PANERAI RADIOMIR 1940

The story behind this Panerai Radiomir 1940

Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai supplied watches to divers in the Italian Navy, but the family also ran the Orologeria Svizzera in the city, a watch shop selling both wristwatches and clocks. It was a clock from the 1930s, once sold in this shop, that provided the dial for the Panerai Radiomir 1940 Art Déco, with its hand-drawn Arabic numerals and concentric rings typical of the era. Officially named the Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio, it was launched in 2018 under the reference PAM00791, in a limited edition of 500 pieces, alongside a sister model with a black dial. It features the 1940 cushion-shaped case, whose solid-cut lugs replaced the welded wire loops of the early Radiomir models to better withstand the rigours of military use.

Case, calibre and strap of this Radiomir 1940

The 47 mm polished steel case features a fluted cylindrical crown stamped with the OP logo, without a crown guard, and a sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 100 m, which reveals the brushed bridges of the movement. A highly domed Plexiglas crystal covers the ivory dial, whose minute track and inner ring are printed with copper powder, giving them a slightly metallic sheen. The black Arabic numerals and the two black diamond-shaped hands leave the centre uncluttered, with no seconds hand, no date display and no luminescent material. The P.3000 calibre, a hand-wound mechanical movement developed and produced by Panerai, offers a power reserve of 3 days thanks to its two barrels. It comprises 161 components and 21 jewels, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and allows the hour hand to be moved in one-hour increments, which is useful for changing time zones whilst travelling. The brown Panerai alligator strap, with brown topstitching, fastens with a polished steel ardillon buckle bearing the Panerai logo.

Why this Panerai watch

The dial of this edition is not inspired by one of the brand’s diving watches but by a civil clock, which gives the Radiomir a more elegant appearance without compromising on Panerai’s signature 47 mm case. The light-coloured background and copper-coloured hour markers shift in intensity depending on the angle, beneath the domed crystal, whilst the black dials in the collection remain more graphic in design. The series has been discontinued and is no longer listed in the catalogue, so a second-hand purchase is now the only way to acquire this model. This particular watch has just returned from a full service at Panerai, meaning it can be worn without the need for any maintenance in the short term.

Contents supplied and condition

The watch is supplied in its Panerai service pouch, together with the servicing invoice, the preliminary invoice and the service report issued by Panerai in Geneva in October 2026, all enclosed in an envelope. This full service included the dismantling, cleaning and servicing of the case and movement, the fitting of new gaskets, oiling and timing adjustment, as well as the replacement of the two mainsprings and the balance wheel. It remains covered by Panerai’s 24-month international repair warranty. Offered without the original box or papers, the watch is in very good condition, with slight signs of external wear on the case and a few creases on the strap from wear, which do not affect its fit.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.