These four Panerai watches, PAM00627, 628, 657 and 658, retain the brand’s classic DNA but they embrace modernity in a more consciously designer appearance. They have the functions that are most practical for a contemporary executive: power reserve indicator, and second time zone, with quick-setting hour hand. The cushion-shaped case has a lenticular profile when seen from the side, the dial has either Clou de Paris texturing or narrow vertical ribbing, there is a date window, power reserve indicator, GMT hand, and a day/night indicator on the continuous seconds subdial. It’s become more of an everyday office watch. It is powered by the new P.4001 and P.4002 calibres, and the four models have price tags of €11,400 and €11,600. As usual for the brand, they are expensive, but they are also limited editions.
New P.4001 and P.4002 movements
The P.4001 and P.4002 movements are designed and built by Panerai, and they were developed from the P.4000. Their principal feature is a microrotor that is incorporated into the thickness of the movement to make the calibre, and the watches, slimmer. Two mainspring barrels provide a 3-day (72 hour) power reserve. P.4001 has a power reserve indicator directly on a bridge and so can be seen through the caseback, while P.4002 has a dial-side power reserve indicator. Both calibres have another useful function, the possibility of adjusting the hour hand for local time in steps of one hour, without stopping the minute hand. This is convenient for travellers changing time zone. Another handy feature is the stop-seconds function for precision time-setting.
Panerai P.4001 (left) and P.4002 (right) calibres. The only difference is the position of the power reserve indicator, movement side in P.4001, dial side in P.4002
Case and dial
The case is in AISI 316L stainless steel with polished finish, 45 mm in diameter with 10 bar water resistance (100 metres). Hands, numerals and hour markers are coated in SuperLuminova. PAM00627 and PAM00657 have a simpler dial, with power reserve visible through the caseback, and they differ only for the dial texture (Clou de Paris or vertical ribbing). PAM00628 and PAM00658 have a dial-side power reserve indicator.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatico Acciaio PAM00627
This watch has GMT hand, a subdial with continuous seconds and am/pm indicator, Clou de Paris texture for the dial, and a circular power reserve indicator on the back. Black leather strap with pin buckle. Price €11,400 including VAT; the watch will be available from March 2016.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatico Acciaio PAM00657
In this piece, the black dial has a vertically ribbed texture. GMT hand, subdial with continuous seconds and am/pm indicator. Brown strap in untreated leather with pin buckle. Price €11,400 including VAT; the watch will be available from March 2016.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatico Acciaio PAM00628
The watch has a dial-side power reserve indicator, and Clou de Paris texture for the dial. Black leather strap with pin buckle. Price €11,600 including VAT, the watch will be available from March 2016.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatico Acciaio PAM00658
The watch has a dial-side power reserve indicator, and the black dial has a vertically ribbed texture. Brown strap in untreated leather with pin buckle. Price €11,600 including VAT, the watch will be available from March 2016.
