The Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Collection comes in three versions each made in precious metals – Platinum, 18kt rose gold, and 18kt white gold. These models are listed as special editions for 2014. In fact, each model is made in a limited series. The platinum version is limited to 50 examples, while the rose gold, and white gold models both come in numbered limited series of 100 pieces each.
The Radiomir 1940 Chronograph collection from Officine Panerai measures in at 45mm with each version featuring a polished finish. The ridged main crown is screw locked and is devoid of the patented crown guard that is featured in many of the more popular Panerai models. These models also carry polished pushers for the chronograph at the 2 and 4 positions on either side of the main crown.
The polished bezel holds a unique Plexiglas dial window, which was originally used back in 1940 when Panerai outfitted the Italian Navy with its highly sought after wrist instruments. Panerai fits the models with either brown or black alligator leather straps depending on the model. The platinum version comes on brown leather, the rose gold is outfitted with a chocolate brown leather strap, and the white gold is offered on a black leather strap. The case back is crafted from sapphire crystal, which has become the standard of excellence due to its scratch resistant properties. These gorgeous timepieces are water resistant to 50 meters.
The dials on the platinum and white gold editions are similar with prominent markers at the 12 and 6 positions. The rose gold version uses a special “California” dial, which encompasses both Arabic and Roman numerals. The dials feature two totalizers – one each at the 3 and 9 positions, displaying the chrono minutes and the continuous seconds respectively. Indicating the chronograph seconds is a central hand. On the prominent flange is a graduated tachometric scale.
These watches are powered by the exclusive hand wound mechanism caliber Panerai OP XXV. This manual wound movement is made to last up to 55 hours once fully wound. Panerai uses an Incabloc anti-shock system for the protection of the movement from sharp impacts.
TAGS: Chronographs, Exhibition Case Back, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Limited Edition, Manual Watches, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Platinum, Plexiglas, Radiomir, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Tachymeter, White Gold