With a distinctive style inspired by historical military dive watches, Panerai has pivoted to a more contemporary aesthetic in recent years. This year the brand is once again looking back into its history with the Radiomir “Otto Giorni” PAM01347 and PAM01348. Both models are modelled on historical designs but executed in modern colours and finishes.

Initial thoughts 

Both watches are essentially facelifted versions of the Radiomir 8 Days PAM00992, sharing the same dial layout and in-house manual movement. While the PAM00992 was historically inspired (though not a remake of any one model), the newly launched pair is clearly more modern.

The two watches are clearly targeted at someone who likes the Panerai style, but wants something more current in terms of colours and textures. With that in mind, the PAM01347 and PAM01348 are sensible and successful new launches.

Both watches use recycled steel for the case, but more notable is the “aged” case finish that goes well with the textured, smoked dial.

Otto Giorni

Like most Radiomir models, the PAM01347 and PAM01348 are rooted in the dive watch developed by Panerai (and produced by Rolex) in 1935 for the Italian navy.

With its distinctive cushion case and wire lugs (recognisable as a Rolex pocket watch with additional, soldered lugs), the Radiomir is one of Panerai’s signature models alongside the Luminor.

While the historical Radiomir was a massive 47 mm in diameter, more recent Radiomir models are 45 mm,  as is the new pair, making them more wearable.

The case is made of eSteel, an alloy made from recycled scrap steel. Named “Brunito” (Italian for “burnished”), the aged finish on the case is the result of a multi-step process that starts with sandblasted and polishing, followed by a black PVD coating that is finally partially removed by tumble polishing. 

Inside the 45 mm case is the P.5000, an in-house manual movement with an eight-day power reserve, hence the nickname “Otto Giorni”, Italian for “eight days”.

The other key element that makes up the Panerai aesthetic is the dial.  Simple and minimalist in design, the dial is constructed in the brand’s trademark “sandwich” style, consisting of a lower plate painted with Super-Luminova markings and an upper plate with corresponding cut-outs. Both models have the same textured dial with a smoked finish that darkens towards the edges.

Key facts and price

Panerai Radiomir “Otto Giorni”
Ref. PAM01347 (brown)
Ref. PAM01348 (blue)

Diameter: 45 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: eSteel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 mm

Movement: P.5000
Features: Hours, minutes and small seconds
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: Eight days

Strap: Calf leather with pin buckle

Limited edition: Regular production
Availability: At Panerai boutiques and retailers
Price: €9,900; or 14,200 Singapore dollars

For more information, visit Panerai.com.