tengyong-times: Panerai Hot News 2011 Release!!

One of the most interesting timepieces to be unveiled by Panerai at SIHH 2011, aside from the Bronzo, was the Panerai Radiomir 8 Day Ceramica.

The Radiomir has the smallest diameter within the men's collection. At 45 mm (Radiomors are also available in 42 mm), it features Panerai's signature style, but with a few less millimeters in diameter and no oversized crown guard, making it one of the most comfortable Panerai's.

The new Radiomir has a substantial 8-Day power-reserve. Powered by not two, but three barrels. The P2002/3 is a very impressive calibre in Panerai's growing lineup of in-house manufacture movements. The mechanical hand-wound movement runs at 28,800 vph (4Hz), has 21 jewels, a monometallic Glucydur balance, KIF Parechoc anti-shock protection and a total of 225 components. The movement, which is not highly decorated, is still very nice looking when viewed through the sapphire caseback.

The case is made of a synthetic ceramic, made of zirconium oxide (ZrO2), a material obtained through a process of isostatic pressure on the material in powder form, which results in a uniform and even finish. Ceramic cases are very hard, with the benefit of high scratch and corrosion resistance. It is also resistance to high temperatures (although I'm not sure when it will ever be subjected to high temperatures, while strapped to your wrist).

The dial is clean and very simple, with a prominent 8-Day linear power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock. The strap is made of soft black leather with a large titanium buckle, coated in black DLC. Water-resistance in 100 meters. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide.

Officine Panerai Press Release

"With the new Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica - 45 mm, Officine Panerai presents the combination of a high-tech material, ceramic, and a Panerai movement entirely developed and produced in the manufacture in Neuchâtel: the hand-wound P.2002/3 calibre.

Ceramic has for some years established itself as a material of choice in the world of haute horlogerie for its appearance, its hardness and its resistance to scratches, corrosive agents and high temperatures. The synthetic ceramic used by Officine Panerai for the case of the Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica - 45 mm is zirconium oxide (ZrO2), a material obtained through a process of isostatic pressure on the material in powder form, which results in a particularly uniform, even appearance.

The Panerai hand-wound P.2002/3 calibre has a power reserve of eight days and it is notable for its three spring barrels and the linear power reserve indicator on the dial. As well as the date at 3 o'clock, the calibre also has the device which enables the hour hand to be rapidly adjusted without interfering with the movement of the minute hand.

The Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica - 45 mm has a completely black appearance, both in its ceramic cushion case and its dial with the characteristic sandwich construction, as well as in the buffalo leather strap closed by a titanium buckle with DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. The back too is consistent with this appearance, having a smoked sapphire crystal window through which the movement can be seen. All the characteristic elements of the dial - the large figures and hour markers, the hands and the small seconds dial at 9 o'clock, the date window and the linear power reserve indicator - are covered with a layer of special ecru Super-LumiNova®.
Produced in only 500 units, the Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica - 45 mm (PAM00384) is part of the Historic Collection."