Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM00512 Luxury Watch Review

http://www.thewatchbox.com Panerai watches draw heavily from the Swiss-Italian brand's military history. As the original amphibious combat watch, the Panerai "Radiomir" case style evolved through three decades as a front-line combat tool. The Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM00512 is representative of the Panerai variant issued to Italian combat swimmers at the dawn of World War II. Unlike earlier variants from 1936-39, the "1940" introduced a case with large integrated lugs in place of the earlier Panerai soldered wire lugs. Not only were the new straight lugs tougher, but the tubular pin retention system removed the maintenance necessity of cutting and sewing new straps. In addition, the 1940 evolution as represented by the Radiomire 1940 PAM00512 included a simplified variant of Panerai's classic "sandwich" dial. The improved visibility evident in this revised dial is a product of the 3-D lighting effects borne of its construction; a fully lumed disc is covered with a stencil dial bearing the outlines of the indexes and numerals. Its appearance is brilliant at night and beautifully detailed in broad daylight. Simulated radium patina - "dirty dial" effect - is used on the hands and dial calibrations to imbue the PAM00512 with the look and aura of an authentic early 1940s Panerai combat instrument. A Panerai in-house caliber P.999/1 features a 60-hour power reserve that far exceeds the industry-standard 42 hours. Even better, this 3mm thick movement permits Panerai to build the Radiomir 1940 PAM00512 exceptionally thin for a Panerai. Its 42mm case slips easily under dress cuffs and sits flush against even petite wrists. For those seeking a Panerai watch that pays deference to company history or a more discreet example for formal dress, look no farther than the Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM00512. This Radiomir 1940 is available from thewatchbox.com with complete Panerai factory packaging, manuals, documentation, and accessories. Video and content by Tim Mosso.