The Panerai Radiomir takes off with Eilean

There will only be 449, a reference to the sail number of Eilean, the 1936 sailboat saved from disappearance and fully restored thanks to Panerai. It was precisely that year that the watch brand unveiled a Radiomir watch intended for the Italian Navy. Since then, this watch has hardly changed, nor since the Richemont group took over the reins of this small Italian house to make it the one we know today. We still find the same design signature on the wrist, namely a large cushion-shaped steel case, luminescent numerals and indexes as well as welded wire lugs. Of course, it took the help of a film superhero for the Radiomirs to conquer the world: Sylvester Stallone, his most famous ambassador, today joined by other actors as muscular as they are talented,such Jason Statham or Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock.

Guido Cantini / Sea & See

It was 70 years after its construction, in 2006, that Panerai bought Eilean, designed by the great boatbuilder William Fife III at the Scottish shipyard of Fife.

He will have crisscrossed the seas of Europe and the Caribbean for decades, before ending his life, as too often, completely dilapidated on a quay.

Everything had to be redone, everything was redone, and this superb sailboat once again surveys the seven seas, while being used to welcome friends and lovers of the brand, as recently on the Côte d'Azur.

Panerai

The Radiomir Eilean pays homage to him, for the time of a limited edition of 449 pieces, in reference to the number inscribed on his wing.

Its 45 mm case is in patinated steel with a matte finish.

The surface of the dial features streaks and a speckled brown finish that evokes the teak deck of the sailboat, while the caseback and bracelet bear the inscription

.

On the dial, we find vintage-style golden hands, numerals and indexes coated with beige Super-LumiNova with a green glow - just like the first models.

Guido Cantini / Sea & See

This special edition pushes the fidelity to the timepieces of yesteryear by incorporating not an automatic movement but a manual-winding movement with a three-day power reserve in its water-resistant case up to 100 meters.

The dragon-shaped emblem that adorns the hull of this sailboat has been engraved on the left side of the case.

Italian-Swiss watchmaking house obliges, the leather of the strap is made of Tuscan leather, with stitching inspired by Eilean rope.

Panerai Radiomir Eilean, € 7,900