Following the Royal Italian Navy's approach to them and other watch brands in 1935 to build a watch that was highly water-resistant and legible in unfavourable conditions, Panerai began the development of a divers watch. In 1936 Panerai developed 10 prototype watches and submitted them for testing. This prototype was called the Radiomir, after the radioactive substance used to paint its hands and indices. Production of the watch for use by the military began in 1938 with Panerai adhering to strict guidelines from the Italian Navy – a long water-proof strap wearable over a diving suit, a hand-wound mechanical movement, luminescent indices and numerals and a large dial. These guidelines became more stringent in 1940 when the Navy requested that the watch could resist extreme tension and had better water resistance. To meet these needs, Panerai designed a new case for the Radiomir, so the lugs were not just welded onto the case but milled from the same block of steel as the case and a small second's dial was also added to the 9 o'clock position for more accurate time-keeping, which could prove life or death when underwater and when resurfacing. Since its early days, the Radiomir has become an iconic part of Panerai’s offering and today it is one of the best-known models. Offered here we have the Radiomir Annual Calendar Platinumtech PAM01364 with a 45mm Platinumtech case, a smoked green sandwich dial, and an exhibition caseback that reveals its automatic cal. P9010/AC movement. Launched in 2024 and limited to just 200 pieces, this modern Radiomir merges the collection’s original aesthetic with Panerai’s modern taste for luxury in a manner that will certainly appeal to the Paneristi amongst us.

The watch is in overall near-mint condition. The platinum case shows only light marks from careful wear, and the display case back retains crisp engravings and hallmarks around the edge. The dial and hands are like new. It is fitted with a Panerai alligator strap and platinum deployant buckle in excellent condition. Comes with the original warranty card. Watch is serial #1 of 80 pieces. Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Combining a distinctly 'Panerai' case design with a proprietary material, a unique annual calendar function that is executed through a novel dial design and some impressive engineering, the PAM01364 showcases the essence of modern Panerai with its heritage-focused design being catapulted into the contemporary era of watchmaking.