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Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM00398 and Radiomir 1940 PAM00399 (PAM00784) Luxury Watch Review

3,442 views · Published 9 December 2014 · 8:48 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: The 1916 Company · 2014 · Howto & Style

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The Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM00398 and Radiomir 1940 PAM00399 speak in unison: together, they're officially the PAM00784. Panerai leveraged the novelty and excitement surrounding the PAM 784 to help launch its bolder Radiomir 1940 case shape. 

While 100 examples of each watch were produced for the 2012 Panerai Special Editions model year, fifty special units of each reference were paired with identical millesimation (i.e., both 050/050, both 049/050, etc.). The two watches of each set are considered to be one PAM reference.

The PAM 398 features a rich red gold Panerai Radiomir 1940 case with a tobacco dial and red gold hands. The combination is visually warm and upscale while retaining the legibility and classic barrel-chested look that made Panerai famous.  

A matching brown alligator strap with contrasting stitch complements the rose gold of the case and offers a change of pace from the cowhide-bound Panerai norm. Panerai graces the PAM 398 with a final premium flourish in the form of a full red gold deployant clasp.

The PAM 399 preserves the essential features of its sibling but adds nuance to set itself apart as the sportier of the two 1940s. A polished stainless steel Radiomir 1940 case recalls the base metal origins of the original Panerai combat dive watches, and a matte black dial provides the ideal backdrop to achieve a powerful two-tone impact.

The PAM 399 preserves the rose gold hands and simulated aged-radium indexes of the of the 398, but the remainder of the 399's details hew closer to Panerai's mil spec past than its luxury present. A  calf leather brown strap with contrasting stitch and simple ardillon buckle secure the timepiece on one's wrist.

Both watches of the Panerai PAM 784 set utilize identical Panerai Caliber OP XXVII based on ancient Minerva 16-17 movements. The craft quality of the parts and finishing evident throughout these Minerva-built calibers is an order of magnitude beyond the standard issue machine finish found on most Panerai movements.

The Minerva boasts traditional watchmaking refinements including a massive balance wheel, a swan's neck regulator, and a generous 55 hour power reserve. More than novelties, these evocative 18,000 VpH Minervas are case studies in the finest traditions of Swiss watchmaking and a major key to the PAM 784's appeal.

Now available from thewatchbox.com with full Panerai Special Edition boxes, papers, manuals, and accessories, the PAM 784 Radiomir 1940 boxed set presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most coveted modern Panerai collectibles. The set of two watches can be viewed on www.thewatchbox.com in high resolution photography with all original Panerai equipment. Video and content by Tim Mosso.

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