The Panerai Radiomir Black Seal

The Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days 45mm – Panerai’s in-house P.9000 Caliber makes its debut in a Radiomir case.

Panerai. Love them, love them not.  So often the case with the most instantly recognizable, historic models – they are either loved or loathed, there is no middle ground.  The Radiomir, which began life on the drawing board as a functional timepiece for the Italian Incursori, became a style icon and a symbol of Italian flair. So-named because of its highly radioactive powdered concoction which was placed into sealed glass tubes within the movement to provide luminosity – this is the watch which the Italian Navy’s elite frogmen strapped to their wrists before embarking on their covert missions during World War II, including the bombing and sinking of some rather famous British battleships.

Good design will always endure, and the Radiomir has remained largely unchanged since production began in 1938.  The polished cushion-shaped case, big dial, the domed crystal – this is plain, classic simplicity and even those not inspired by the whole “Paneristi-ness” would fail to find something to admire in its make-up.

The Black Seal features a superb mix of steel case, black dial, curled numerals and chubby-handed small seconds.  The addition of the in-house P.9000 caliber with its almost clinical plainness, viewable through the caseback should add extra desirability.  The generous 3 days of power reserve is achieved through twin barrels and the time can be quick-set forward or backwards without compromising the running of the movement.

The Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days 45mm comes presented on a black alligator strap using the patented wire loop system which enables trouble-free strap changing.