The PAM00387 is an extremely rare Radiomir limited to only 10 pieces. Cased in platinum, the most prestigious metal, the present timepiece features the "California dial", a distinctive and unique alternation of Roman and Arabic numerals with bar markers and a railway track minute circle. Powered by the renowned Minerva based movement, it was exclusively sold only to the most important clients of the brand.
Panerai Special Editions with Minerva Movements
In 2012, 2013 and 2014, Panerai introduced small series of highly exclusive limited edition wristwatches. A potent mix of both luxury and rarity, these superb new references were not only stunning in appearance, but uniquely their movements were constructed using a group of historic mid-century movements by the Swiss firm of Minerva which had been acquired by the company many years earlier. Created in homage to one of Panerai’s most famous models, the ‘Radiomir’, these very special watches were named ‘Radiomir 1940’ and celebrate the style of Radiomirs of that decade. Vintage styling and the historically accurate use of materials in the ‘Radiomir 1940’ references quickly made them extremely sought-after among collectors who regard them as the most timelessly beautiful and coolest of all modern Panerai – true contemporary classics. Christie’s are excited to present to our international clients and collectors several of the most difficult to obtain and coveted of the Panerai ‘Minerva’ models in this special themed auction of Panerai from the ‘Champion Collection’.
The first two Minerva movement Special Edition references to be launched in 2012 were the red gold ‘PAM 398’ and its twin, the stainless steel ‘PAM 399’. What is immediately apparent with these first ‘Radiomir 1940’ variations is the lugs attached directly to the case, historically accurate 47mm diamater, Plexiglass crystal, cambered bezel, cylindrical crown and screw back. Both the ‘PAM 398’ and ‘PAM 399’ were limited to 100 pieces each worldwide. However, of those 100 watches, 50 examples of each watch were sold as a box set with the two watches together. The owner of the ‘Champion Collection’ was fortunate to obtain one of these elite sets which were sold exclusively at Panerai boutiques and it is now offered here, providing today’s collectors with a rare opportunity indeed.
Also released in 2012 was a great modern Panerai rarity, the 47 mm. platinum cased PAM 387. Virtually impossible to obtain today, few people have ever seen this now legendary model. Made in a boutique edition of only 10 pieces, it captivates with its gorgeous black ‘California’ dial and highly finished Minerva-based movement.
In 2013 Panerai surprised collectors with two new vintage-inspired models featuring historic Minerva-based movements and this time with 12-sided bezels: the Radiomir Platinum, ‘PAM 521’ and the red gold ‘PAM 522’. These special limited editions of 100 pieces each sport a cushion shaped case measuring 47mm with wire loop strap attachments and Plexiglas crystal. The overall vintage appeal of both watches is enhanced through the addition of an original-style spherical winding crown. The hand-wound movement, Panerai ‘OP XXVII’ caliber with a power reserve of 55 hours is based on the Minerva caliber 16-17. The 12-sided bezel was inspired by a small number of original watches that were made in the late 1930s for the Panerai shop in Florence. Engraved with the inscription “OFFICINE PANERAI – BREVETTATO” referring to the patent of the luminous substance ‘Radiomir’. Originally featuring on the bezel of the historic models, the engraving now appears on the back edge, surrounding the sapphire crystal.
In 2014, a stunning Minerva-powered ‘Radiomir 1940’ chronograph was released, the ‘PAM 519’. Made in a limited edition of 100 pieces, it is vintage in style with mirror-polished 18K red gold case with a slightly smaller diameter of 45 mm and plexiglass crystal, it features a chocolate ‘California’ dial. The movement, Panerai caliber ‘OPXXV’ based on a Minerva caliber 13-22, is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully finished of all Panerai movements.
Panerai’s decision to manufacture these models using historic Minerva-based movements resulted in some of the most attractive and desirable modern wristwatches made by the company. Perfect vintage styling, taking the best elements from Panerai’s design heritage, combined with state-of-the-art modern manufacturing know-how, precious materials and the highest level of watchmaking needed to transform vintage Minerva movements to create new Panerai calibers endows these references with true personality, ensuring the genius of Panerai’s historic past is secure in the present day.
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