Earlier this year Italian watchmakers Panerai released a slate of new timepieces to its famed Radiomir collection. That new role-out included the vintage-inspired Radiomir California – which instantly became one of our favourite timepieces of 2023.
It’s true, to be deemed the best at anything is a bold claim. But, frankly, just look at it! The vintage dial ontop of the historic Panerai Radiomir makes the Radiomir California standout as one of the the year’s most visually impressive watches – and that’s before we take into account the watchmaking under the hood.
Officially called the Radiomir California PAM01349 – the timepiece is equipped with Panerai’s in-house, eight-day P.5000 movement, and is presented in a wearable 45mm case with an aged finish.
The “California” nickname comes from the Roman numerals on the upper half and Arabic numerals on the lower half, an unusual style originally created by Rolex to improve legibility in dim lightning by avoiding confusion about the orientation the dial.
The origins of Panerai’s striking California dial goes back to World War 2. Comprised of roman numerals up top, Arabic numerals below and batons and a triangle in-between, the idiosyncratic display was developed for easy legibility in the dark and underwater.
Panerai dive watches were only made for military divers and other ranks in the Italian navy; and were effectively a military secret for sixty years. It was only in 2006 did Panerai, now available to the public, revive the display in a limited edition known as the PAM249, that sold like hot cakes.
The latest editions launched this year after a nine year gap and added a gradated green dial to the California canon and – in another first for Panerai – a distressed finish e-steel case which the brand calls Brunito (or burnished). This is the first Radiomir to appear in the slightly reduced size of 45mm (Radiomir watches have until now only existed in a macho 47mm size).