Just like the 2010 Radiomir PAM 338, the hand-wound Panerai Radiomir 8 Days (PAM 346) combines titanium alloy of its mildly oversized case with 18-karat rose gold of its three hands.
The Overall Impression
As usual, Panerai tried to make the watch as ‘true to its roots’ as possible. Over and over again, they offer the same cushion-shaped case with the same sandwich-style dial and the same indicators. Most variations are usually limited to external dimensions and different mixes of metals. Sometimes, they also go off the beaten path and boldly introduce a new color. Like, for example, blue.
The Exterior
Visually, I have a hard time detecting any significant differences between the PAM 338 and the one reviewed here, besides the fact that the PAM 346 is shipped in a larger case.
The signature wire lugs, the characteristic winding crown, and the iconic double-layered dial are still here. Same typeface for the Arabic numerals. Same pointer on the small seconds sub-dial.
Trying to make it as easily recognizable “Panerai” as possible, the company makes it featureless. It’s like some cars where you can only tell one model from the other when they stand right in front of you side by side and you be like “yeah, the one on the left is bigger, so it must be the 5-Series, right.”
In this regard, the PAM346 doesn’t offer anything new even if you only compare it to other members of the Radiomir collection.
The In-House Caliber P.2002/9
Well, at least there is something different inside. Looking through the synthetic sapphire crystal that covers the back, we see that the watch is powered by a completely different movement.
While the PAM 338 features an in-house (also, hand-wound) Caliber P.999, Panerai’s first step towards becoming a real Manufacture, the Radiomir 8 Days PAM 346 comes equipped with much less exciting, but still deserving at least a second glance, hand-wound Caliber P.2002/9.
This fairly simple mechanism is a perfect example of the so-called ‘extensive’ approach to the problem of increasing a timekeeper’s maximum power reserve.
Most watchmakers just insert a bigger spring barrel with a longer spring while also reducing the frequency from 28,800vph to just 21,600 vibrations per hour. Some do all of the above, but also add a second spring barrel. Panerai essentially said screw this questa è la vita and somehow squeezed not even two, but whole THREE spring barrels thus increasing the power reserve to 192 hours or whole eight days
This approach isn’t very practical for a watch equipped with a self-winding movement. After all, you can always place a timepiece that you don’t wear too often into a winding machine and forget about it. However, for an expensive timepiece that comes with a hand-wound caliber and maybe only gets to see the light of day on weekends, this sort of power reserve is priceless.
That’s the reason behind the choice of the huge Caliber P.2002.9 engine that, at 6.60 mm high, is almost two times thicker than the elegant, but a lot less capable in terms of power storage Caliber P.999. It also justifies the use of a chunky case: at least they didn’t fill the titanium body with Italian air.
The Conclusion
Well, if you think that my brief review of the PAM 346 emits too many negative vibes, you are probably right.
Upon re-reading it, I think that it isn’t that bad after all in fulfilling its main goal. This new model is like a recent bunch of American muscle cars that offer you a mix of ‘vintage’ styling combined with relatively modern, huge V8 engines. It gives you a nice blend of ‘that classic Panerai’ styling with a contemporary, if not a bit too simple, in-house movement that makes it tick.
The only thing that disappoints me here is the outrageous price of $13,000. However that’s something that, too, must be expected from the Italian brand: after all, this is how they roll.
WWR’s Verdict
Originality 2.5/5
Versatility: 3/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 3/5Overall Rating: 4/5
See also: Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight Titanium Blue Dial (PAM 326)
Photos: Panerai
Panerai Radiomir 8 Days 45mm P2002 PAM 346 specification
Price: $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, Swiss Made
Complications: Date
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Case: Brushed titanium
Bezel: Polished titanium
Shape: Cushion
Transparent back: Yes, sapphire crystal
Size: 45.00 mm
Dial: Dark brown
Hands: Gold, luminous
Strap: Brown alligator leather strap
Crystal: Sapphire, corundum, 1.9 mm thick, anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 100 meters