Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days

Panerai means different things to different collectors, but wherever you stand on the spectrum there's no denying that these things have presence!

Although not exactly small, Panerai do have a way of wearing smaller than advertised, with their excellent "cushion" case design that has become synonymous with the brand - particular the Radiomir examples with their wire lugs.

This particular piece, a Reference PAM00514, features a 47mm stainless steel cushion case with a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, a luminous matte black dial with a matching handset, and Panerais Calibre P.3000 hand-cranking movement, as visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback. 

Couple fantastic design language with Panerai having one of the most vocally enthusiastic communities amongst wristwatch collectors, and you've got a hit combination.

Giovanni Panerai founded his eponymous business in Florence in 1860 and quickly began making strides in the development of military and timekeeping equipment. In 1916, Panerai developed a radium/zinc sulfide powder mixture which he encased in glass vessels, the invention of which would form the basis of the “Radiomir” line of watches so beloved by collectors today.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Panerai supplied various units of the Italian Navy — including the Decima Mas, which carried out special forces-type raids on Allied shipping using small submersibles during the Second World War — with watches. These oversized timepieces, which were some of the world’s first dedicated military watches, featured stainless steel cases and Cortebert-made movements produced for Rolex. (Their distinctive, glowing “sandwich” dials were yet another Panerai invention, and continue to feature heavily in the brand’s modern catalog.)

Following the War, Panerai developed a new, tritium-based luminescent technology it dubbed “Luminor,” which replaced the radium-based Radiomir. A new case design featuring a bridge and locking mechanism to increase water resistance accompanied this luminous compound, resulting in one of the most iconic case designs still in production today.

In 1972, following the death of Guido Panerai’s son, Guiseppe, the firm was taken over by engineer Dino Zei, its name changed to Officine Panerai S.r.L. The company, which had never before produced its military designs for the civilian market, reissued three of them in 1993 to much acclaim. Panerai was subsequently purchased by the Vendome Group — the precursor to the modern Richemont Group — in 1997, and remains within its portfolio of luxury brands today. Its production of both Luminor and Radiomir-inspired designs firmly reestablished, Panerai continues to introduce new models that include complicated, in-house movements and unique case materials, such as its patented Carbotech.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.