Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm Special Edition PAM 349 with the California dial

The new Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm Special Edition PAM 349 sports the so called “California” dial that was initially introduced by the Swiss watchmaker Rolex for their 1940s “Bubble Back” timepieces.

Sporting a strange combination of Arabic and Roman numerals for the upper and lower halves of the dial respectively, this vintage design is adored by an impressive number of collectors and horology enthusiasts.

Three years ago the Italian brand has already introduced a limited edition Panerai PAM249 Radiomir 1936 California Dial that was offered in a 47mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case.

Following the great success of the model, Panerai again attempts to make some cash from a “collector’s edition” watch.

This new Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm Special Edition PAM 349 model sports the same California dial but replaces the original blue hands with gold ones, adds a small seconds sub-dial and introduces a rose gold chapter ring.

The original (for the PAM 249, I mean) hand-wound mechanical Panerai OP X caliber is replaced with a newer Minerva-based OP XXVII movement. This movement was first introduced almost two years ago and powered the PAM 309 Radiomir 47 mm model, also in a brushed titanium case with rose gold hands and the same chapter ring.

Judging by the looks of it, the PAM 349 is that same PAM 309 model with a new dial.

Bing a collector’s edition limited to only twelve pieces, the PAM 349 is offered at a price of €19,000, which is €1000 more expensive than the PAM 309.

Well, I guess some people will buy it.

Photos: Officine Panerai

Panerai Radiomir Titanium 47mm Special Edition PAM 349 watch specification

Price range: €19,000
Movement: OP XXVII, Minerva-based, hand-wound, in-house, 18 jewels, 18,000 vph
Complications: N/A
Power reserve: 55 hours
Case material: Titanium, brushed
Bezel material: Titanium, polished
Case shape: Cushion
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Case size: 47 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black
Hands: Rose gold
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Leather
Crystal: Sapphire, 1.9 mm thick