buckle to match the case.

For collectors who purchase Paneri’s Experience Edition watches, the included experience can sometimes be more important than the physical timepiece itself, and the trip that comes bundled with the new PAM01643 is significantly more luxury-oriented and approachable than what we have seen from some of the brand’s past releases. Collectors who purchase the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition will be invited on a trip to Sicily to participate in a selection of activities, which showcase the Mediterranean island’s natural wonders and allow guests to steep themselves in its rich culture and history. Highlights from the trip’s itinerary include a helicopter ride, a hike up Mount Etna for an encounter with an active volcano, a trip to a local winery for an inside look at the art of Sicilian wine-making, and a cruise aboard the famous Eilean yacht itself to experience the ship and enjoy Sicily’s waters.

Not everyone has the desire or physical ability to go on an exotic outdoor adventure or train with the Italian Royal Italian Navy; however, I think most people would agree that an immersive trip to Sicily sounds absolutely lovely. Additionally, as a two-tone version of the Radiomir, the PAM01643 stands out as unique within Panerai’s current lineup, and the fact that this latest Experience Edition model incorporates salvaged bronze from the restoration of the Eilean makes it feel more connected to its thematic inspiration than past experience-themed releases. With an official retail price of $43,200 USD, the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 is certainly a rather expensive offering (granted, it does come with a trip to Sicily), and the model will be produced as a limited edition of 30 examples. For more information on the Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643, please visit the brand’s website.