The story behind this Panerai Radiomir Black Seal
Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai supplied precision instruments to the Italian Royal Navy for decades before making its watches available to the public. The name Radiomir derives from a radium-based luminescent material, mentioned in a patent filed in France in 1916. In 1936, Panerai applied it to a prototype designed for the combat divers of the Primo Gruppo Sommergibili, featuring a cushion-shaped case, large numerals legible underwater and wire lugs welded to the case. Unveiled in 2012, the Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Logo, reference PAM00380, retains this pre-war design without altering it. Its dial is limited to the essential markings and features the brand’s OP logo at 6 o’clock, from which it takes its name. It thus marked the launch of the Radiomir collection, in the minimalist spirit of the instruments supplied to the navy.
Case, movement and strap of this Radiomir Black Seal
The 45 mm polished steel cushion-shaped case retains the wire lugs of the historic model and a fluted crown stamped with the OP logo. The solid caseback is engraved with ‘Officine Panerai Firenze 1860’, and the watch is water-resistant to 100 metres beneath a sapphire crystal. The black dial features the numerals 12, 3 and 6, luminescent baton hour markers and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, all indicated by luminescent baton hands. With just three numerals, it is instantly legible, whether in broad daylight or in low light. The hand-wound OP II calibre, based on the Unitas 6497, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour on 17 jewels and provides a 56-hour power reserve, featuring a Glucydur balance wheel and an Incabloc shock absorber. The watch is fitted with a green suede strap with orange topstitching, fastened by a polished steel pin buckle bearing the Panerai logo.
Why this Panerai watch
Having been withdrawn from the brand’s catalogue, this Radiomir is now only available on the second-hand market. It embodies Panerai’s iconic silhouette in its purest form, with no date or complications, and features a manual-winding movement that requires regular winding, echoing the use of the original watches. The OP II calibre is based on a tried-and-tested Unitas movement, familiar to all watchmakers, which simplifies its long-term maintenance. The OP logo at 6 o’clock distinguishes it from other Radiomir Black Seal models and adds a signature touch without cluttering the dial. For a collector wishing to enter the world of Panerai with a model faithful to the brand’s history, this configuration captures the essence of the brand.
Contents and condition
This 2012 Radiomir Black Seal is supplied on its green suede strap, with its Panerai pin buckle and a blue Panerai pouch. It is offered without the original box or papers. Having been worn previously, it shows only slight signs of wear, with no significant flaws on the polished case, dial or hands, and is ready to wear upon receipt.
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 collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
