Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni China Limited Edition PAM02088

Panerai pays tribute to the Chinese New Year with the new Radiomir 8 Giorni PAM02088, a limited edition of 300 pieces inspired by one of the Maison’s most emblematic watches, the ref. 3646 with California dial.

This limited-edition timepiece has been developed together and for our passionate Chinese Panerai fans community. It is thoughtfully designed to be a cherished collectible, symbolizing our ongoing commitment to engaging with and celebrating Chinese culture, and fostering a lasting relationship built on shared appreciation for horological expertise and cultural heritage” says Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Panerai.

The California Dial owes its fame to the distinctive alternation of Roman and Arabic numerals on its two halves, a feature that has made it a favorite among collectors. It also perfectly embodies Panerai’s concept of functional design: a design born from necessity, conceived to ensure readability in dark conditions, where the two distinct halves provided an immediate indication of the dial’s orientation. Legend has it that the California dial got its particular name from a dial restoration company in California that became known for modifying this kind of watch dials and leading collectors to dub them “California”.

In this new Radiomir, the dial features a unique configuration with the lower half displaying Chinese numerals at 4, 5, 7, and 8, while the upper portion maintaining the Roman numerals at 10, 11, 1, and 2. Bar markers and a minute track complete the dial’s layout, while a black-to-anthracite shaded finish creates a striking backdrop for the blue burnished steel hands, whose distinctive blue hue echoes the heritage of fine watchmaking, when bluing was essential for protecting against corrosion and improving legibility. 

This signature hue is now achieved through a controlled oxidation process at about 300°C. The vintage appeal of the dial is accentuated with the black dial colour treatment which subtly nods to the oxidation seen on early Panerai dials and a domed sapphire crystal reminiscent of the Plexiglas crystal used in the early versions of the Radiomir developed for the Italian military. Beige Super-LumiNova® X1 ensures optimal visibility in low light, emitting a green glow in the dark.

The PAM02088 is powered by the P.5000 caliber, visible through the open caseback. This hand-wound movement features an eight-day power reserve, an historical characteristic of Panerai watches. This feature originated in the 1950s when Giuseppe Panerai chose the Angelus SF240 calibre, known for its exceptional eight-day power reserve, to reduce the need for frequent winding and minimize the risk of water seepage. The manual movement enhances the vintage appeal of this iconic tool watch, fostering a deeper connection between the owner and the timepiece through the ritual of regular winding. 

It has a robust design with a mechanism largely enclosed between two plates, exposing only the traversing bridge and intermediate wheel. A variable inertia balance wheel allows for precise regulation by adjusting small timing screws on its outer diameter. The balance is supported by a traversing bridge for improved chronometric performance. The rigidity of the bridge also helps the escapement maintain performance during shocks. Water-resistant up to 10 bar (~100 meters), the watch has been rigorously tested to a pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure it fulfills Panerai’s stringent standards.

The limited edition features a 45mm cushion-shaped case made from Brunito Stainless Steel 1.4441 LVM, offering an intently weathered appearance. This finish is achieved through a hand-applied process that involves brushing away a black PVD coating, ensuring each case is unlike the other. The vintage appeal is reinforced by slim wire lugs and a cone-shaped crown inspired by the historic Panerai timepieces from 1935, a design distinctive element that distinguishes the Radiomir collection.

Completing the timepiece is a dark green calf strap that matches the tonal depth of the dial and case, adding to the rugged yet refined aesthetic.

This timepiece will be available exclusively in China at Panerai boutiques and online in November. It will then be released in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore in December, followed by the US, UK, Switzerland, and the Middle East in January.

Technical specifications

Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni China Limited Edition

Reference: PAM02088

Limited edition of 300 pieces

Case

• Material: Brunito Stainless Steel 1.4441 LVM cushion-shaped case
• Brunito Steel bezel
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Sapphire crystal open case back
• Water-resistant to 10 bar (~100 meters)

Dial and hands

• Black-to-anthracite shaded finish
• Alternation of Roman and simplified Chinese characters filled with beige Super-LumiNova®
• Metallic blue-edged hands. Minute track

Movement

• P.5000 calibre
• Hand-wound mechanical
• Diameter: 15 ½ lignes
• Thickness: 4.5 mm
• Number of jewels: 21
• Number of parts: 146
• Glucydur® balance
• Frequency: 21,600 alternations/hour
• Incabloc® Parechoc anti-shock device
• Power reserve of 8 days, two barrels

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes.

Strap and buckle

• Dark green suede strap, trapezoidal Brunito Stainless Steel 1.4441 LVM buckle.

MSRP: EUR 12'700

For more information, please visit panerai.com