Radiomir S.L.C. 3 days PAM00449 750units
Foreword:
There is not a lot of LE “tribute to” of radiomir cases. Except for, PAM 21 in 1997 only 232 and 249, tribute to the famous vintage 3646, have been proposed by Panerai in 2006.
From now, a new one is coming to the family, the PAM 449, tribute to the mother of all our Panerai, the 2533 of 1936, manufactured for the Italian Royale Marine
- Spoiler:
Despite the vintage trend started by PANERAI since several years, the 2533 dial has not been reused a lot. In 2011 on the platinium PAM 373 (LE 300ex), and 2012 on the PAM425, this dial was a kind of inspiration for the dial of Luminor Submersible 1950 PAM 305 then for the 382 and recently for all Sub revealed during 2013 SIHH.
The Radiomir S.L.C. 3 days PAM449 is produced in 750 units.
Price in Panerai french shops is 6 600€.
First samples was delivered by the end of 2012.
The set
The set made up with:
The huge LE box in pear (compared to standard boxes).
The specific LE parchment which mention the reference model and serial number of the case (on 750).
The warranty book.
The “historical collection” book.
No screwdriver.
The case
Made of polished steel AISI316L, the case in a typical Radiomir cushion shape with removable wire loop strap attachments, and screw-down winding crown with OP logo.
The thickness is bigger than a 2006 PAM00232, This overweight initiated since 2011 is confirmed with the back, thicker also and gives the whole an athletic build
Two words are engraved between the strap attachments, Vintage at 6 o’clock and PAM 449 at 12 o’clock
The “S.L.C.” engraved inside at 12 o’clock is very discreet compared to the “California” , its twin the PAM 448.
The diamond’s shape winding crown is strucked with the official arrows OP logo (see more details about logo HERE).
Nevertheless, I think it’s a pity it was not build with the same crown of PAM 399, closest to the prototype.
The back is a see-through sapphire which allows you to admire the impressive homemade movement P.3000.
Water-resistant to 10 bar (around 100 meters)
The dial
In one word Amaaaaaziinnnnnggg !!!!
Really pure, it consist of only four straight indexes instead of traditional 3-6-9-12, and 8 rounds for others clocks.
The writing “RADIOMIR PANERAI” is engraved under 12 o’clock index using a vintage font taller than on the 372, due to the sobriety of indexes
The blue needles, identical to the 2533 are really wonderful and fit completely with dial and indexes.
These three parts sublimate this 449, providing an unsurpassed beauty which exclude any comparison with PAM 373 nor 425
The glass
Remaining in the original spirit (the cristal of 2533 was made of methyl polymethacrylate), the glass is a plexiglass, not a “dome” like on the 249, but a “fireplace”.
Personally I find the plexy more sexy with it’s magnifying effect compared to the relative coldness of a sapphire glass
The movement
Like on most Panerai 47mm case designed since 2 years, the 449 is mounted with the home made P.3000 calibre.
Entirely executed by Officine Panerai , and produced in Neuchatel, the hand wound calibre P.3000 fulfills all attributs of Panerai movements, such as robustness, preciseness or power reserve.
Functions
- Hour, Minutes,
Tecchnical caracteristics
- Hand wound mechanical
- Power reserve 3 days
- 160 components
- 21 jewels
- 16 ½ lignes
- 5,3 mm thick
- Deux barillets
- 21.600 alternations/hours (6Hz)
- Anti-shock device Incabloc
The strap :
Like on all Radiomir, the 449 is delivered with only one strap and without screw driver. This is a “Ranger Radiomir” made with brown leather and beige sewing.
Actually, it’s not the best one and does not really fit with the watch
That’s why I decided to change it for a “Distefano” which enforces the 2533 spirit.
In summary
Advantages
A very vintage look, faithful to the original 2533
One of the most successful tribute to vintage of the latest years
A full concentrate of Panerai
An affordable price (only 300€ more than the 425 of historic collection)
Already a must have and collector, like 127, 217, 232, 249, 382…
Disadvantages
Do I really have to find one ?
The crown is different from the prototype.
The strap, created for the 449 in my opinion is a disaster
Price on grey market, already doubles whereas it just arrived
Conclusion
Panerai purposes us an out of this world watch, a tribute to Panerai basis end in.
This PAM 449 S.L.C. 3days will become a must have, it represents all knowledge of OP, perfect mix between OP traditions and modernity.
449 have a real personality, masculinity, sensuality, with an octogenarian design, and so a timeless Radiomir.
This Rad cannot be overlooked, it’s the key Rad.
For me, my growing knowledge of OP has changed my horology taste, guiding them to simplicity.
The 372 has been a step, a path to the 2 needles dial pure world.
This 449 is a real uppercut and cause me an amazing sensation, it’s with me for a long time and I’ll be glad to pass down, one day maybe.
Text :Mitch. for OP-Forum.fr
Photos : Noel1844 for OP-Forum.fr
Translation : Joke076 for OP-Forum.fr