As an Italian brand with a proud marine heritage, it’s understandable that the Mediterranean holds a special significance for Panerai. When the brand first unveiled its Radiomir Mediterraneo limited edition models in 2018, it took one of its most classic designs and mated it with a rich blue sunburst dial treatment that calls to mind the waters of that sea. For its first retail exclusive limited edition releases of 2020, Panerai has returned to the deep blue of the Mediterraneo for two new interpretations – the PAM01144 Radiomir 42mm Mediterraneo Edition and the PAM01078 Radiomir 45mm Mediterraneo Edition.

Both the PAM01144 and the PAM01078 start with the “wide lug” version of the classic Panerai Radiomir cushion case, sized (as the names might suggest) at 42mm and 45mm, respectively. While these are classically bold sizes for Panerai, the overall thickness is surprisingly svelte with the PAM01144 coming in at only 11.2mm thick and the PAM01078 only a millimeter thicker. For the 42mm PAM01144 variant, this shape is rendered in traditional 316L stainless steel, but the 45mm PAM01078 adds some extra value with its use of brushed titanium. This extra-hard material doesn’t add any water resistance, however, as both Mediterraneo Edition versions are rated at 100 meters in part thanks to sapphire display casebacks.

Undoubtedly the highlight of these new Radiomir Mediterraneo Edition models are the dials. Both feature a blue sunburst degradè finish that captures the look and feel of the deep sea, while Panerai’s signature sandwich lume is rendered with a light khaki patina for contrasting warmth. While each of the pair incorporates a small seconds at 9 o’clock, the execution of this element varies dramatically. The larger size of the PAM01078 allows the open Arabic 9 marker to remain, while the more compact PAM01144 deletes the numeral for a cleaner, more compact look.

Each of the new Radiomir Mediterraneo Edition models is powered by an in-house movement. For the 42mm PAM01144, the movement of choice is the handwound P.1000 movement, with twin barrels, a Gluycdur mainspring, and a hefty 72 hour power reserve. The PAM01078, on the other hand, opts for the microrotor automatic P.4000 powerplant, also featuring a high-tech Gluycdur mainspring and 72 hours of power reserve. Both new Radiomir Mediterraneo Edition models are paired with a matching dark blue alligator leather strap, featuring tan contrast stitching that plays well off of the warm tones of the patina lume.

As these two new Panerai Radiomir Mediterraneo Edition models are classed as limited editions, only 288 of each model will be produced. Both the PAM01144 and the PAM01078 are available now exclusively through Panerai boutiques, at an MSRP of $7,900 for the PAM01144 and $11,200 for the larger PAM01078. For more information, please visit Panerai’s website.