Panerai have created a reinterpretation of its iconic Radiomir model, the Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio, that draws inspiration from the legendary Angelus caliber found in the Ref. 3646 model from the 1960s.
This collector’s timepiece is being offered for sale through a collaboration with Phillips auction house and their market leading Watch department on the occasion of The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII on November 3, 2023 in Geneva, with all proceeds, with the full Phillips’ Buyer’s Premium, benefitting Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO).
“We are excited to collaborate with Phillips on the auction of our Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio timepiece. This exclusive timepiece embodies a significant chapter of our storied heritage, breathing life into our past through the legendary Angelus caliber and celebrating our rich history. This initiative with Phillips, and its support to the UNESCO cause, reflects our commitment to continuously push boundaries. We are thrilled to see our history and technicity celebrated and embraced.”
Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO, Panerai
In the sixties, while it was the supplier of the Italian Navy, Panerai created the self-luminous Radiomir watch Ref. 3646, which would later become known as one of its most iconic models, the Radiomir. A transitional model, the Ref. 3646 featured elements that would come to define the Panerai aesthetic. Notably, the modified wire lugs that were replaced with robust lugs, meticulously welded to the case, represent a true transformation of the historic 47mm case of Ref. 3646 made in Florence at the time.
“We are honoured to offer this unique Panerai inspired by the brand’s beautiful vintage watches and featuring a vintage Angelus movement. We started speaking with Panerai close to two years ago and have had the pleasure of being part of each step in the creation of this timepiece and seeing it go from idea to a final physical object. For the past several years Phillips has been chosen by prestigious manufactures to auction prototypes and unique pieces that mark the history of contemporary watchmaking, and this unique Panerai is such a timepiece.”
Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant & Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches Europe and Middle
East, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
Although this timepiece was powered by 16-line mechanical caliber, Panerai made the decision to adopt, starting from the GPF 2/56 model – The Egyptian 1956 – a caliber that ensured a lower frequency of recharges that favoured a longer lifespan of the water resistance standard. This caliber was the Angelus SF 240. With its 8-day power reserve, the manual-wind Angelus 240 movement allowed the watch to run continuously without the need for winding for a duration of 8-days. Another creation ahead of its time is the transparent case back that offers a clear view of the watch’s mechanical heartbeat.
The historical Angelus caliber, discovered in the Panerai archives, prompted the Maison to create the unrepeatable one-of-a-kind Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio, named in honour of the first model produced in the original Panerai Laboratory. At the heart of this unique timepiece lies a very rare historical example of the Angelus SF240 movement, with a Glucydur® balance wheel, the very same deployed in Panerai’s watches 62 years ago. A caliber, specifically built for G. Panerai e Figlio, whose manufacturing dates back to June 1961 as evidenced by the original engraving on the movement’s plate.
This is more than just a simple reproduction of the original, the exclusive timepiece is a celebration of Panerai heritage and history. Key features of this special edition watch include solid welded lugs, a sandwich dial, the Marina Militare logo, Officine Panerai inscription, gold colour hands, small seconds at the 9-hour mark, and a domed sapphire crystal.
The 47mm case is crafted from Panerai Platinumtech™, a Panerai material created to maintain platinum’s deep lustre that is harder and significantly more resistant to scratching than traditional platinum, with made-in-Italy calf straps with Swiss-made screw trapezoidal white gold buckle. The second strap features a vintage construction that is longer in size with no taper and is crafted by Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli, the original leather strap maker for the historical Officine Panerai.
With a nod to historical authenticity, the timepiece comes with two case backs, one in modern see-through sapphire crystal and a second one in Plexiglas®, available upon request, as a homage to the original material. This unique timepiece is presented in a packaging inspired by historic Panerai boxes, featuring a Radica wood exterior and an internal tray lined with black Alcantara. The box includes a storage space for the second vintage strap.
Technical Specifications:
Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio
PAM01346
Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, SF240 calibre, created by Angelus, 16 1/4 lignes, 7 mm thick, Glucydur® balance, 18,000 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. One barrels.
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
Power Reserve: 8 days
Case: Diameter 47mm, Panerai Platinumtech™. Panerai Platinumtech™ bezel. See through sapphire crystal and Platinum case back. Sapphire crystal
Dial: Black Sandwich dial with historical numbers 3/6/9/12 and indexes with SLN beige, white texts engraved at 6 and 12
Strap: Vintage oiled brown calf strap 27/22, BA. White gold buckle.
Waterproof: 5 bar (~50 metres)
For more information please visit Panerai