A preview of the Panerai Radiomir 3 Days Acciaio watch

　　At the end of 2016, it is also the time to look forward to 2017 SIHH. Some brands, just like watch enthusiasts, cannot wait and have begun to share their new creations to be launched next year, including the highly popularPanerai watch. As a brand that draws inspiration from history, the two pre-released new watches also reflect the early stories of Panerai; at the same time, they present a brand-new look never seen before, which is very interesting.

　　The cases of both Radiomir 3 Days Acciaio watches feature a 12-sided bezel design, engraved with the words "OFFICINE PANERAI BREVETTATO", meaning "Panerai Patented". This design is taken from the Ref. 3646 Type A watch of the 1930s. The same 12-sided bezel can also be seen on the PAM00521 and PAM00522 launched by Panerai in 2013, except that "OFFICINE PANERAI BREVETTATO" was engraved on the case back instead of the front. Watches with such inscriptions were not used for combat at the time, but were new instruments provided to the Italian military for testing. For the two new models, PAM00685 and PAM00687, to be launched by Panerai in 2017, the bezel font is exactly the same as the original model from the 1930s, and the polygonal facets are finished with alternating polished and satin-brushed treatments, which not only reveals layers but also makes them more three-dimensional.

　　The case is crafted from stainless steel, with a case diameter of the brand's classic 47 mm. Military-styled and commanding, it should be just right for watch enthusiasts who love Panerai. In addition to the traditional black, the sandwich dial of PAM00687 features a brown colour that is different from previous models—in fact, it is a brand-new colourway in Panerai watches. The texture, which goes from inside to outside and from light to dark, is very special and also has origins in Panerai's history.

　　Because the luminous material used in early Radiomir—radium—was radioactive, the all-black dial would fade after long-term exposure, so many vintage watches have turned into brown dials. The effect presented by the gradient dial of the new PAM00687 is like the traces of this history. Of course, Panerai no longer uses radium as a luminous material, so the dial will not fade because of this.

　　Both new watches are equipped with Panerai's in-house P.3000 manual-winding movement. The bridge section has been changed from the original two-piece design to a three-piece design, which is closer to the style of historical watches. It features double barrels, providing the watch with an 3-day power reserve. The quick hour adjustment design allows the wearer to adjust the time directly in one-hour increments, without needing to turn the minute hand to adjust the position of the hour hand.

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