As it did for several anniversaries before – but against a vastly different landscape in the past – Panerai has just announced the Radiomir Paneristi 45mm PAM02020 for the 20th anniversary of its collector forum.

The PAM 2020 is a hand-wind, 45 mm Radiomir with a steel case finished with an faux-patina treatment, and an inappropriately large anniversary logo on the front (and an even larger one on the back).

Initial thoughts

This is the sixth Paneristi edition. Six editions ago, Paneristi was arguably the most fanatical watch forum dedicated to the hottest brand in the world. The first Paneristi edition, the PAM 195 of 2003, sold out in an instant, and despite all of them having the owner’s name engraved on the back, sold for many multiples of the original retail price on the secondary market. But times have changed.

Although Panerai describes the new Paneristi Radiomir as “the result of an intense creative process involving close collaboration between… Panerai’s technical and creative team… and the Paneristi”, it is neither intense nor creative.

The emblem on the dial might be engraved like it is on vintage Panerai, but it looks unattractive. And “Venti”, which is Italian for “twenty”, between the lugs regrettably brings to mind the extra-large Starbucks coffee.

The dial colour and finish does look good, however, and the faux-aged case (identical to that on the Radiomir PAM 992) is also appealing. And for €6,500 this is reasonably priced, though not compelling given the unfortunate dial.

Vintage-ish

Although not a remake of a specific vintage watch, the PAM 2020 is a combination of many details taken from vintage Panerai, all of which go well together – save for the anniversary logo. The dial is a sandwich type, with the upper disc having cut outs for the hour markers that reveal the luminous paint on the lower disc. And the logo under 12 o’clock is engraved.

The case is blasted and then polished to create an interesting, finely dimpled texture meant to replicate the look of a vintage watch case. And inside is the P.6000 movement that is no frills and has a three-day power reserve.

Key Facts and Prices

Panerai Radiomir Paneristi 45mm
Ref. PAM02020

Diameter: 45 mm
Height: 14.15 mm
Material: Steel with patina treatment
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: P.6000
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Hand wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Beige suede with pin buckle

Limited edition: 1,020 pieces
Availability: Only at Panerai boutiques
Price: US$6,500; or 9,500 Singapore dollars

For more information, visit Panerai.com.