The Panerai Radiomir is one of the most recognisable watch dials yet the latest limited edition the Radiomir Titanium 47mm features no branding on its dial. This unusual design is evocative of the early prototype watches presented to the Italian navy for testing.

Brand Name : Panerai Radiomir Style : Men

Brand Name : Panerai Radiomir Style : Men

The history of one of the most iconic watch releases, the Panerai Radiomir begins in the 1930’s when the Italian navy required reliable and accurate wristwatches for its elite forces. Having tested various instruments from different watchmakers, none was found to be suitable, that is until they tested the prototype of what we now recognise to be the Radiomir created by Panerai. This piece, once modified included new technology producing the ultimate in high visibility using luminous Radium inside the hands and beneath the watch dial and water resistance, even in the early models was tested to levels of 200m through the use of a screw-down winding crown - hence the Radiomir was born.

The modified and redesigned watch which was eventually delivered to the Italian navy in 1936 featured no branding and an unusual dial now known as a "California dial" with both Roman and Arabic numerals displayed. This unusual style has once again visited by the design department at Panerai with the release of the new Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm Limited Edition.

This is a special edition piece which is powered by the Panerai Calibre OPXXVII hand wound Minerva based movement. As suggested by its name the watch case is constructed from titanium and measures 47mm diameter. Most unusually, in an age where luxury branding speaks volumes, Panerai have taken the step of staying true to the original and the dial remains entirely unadorned and without the usual Radiomir Panerai text, in fact the only visible brand mark is featured on the screwed in crown which ensures that this remarkable piece is water resistant up to 100 metres.

Brand Name : Panerai Radiomir Style : Men

Brand Name : Panerai Radiomir Style : Men

The layout of the dial is the most interesting feature of this piece, taking influence from those early prototypes, Roman numerals are used for the top half from the 10 o’clock to the 2 o’clock positions and Arabic numerals are used for the lower half from 4 o’clock to the 8 o’clock positions with the 3, 6 and 9 being replaced with a dash instead of a numeral and an inverted triangle placed at the 12 o’clock. With this unusual layout and lack of Panerai branding the onlooker has to look for clues as to the origin of this watch, and those who know their timepieces will recognise not only the iconic cushion shaped case but also the characteristic Panerai subsidiary seconds dial which is located at the 9 o’clock position. The wearer of this watch however, will be in no doubt of its pedigree - with a world wide release of just 12 pieces he will be one of an exclusive club of connoisseurs appreciative of the history and mechanics of this watch rather than mere aesthetic brand markings.