The story of this Panerai Radiomir Black Seal
The history of the Officine Panerai House, founded in 1860 by Guido Panerai in Florence, is inseparable from naval exploits. Initially designed for the Italian Royal Navy, Panerai watches were secret military instruments long before becoming icons for the wider public from 1993 onwards. In 1936, the brand developed a legendary prototype for combat swimmers: the Radiomir. Originally, these diving watches used a radium-based powder to guarantee extreme luminosity under water. This Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Automatic, reference PAM00388, is part of this prestigious lineage. It differs from the Luminor or Marina models by the absence of the crown-protecting bridge, remaining faithful to the unique, pared-back design of the 1930s. The name Black Seal evokes the elite of Italian commandos, giving this piece a powerful historical aura. It embodies the perfect blend between raw military heritage and the refinement of modern luxury watchmaking, appealing to a discerning clientele of informed enthusiasts.
Case, calibre and strap of this Radiomir
This timepiece features a cushion-shaped case in polished AISI 316L steel, typical of Panerai design. With a size of 45 millimetres, it offers a more contemporary wear than the imposing historic 47 mm models, while retaining an assertive presence. The removable wire lugs, patented at the time to make changing leather straps easier, are preserved here for their distinctive aesthetic. The black dial of this Panerai Radiomir watch adopts the famous Sandwich construction: two superimposed plates, the lower one coated with luminescent material, offering optimal legibility in the dark. Unlike the manual versions, this iteration is driven by the automatic calibre P.9000 movement. Entirely designed and assembled by the manufacture, this mechanism offers a 3-day (72-hour) power reserve and certified precision. The watch is fitted with a blue technical canvas strap, secured by a steel pin buckle, underlining its professional and sporting character.
Why this Panerai watch
Buying this pre-owned Panerai watch is an opportunity to own a piece of watchmaking history. Reference PAM00388 is particularly appreciated because it combines the purist Radiomir aesthetic with the comfort of a modern automatic manufacture calibre. It allows enthusiasts to find a vintage-charm piece without the constraints of daily winding. As a luxury diving watch, it benefits from water resistance to 100 metres. This model also stands out for its versatility. While some Panerai watches remain massively sporty, this one, thanks to its interchangeable straps, can be worn in a more dressed-up manner. It represents an intelligent investment in pre-owned Panerai watches, a category in which demand for manufacture models remains sustained. It is a special piece, certified by its serial number, that will appeal to anyone looking to discover or complete a Panerai collection.
Delivered contents and condition
This piece is delivered as a Full Set, an ideal configuration to safeguard its value. The set includes the wooden box, original papers, booklet and the warranty certificate dated March 2015 (Series O). The condition is considered very good. The watch has been worn carefully and has not been re-polished, preserving its original lines and edges. A few superficial micro-scratches can be seen on the polished steel, a testament to its lived history, but they can disappear after a light refinishing carried out by our watchmaker on request. The key strength of this offer lies in the selection of accessories: in addition to the fitted canvas strap, the watch is accompanied by a green Panerai alligator strap and a brand-new beige suede leather strap. Such completeness is rare to find on the second-hand market.
Warranty and delivery
For this purchase, The Swiss Collector provides a 24-month warranty covering the proper functioning of the watch. Available immediately, this piece can be collected from our boutique or one of our partner points of sale in Switzerland. We also offer fast and secure delivery, insured to the value of the item, for our international clients. Every Panerai watch sold by us is subject to a rigorous inspection to offer you complete peace of mind.
* Very good condition – previously worn watch. Light signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
