Panerai’s experience editions are going from strength to strength – watches where part of the value comes from access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From a navy-style bootcamp to a city break and most recently, with the Mike Horn Experience Edition, a full on expedition to Bhutan. The experience that comes with the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 takes things in a relaxing direction with a complete Sicilian holiday.
Don’t forget that Panerai are offering an Oracle Time reader an experience as well, with a chance to attend Watches & Wonders – the competition closes on January 31st so there’s not long left. Back to the Radiomir, the Sicilian adventure begins with a helicopter ride followed by a hike up the slopes of Mt. Etna, where you’ll have privilege access to a local winery. The Mediterranean Experience will conclude with a cruise aboard the Eilean, Panerai’s sailboat that has formed the basis for several watches in the collection.
The new watch has closer ties to Eilean than any of the watches that have come before because it contains components made from the actual boat. The bronze crown, bezel and caseback medallion are made from bronze taken from the bronze fittings that were removed from the boat when it was restored a few years ago. It’s not 100% Eilean-ian bronze as the material was re-smelted along with some new bronze to make it suitable for use on a watch and return the golden, copper colour. Plus, there had to be enough material to stretch across the 30-piece limited edition.
Completing the bi-metal appearance of the piece is the rest of the steel cushion case. It has Panerai’s proprietary Brunito finishing, which consists of dark PVD coating that’s then worn away by hand to create a worn, vintage appearance that’s unique to each watch. It’s still a Panerai so it’s a big watch too, measuring 45mm in diameter. If you look along its flank, you’ll also see the Eilean name along with a replica of the dragon emblem found on the Eilean.
For the dial, the Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 builds on the bronze elements of the case with a beige colour. It’s also the off-white, cream tone of natural sailcloth, specifically the colour of the sails found on the Eilean. It’s one of the most attractive dials on any recent Panerai with its gentle fumé gradient adding a soft smokiness. The beige lume elements of the sandwich dial also adds a sense of vintage aging to the dial, similar to the Brunito finishing for the case. It’s a traditional Radiomir display with hours, minutes and small seconds.
Inside, it houses the P.5000 manual winding movement with 8-day power reserve, which is where the 8 Giorni comes in the watch’s name. It achieves such a long power reserve with a double barrel system while most watch only have a single power barrel – the coiled spring that stores energy when you wind the watch. The calibre is protected by a solid caseback with commemorative medallion marking the year of the boat’s maiden voyage.
As mentioned briefly, the Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 is a limited edition of 30-pieces. It’s also price on request, to no one’s surprise considering that it comes with a luxury Mediterranean holiday. If you want a slice of the dolce vita on your wrist and in your photo albums and memories, Panerai have got you covered.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Panerai
Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition
Ref:
PAM01643
Case:
45mm
diameter, Brunito stainless steel case, bronze bezel
Dial:
Grainy
beige gradient sandwich
Water resistance:
100m
(10 bar)
Movement:
Panerai
calibre P.5000, manual winding, 21 jewels, 113 parts
Frequency:
21,600
vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve:
8
days
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds
Strap:
Dark
brown calf leather with beige stitching, trapezoidal Brunito steel pin buckle
Price:
Price
on request
More details at Panerai.
Oracle Time