Surprisingly, Panerai did not present anything revolutionary at the SIHH 2011. Instead, they kept building on the success of the last year`s model range. Among such successful updates was the hand-wound Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica PAM 384.
The Case
The new model is presented in a large black case, which, as the name implies, is made of scratch-resistant ceramic.
Being basically zirconium oxide powder — a material, widely used not only by watchmakers operating in the ultra-luxury segment, but also by the automotive and aerospace industry – that was baked at an extremely high temperature to form a substance that is almost impossible to scratch in normal circumstances, the material is lightweight, but, unfortunately, fragile.
So, even despite its apparent strength, it still needs to be treated with a degree of respect. Or just try not to throw it on the floor while visiting the bathroom or some other place with stone or tile paving.
Measuring impressive 45 millimeters in width, the PAM384 looks massive on a normal wrist.
The effect is partly balanced thanks to its pair of relatively short signature “wire” lugs and its finely shaped profile, so the 8 Days Ceramica can still be deemed wearable by those having relatively narrow wrists, but still, keep in mind that it looks really substantial even on a wider wrist. This may be okay now when large watches are still popular not only in the United States but also in Europe and the Middle East.
However, if you consider getting one of these rugged beauties as a sort of investment, keep in mind that fashion changes all the time and, in a decade or so, the market for this “manly” timekeeper may become as small as this watch is big.
The Mechanism
The 45 mm cushion-shaped case houses their well-known P.2002/3 manufacture-made hand-wound movement that provides the PAM384 with a formidable power reserve of 192 hours (that’s 8 days!) which may come especially handy if you don’t plan to wear the piece on a daily basis.
Introduced in the early 2000s, the mechanism features a daringly modern layout with only minimal decoration on its three-quarter plate, which is limited to polished screws, beveling, and fine machine-brushing. After their earlier Valjoux-based mechanisms that looked a bit archaic to my taste, this new engine makes a strong impression. While some may find the mechanism not particularly attractive in its deceptive simplicity, it sure looks different than movements powering similarly priced timekeepers made by IWC and other majors.
The moderately decorated movement is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal. The crystal is not clear but is slightly smoked: a nice touch, which provides the watch with a certain macabre charm.
The rest of the display is more or less the same.
Dial
The watch features a matte black layered dial with a small seconds display at 9 o’clock, a small date aperture at 3 o’clock, and Panerai’s signature linear power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock.
Yes, there is nothing particularly new about this display, but, something tells me, that’s what the majority of customers demand from the Italian brand: they want a new hi-tech gadget that at the same time looks classic.
The watch is delivered on a black buffalo leather strap that sports a huge buckle made of black-coated titanium.
See also: Panerai Luminor Composite 3 Days PAM 386 in Ceramic
Photos: Panerai
Panerai Radiomir 8 Days Ceramica (PAM 384) specification
Price: €8500
Movement: Hand-wound, Caliber P.2002/3, 31.02 mm in diameter, 6.60 mm in height, 21 jewels, 225 components, three spring barrels, 28,800 vph, in-house, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, linear power reserve
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Case: Black ceramic
Shape: Cushion
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 45.00 mm
Strap width: 27/22 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Panerai personalized leather strap and large-size titanium buckle with special hard black coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Sapphire, smocked