Panerai may be Italian in design and heritage, but it proudly bears its Swiss watchmaking pedigree. A company that was once the official supplier to the Italian Navy is today, one of the most coveted luxury watch brands for men. And Panerai is very aware that its selling point is playing up that retro vibe it does so well. So while the brand may introduce innovative new materials to their Panerai Radiomir and include in-house movements, it always maintains that unmistakable Panerai aesthetic. A perfect example of that beautiful balance is the Panerai Composite PAM504.
Panerai Radiomir Composite 3 Days PAM504
The PAM504 takes the iconic and luxurious Panerai Radiomir design but builds its case in a material that Panerai refers to as “Composite”. The composite material is ceramicized aluminum where an aluminum core is layered with ceramic. Therefore, the Panerai Radiomir PAM504 boasts the lightness of aluminum along with the robustness of ceramic.
It’s a good thing too that the cushion sandwich case is lightweight since, in true Panerai style, it measures a massive 47mm. Enhancing the old-school look of the PAM504 is the dark brown dial reminiscent of the patina that occurs over time on vintage watches. On the dial, we see the characteristic oversized 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals along with the simple stick indexes. Furthermore, there are the luminescent hour and minute hands, in addition to a small seconds indicator at 9 o’clock. Perfectly complementing the dark brown shades of the case and the dial is the light brown leather strap with beige stitching.
Panerai Caliber P3000
On the back of the Panerai Radiomir Composite PAM504 3 Days, we see the Caliber P3000 through the sapphire crystal. As its name suggests, the Panerai Radiomir Composite has a power reserve of three days. Particularly practical is the ability to move the hour hand back and forth without having to stop the watch—ideal for travelers jetting over several time zones.
This hand-wound mechanical movement operates at 21,600 vph and is developed and built entirely at the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. Not satisfied with relying on other watchmakers to build their movements, Panerai opened the doors to their own manufacturing plant in 2002. Subsequently, the Italian brand has steadily made its presence felt in high-end Swiss watchmaking with its impressive portfolio of in-house Panerai movements.
Among the two flagship models of Panerai, the Radiomir is the more elegant counterpart to the sportier Luminor. The Radiomir’s large size, clean lines, and straightforward dial come together for a very appealing men’s luxury timepiece. It’s a watch that can certainly be worn every day, while still considered exclusive. A standout model among the Panerai’s dressier collection is the Radiomir Composite PAM504.
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