PANERAI Radiomir S.L.C. Ref. 449 Rare' Discontinued New

DETAILS

Reference: 449

Movement: automatic

Case & Dial: steel case, black "sandwich dial" with blue luminescent hands, plexiglass

Bracelet: leather 

Condition: NEW with stickers

Overview: PAM449, a limited edition of 750 pieces. The particularity of this piece is that it pays tribute to the one by whom it all began, the 2533, produced in 1936 for Marina Militare as part of a secret project (the creation of the first navy swimmers of the history). From an historical point of view, the Radiomir PAM449 is the almost perfect modern replica of the mother of all Panerai watches, the 2533. 

At that time Panerai was then a supplier of the Marina Militare and produced various instruments but was in no way manufacturer of watches. Willing to have a waterproof watch, Panerai naturally turns to the reference in the field (already at that time), Rolex. The 2533 is initially a Rolex reference (an invoice of June 13, 1936 indicates an order from G.Panerai & Figlio to Rolex of 19 ref.2533), the Oyster case is cushion type, the crown is Screwed, the movement is a Rolex 618 on Cortebert basis. The dial was then manufactured and assembled by Panerai, it was already of the sandwich type and its self-luminescence was ensured by Radium, hence the name "Radiomir". This prototype dial was distinguished by its simplicity. 3 stick index at 3/6/9 hour, a double stick index at noon and dots on the 5 minute interlayers. The needles, also "charged" with Radium, were blue. Later, the dial will become more conventional by adopting indexes and large Arabic numerals, becoming at the same time a visual signature for the brand and this until today.

This reiteration of the iconic model 2533 is thus a success and most appreciated by the lovers of the brand. Its singular dial, borrowed from a complete stripping, represents the premises of the simplicity that will distinguish the Panerai for a long time from their competitors. The 47mm case made of AISI 316L steel takes the famous cushion shape and its wire loops (which can be disassembled in order to change the bracelet). The thickness of the case and the transparent background is greater than that of a 232 (another great reiteraiton of the Radiomir, equipped with a sapphire crystal and having a solid background) which gives the set a Virile and assertive look. Despite its 47mm diameter, the comfort of the PAM449 is immediate. We forget it very quickly. The dial, masterpiece of the PAM449, it is faithful to the original, its realization is perfect. We find the indexes stick and points, the inscription 2 lines "RADIOMIR PANERAI" is engraved and not painted. The identical blue needles to the 2533 are superb in their realization and match perfectly with the dial. To me, the ensemble is one of the most beautiful modern Panerai. A real museum piece that can be worn daily without fear.

Selling only in set of the both Limited Edition 448 & 449 brand New Full Set.