For some time, Officine Panerai has been focusing on its Submersible model, which is available in various very contemporary versions… But the rich historical past of the brand must not be overlooked. This new Radiomir California 47mm and its very specific dial should therefore satisfy Panerai enthusiasts.
These two new versions of the Radiomir watch, of which here is the first reference, are inspired by the first model of the Italian watch brand. This project was developed in 1936 at the request of the Royal Italian Navy, making this watch one of the first diving models in the world. The very first timepieces were made by Rolex.(Panerai Radiomir California 47mm PAM000931 replica watch)
Radiomir California 47mm (PAM00931)
The Radiomir California - 47mm (PAM00931) originates from the first Panerai model used in World War II. This model offers a golden dial tinted with a brown gradient. We find the combination of Roman and Arabic numerals - including its name California - and the unique hour and minute function.
What seems to be a figure of speech in the world of dials today originates from Rolex. Indeed, once again, it is the Geneva brand that created this great classic of watchmaking which nowadays is mostly found in models paying homage to military watches.
This type of dial was deposited and protected by Rolex in the spring of 1941 - during the war - under the patent reference 221,643; it was called "error proof radium dial", which could be translated as "radium dial without possible error".
Indeed, these large Roman and Arabic numerals and these hour markers oversized for the time had a very specific and recurring goal in watchmaking: optimum readability in all conditions. Whatever the orientation of the watch, it is impossible to confuse the hours or the minutes! Important point for the military.
The name California would in fact arrive much later, in the 80s. Indeed, during this period, Japan knows an unprecedented economic boom. The Japanese, vintage enthusiasts before the letter, fell in love with Rolex Bubblebacks with these "error proof" dials.
Except that there are few parts in the Japanese market which is quickly sold out. Japanese dealers then flew to the USA and especially to California and especially Los Angeles and its Melrose Avenue dealers, in search of these old Rolexes so popular ...
The dial
Moreover, the dial does not display any reference to the brand, a sine qua non for this instrument which, at the time, was protected by military secrecy; it also avoided being spotted and / or identified by the enemy in the event of arrest. This model has a plexi glass.
In addition to the steel hands, blued thanks to a flame whose temperature is controlled between 290 ° C and 300 ° C, its case is made of AISI 316L stainless steel, coated for the first time with a film to reduce wear marks.
This resolutely vintage-looking watch is equipped with the P 3000 caliber designed to match the dimensions of the Radiomir California - 47mm; With a size of 16½ lines, it offers a three-day power reserve thanks to two barrels in series, and displaying the hours and minutes.
It is worn on a dark brown calfskin strap with beige stitching made in Tuscany leather (Italian calfskin dyed in Italy) in a vintage style, embellished with a trapezoid-shaped buckle forged from the same steel as that of the case. Count 8,500 euros.
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