Despite the Luminor collection enjoying more of the limelight, the Radiomir was actually the first series of Panerai watches. Engaging the famous Radiomir luminous substance and sandwich dials, a more reserved cushion shaped case began the Panerai story. The Panerai Radiomir collection has a vintage feel reminiscent of early Panerai design, with a modern construction that is suited to the contemporary watch enthusiast. As an official retailer of Panerai watches, New Cavendish Jewellers can help you find your next luxury timepiece. 

In 1935, the Italian Navy commissioned a series of watches to be worn by the frogman commandos of the First Submarine Group Command, which had to be water resistant to harsh conditions and legible even within the darkest depths of the ocean. This watch was named the ‘Radiomir’, a name derived from the patented radium-based powder Panerai had developed for luminosity. This substance was abandoned in 1949 once its harmful properties had been realised, and in 1998 Panerai unveiled the modern Radiomir watch as an ode to its history, replacing the original Radiomir substance with Super-LumiNova; a luminous substance that absorbs light when exposed to it. The Radiomir range is still just as reminiscent of the classic Panerai design, but modern innovative features that make it the perfect addition to any watch collection.