SIHH 2010: Panerai Radiomir 8 Days 45mm P2002 in Titanium (PAM346)

Just like the PAM338 model, the new Panerai Radiomir 8 Days presents an ugly mix of titanium and gold.

Visually, I can not detect any significant differences between the two models, besides the fact that the PAM346 is shipped in a larger 45mm cushion-shaped case.

However, the signature wire lugs, the characteristic winding crown and the sandwich-style dial with luminous insert is still here. Making the watch an easily recognizable “Panerai,” the design at the same time makes it less unique even inside the Radiomir product range.

However, the watches are powered by completely different movements. While the PAM338 features a hand-wound P.999 in-house movement –Panerai’s first step towards becoming a real Manufacture– the Radiomir 8 Days PAM346 comes equipped with much less exciting P.2002/9 caliber.

The reason for the choice is simple: Officine Panerai still does not have a “slim” manufacture movement able to store the enormous amount of energy to keep the watch ticking for about 192 hours. Hence the choice of the huge P.2002.9 engine that, at 6.60 mm high, is almost two times thicker than the P.999.

Photos: Officine Panerai

Panerai Radiomir 8 Days 45mm P2002 PAM339 watch specification

Price range: $13,000
Movement: Panerai P.2002/9 Calibre, hand-wound, 246 parts, 31.0 mm in diameter, 6.6 mm thick, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph, in-house
Complications: Date
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Case material: Brushed titanium
Bezel material: Polished titanium
Case shape: Cushion
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire crystal caseback
Case size: 45.0 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Dark brown
Hands: Gold
Strap: Brown alligator leather strap
Crystal: Sapphire, corundum, 1.9 mm thick, antireflective coating
Water resistance: 100 meters