The introduction of the Calibre P.4000 within the reference PAM00572 marked a significant feat for Panerai, being the brand’s first automatic movement to feature an off-center micro-rotor. This enables the Radiomir 1940 to have a comparatively slim profitle. That case design is itself a key transitional form, notable for its robust lugs machined from the same block of steel as the case middle.
Panerai was founded in Florence as a watch retailer and then transitioned into manufacturing high-precision instruments for the Royal Italian Navy during World War II. This origin as a military supplier is the foundational truth of the brand, dictating a design philosophy rooted in absolute function over ornamentation. Its most significant early innovations were solutions to military problems, namely the development of patented radium-based (Radiomir) and later tritium-based (Luminor) luminescent compounds to ensure underwater legibility for naval commandos.
After its public debut in 1993 and subsequent acquisition by the Richemont group, Panerai transitioned from classified military secret to a global pillar of the luxury sports watch category. Its legacy is that of a tool watch whose function-first design created one of the most distinct and influential silhouettes in modern watchmaking.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2016 Contents: Watch Only Genre: Dive Watch
Size: 45mm Thickness: approx. 12.2mm Lug Width: 26mm
Case: Stainless steel Radiomir cushion case, mirror finished, light wear Bezel: Steel dome bezel, mirror finished, light wear Dial: Black “sandwich” dial with cut-out markers, sub-second display Hands: Broad pencil style hands, lumed
Crown: Steel signed screw-down crown, light wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Black leather strap, trapezoidal steel pin buckle Caseback: Transparent, screw-in sapphire crystal back, light wear Movement: Automatic Caliber: P.4000, micro-rotor, 3 days power reserve