The luxury sports watch brand from Italy only offers two major collections to choose from: Radiomir and Luminor, from which a number of offshoot models are derived. What not many prospective non-Paneristi buyers know is that there is potentially a third collection to choose from: the Radiomir 1940 collection, which is essentially a hybrid of the two main Radiomir and Luminor models making it a popular choice among collectors who can’t decide between a Luminor or a Radiomir.
Looking to extend that popularity, Panerai has chosen to expand the Radiomir 1940 collection with the new Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio and the new Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Power Reserve Automatic Acciaio, both of which get two models each. And the Italian watchmaker has chosen to do this by doing two things: first, by equipping all four new models with the popular GMT complication; and second, by NOT making any of them special edition models (Panerai-speak for limited run watches). Best of all, Panerai has even thrown in a power reserve indicator on two of the models for good measure.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The raison d’être of the four new models are their movements: the P.4001 powering the former and the P.4002 running the latter. Basically, Panerai has taken their venerable P.4000 movement and ran with it giving all the new models date and GMT functions, as well as AM/PM indications on the same sub-dial. Both movements are thus, virtually identical, with the exception of a power reserve indicator which can only be found on the P.4002 movement.
What not many prospective non-Paneristi buyers know is that there is potentially a third Panerai collection to choose from.
Being offshoots of the P.4000 movement, the calibres, thus, also share many of the original’s main technical features. This includes the off-center micro rotor that rotates in both directions; the power reserve of three days stored in two spring barrels linked in series; as well as the full balance bridge with twin supports for greater stability. Best of all, are the two useful devices that enable the time to be set with absolute precision. The P.4001 and P.4002 movements are already endowed with a mechanism that first stops the balance and zeroes the seconds hand when the winding crown in pulled out. New is a GMT device that enables the local time to be adjusted forward or backward in one hour increments while never interfering with the running of the minutes. This adjusts the date automatically as well.
Unfortunately, and for better or for worse, being Panerai means a benefit or a curse. A benefit because all Panerai watches enjoy a uniform albeit streamlined aesthetic design; and a curse because all Panerai watches enjoy…a uniform albeit streamlined aesthetic design. And looking at these four new watches very little distinguish them aesthetically from each other (and from all other Panerai watches for that matter) other than cosmetic differences on their dials as well as two different strap options. Acciaio, by the way, means “steel” in Italian and all four models feature 45 mm steel Radiomir 1940 style cases that are water resistant down to 10 bar (100 meters).
The raison d’être of the four new models are their movements: the P.4001 and the P.4002
For the Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatic models, PAM 627 features a Paris hobnail dial while PAM 657 distinguishes itself with vertical stripes. The Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Power Reserve Automatic models mirror these finishes as well with the PAM 628 getting the Paris hobnail pattern, and PAM 658 getting the vertical stripes. Of the two finishes, the Paris hobnail design is undoubtedly the more technical looking, otherwise both add a textural flavor that help distinguish the new watches from each other (minimally) as well as from other Panerai models.
The date on all four models is located at the 3 o’clock position, while at 9 o’clock sits the running seconds coupled with the 24-hour GMT indicator. The power reserve models park their indications at the 5 o’clock position and of the two models the non-power reserve versions get the cleaner dial. Otherwise, all the models benefit from the Panerai’s patented brand of legibility which includes the classic, large baton hour markers, and figures covered with ecru Super-LumiNova that stand out against the black dials. All watches are fitted with either a black leather strap, or a brown strap of natural untreated leather.
