Radiomir Panerai PAM00399

...Panerai Studio Shot Of The Day...

Radiomir Panerai

PAM00399

SIHH is coming up next week, and we will have detailed live coverage of all the new Panerai models. What do I hope to see at SIHH 2014? I would LOVE to see Panerai introduce a Reference 6154, and it I might point out that 2014 represents the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the 6154. The closest Panerai has come to date to creating a 6154, was in 2012 when they made the PAM00399 (as seen below) but they only made 100 units. So if Panerai makes a base version of this watch, I would be one happy camper.

Vintage Panerai Big Crown Models In Taiwan

...Panerai Studio Shot Of The Day...

Vintage Panerai Big Crown Models In Taiwan

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." –Leonardo da Vinci

This amazing photo shows a new highly limited edition Panerai (Reference PAM00399: Limited To 100 Examples], next to two very rare vintage Panerai watches that were taken by RolexFan at the 2013 Taiwan Paneristi Spring GTG. The two models on the right are vintage Panerai models, and I think one is a 6152/2, an the other is a 6154. The highly limited edition PAM00399 is beautiful, and when I first looked at it, I mistook it for an original vintage piece.

The PAM00399 uses a case design that Panerai refers to as a 1940 Radiomir Case, apposed to the 1950 Luminor Case, which features the half-cresent trademark crown-gaurd, which Panerai originally referred to as the Tight Seal Device when they filed their American patent application in 1956 . Just to be crystal clear, the 1940 Radiomir Case has an 8mm winding crown, and the 1950 Luminor case has the larger, more protective crown guard which is the cornerstone of modern Panerai design.

It appears, with Panerai recently introducing the 1940s case, that they will keep going with it, and hopefully use it to bring back, what in my personal opinion is the most beautiful vintage Panerai ever made, the Reference 6154. The PAM00399 pictured above, comes pretty close to the 6154, and if it simply had an Arabic numeral 9, in place of the second hand, we would in effect have the most beautiful Panerai ever made.

Don't get me wrong, because I love the half-cresent crown guard found on the PAM00372, I just also love the minimalist design of the 8mm winding crown. Kind of like choosing between a vintage 1969 Lamborghini Mura, and a Ferrari California Spider ;-) Both are stunningly gorgeous, and I love them both for slightly different reasons.

Note: How can you tell which of the watches pictured above are vintage Panerai watches, and which one is a new model? The new models typically have an engraving on the front of the case, located between the lugs, and as you see in the photo above, the first watch has such an engraving, and the second two don't.

I LOVE the split lume bars on the minute hand on the PAM00399. This is an example of the detail that makes the Panerai design so outstanding...

Radiomir Panerai Reference 399

...Panerai Studio Shot Of The Day...

Radiomir Panerai Reference 399

Limited Edition of 100 Units

Panerai is getting so close to remaking the Radiomir Panerai Small Egiziano Reference 6154m and in 2012 they showed of this extremely limited edition stainless steel Panerai and they only made 100 units. This masterpiece is as close to the 6154 that Panerai has come to date. Hopefully in the future Panerai will go all the way like they did with the PAM00372. The only visual difference from the front view between a vintage 6154 and the Panerai 399 is the 6154 had a "9" marker, were the 399 has a small second hand. I can't bellieve how beautiful this Panerai watch is!!!