Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Oro Bianco – 45mm What a watch!
The combination of the historic Minerva 13-22 caliber (aka Panerai OPXXV caliber) with the Radiomir 1940 case is simply mind-blowing. The finishing of the chronograph caliber is at the highest possible level. With this one, especially in white gold, you’re wearing pure understatement on your wrist; only connoisseurs will know what’s under the dial. Still, I have one criticism: Since I was the very first journalist to see the three new Panerai Radiomir 1940 chronographs, I noticed that the subdivisions between seconds, as determined by the oscillating frequency of the balance subdivided into fifths (18,000 vph)/sixths (21,600 vph)/eighths (28,800 vph) or tenths (36,.000 vph), which are engraved around the edge of the dial, are wrong on the chronographs shown at the SIHH and in the official SIHH press-kit. The Minerva beats at 18,000 vph (or 1/5th second) and the divisions on the dial are for 28,800 vph (1/8th second). After explaining why, the Panerai team admitted that this was incorrect and Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati gave the order to change all the dials before delivery of the watches. You can hear my interview at SIHH with Bonati by clicking here. But let me come back to the watch: Apart from this issue, this chronograph is a must-have if you can afford one — especially since it will have the correct second subdivisions now. Call me pedantic if you wish, but the correct execution of every little detail is a must for a sport watch that costs almost 50,000 euros, right?
