While the original Panerai Radiomir prototype watch dates back to 1935, the Florence-based brand has a number of updates as part of its Watches and Wonders 2023 new releases, including this new release, the Radiomir Otto Giorni (Italian for “eight days”). With wire lugs and unshrouded, cone-shaped crowns, many watches in the current Radiomir line (including these new releases) maintain the key styling elements of the original. Starting with the PAM 992 as a base, the Otto Giorni watches also use 45mm cases. The most obvious changes consist of two new attractive dials, but there are also a few others.
Specifications:
Brand: Panerai
Model: Radiomir Otto Giorni
Dimensions: 45mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Case Material: Brunito eSteel
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal
Movement: P.5000 caliber
Frequency: 3Hz
Power Reserve: 8 days
Strap/Bracelet: Calf leather
Price & Availability: $9,700 (steel), exclusively in Panerai boutiques.
The Radiomir was originally conceived to have supreme legibility when submerged in murky waters near military ports. Thanks to its sandwich dial design, with a layer of Super-LumiNova visible through cutouts in the dial, these current Radiomir models also achieve that goal. The hands are luminous, as well as the hour markers and five-second markings on the subdial at 9 o’clock. 100m of water resistance is not extremely high for a watch of these dimensions but ensures that these Otto Giorni watches would withstand such a dive with no issues.
The brown and blue degradé dials applied to the Otto Giorni models appear more attractive than the utilitarian matte-black dial of the PAM 992. This won’t detract from reading the time, day, or night, however. The grainy pattern and fade applied are intended to mimic the patina and color shifting that would occur with the aging of vintage anodized aluminum dials.
Additionally, every Radiomir Otto Giorni case is hand-finished to create a worn look, giving each watch a unique character. PVD coating is then applied to the cases to darken the steel, giving them an even more aged look. Unlike older Radiomir watches, however, these new models are made from Panerai’s eSteel. Panerai describes this metal as “a next-generation metal obtained from pre-consumer recycled steel scraps.” It says that up to 95% of the material comes from different industries, and the program is designed to reduce CO2 emissions. Each model comes on a corresponding color calf leather strap with the signature trapezoidal buckle. Both styles also feature blued hands.
Like the PAM 992, Otto Giorni watches give wearers a view of the P.5000 caliber through a sapphire caseback. Twin barrels power a Glucydur balance that operates at 21,6000vph for 8 days of power reserve (hence, the model name and 8 Giorni Brevettato or “8 Days Patented” text at 3 o’clock). The main crystal is also sapphire, and domed to mimic the shape of the plexiglass crystals of the original Radiomirs.
While this release does not break any new ground, Panerai is known for making attractive iterations of its well-known watches. Fans of the brand enjoy rugged and vintage styling, and the appearance of patina on the dials and cases of these new models should appeal to such collectors. Although some collectors frown on artificial patina, this aesthetic works well when paired with the Radiomir case design.
Panerai Radiomir Otto Giorni PAM 1347 and 1348 watches will be available exclusively at Panerai Boutiques. Both will be priced at $9,700 USD. Learn more at the Panerai website.
