We take a short journey into the mysterious history of Panerai.
Panerai GPF 2/56 aka Egiziano Grosso, the Great Egyptian. This watch was ordered by the Egyptian Army in 1956 to Guido Panerai and his son, whose GPF code comes from here (G. Panerai & Figlio). The numbers 2/56 in the model's reference mean that it was the 2nd watch project of 1956. In 1958, 50 watches were delivered to the Egyptian Army. The "Great Egyptian" features many firsts in the history of the brand. Panerai produces its own case for the first time, instead of cases purchased from Rolex. The watch, which has a 66mm wide case including the crown protection mechanism (60mm without it), is also the first Panerai with a rotating bezel. There are versions of the same watch with both Luminor and Radiomir inscriptions because both radium and tritium fillings are applied to make the indexes and hands on the dial visible at night. The watch features the hand-wound Caliber SF240 made by Angelus. SF240, which also appears as a table clock movement, offering an 8-day power reserve, which is engraved on the dial with the text "8 Giorni Brevettato" meaning "8 Days Patented", on the dial at 3 o'clock.
After many years, Panerai takes on a completely different identity, by being reborn from its ashes, and has begun to be one of the essential players of the watch world since the '90s. During those years, under the leadership of the legendary personality Angelo Bonati, a series of limited versions of Panerai was introduced to watch lovers. In this article, we only look at the Panerai models with “8 Giorni Brevettato” dials.
By 2005, Panerai launches the PAM203 Luminor model, which is limited to only 150 units. More precisely, it promotes the models to be sold to predetermined customers. The "8 Giorni Brevettato" text, which has not been able to find a place for itself at any model since Panerai GPF 2/56, comes to the fore again after a long break. The interesting thing is that the PAM203 model uses Angelus SF240 movements, which operate at 18000vph and have a power reserve of 8 days, just like the GPF 2/56. Calibers that are almost 60 years old and of no current production, are overhauled by Panerai's skilled watchmakers and put into those 150 watches. The PAM203 model, with a 47mm diameter stainless steel case, is still greeted with great sympathy by collectors.
In 2009, the modern version of the GPF 2/56, the PAM341, is introduced. Just like the original model, the model with a 60mm diameter case was limited to 500 units only. Many details in the model with a case made of titanium are taken directly from the GPF 2/56. The "8 Giorni Brevettato" inscription on the dial and the front crystal made of plexiglass, is two of the most admired details of the model, which has a titanium case. This watch features the hand-wound Caliber P.2002 / 7, which Panerai developed in-house. The 21-jewels movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve of more than 10 days when fully wound. Panerai introduced this movement with an 8-day power reserve, as the timekeeping accuracy towards the end of the reserve is outside the permitted limits.
One year later, the PAM339 Radiomir Composite Marina Militare, perhaps one of the most impressive Panerai ever, is introduced. This watch, produced in 1500 units, is released with a brown-tone composite case, which is the first in Panerai history. The Marina Militare inscription and the 8 Giorni Brevettato sign on the dial, which are in perfect harmony with the 47mm diameter case, are only present together in this model. Home to the in-house hand-wound Caliber P.2002/7 with an 8-day power reserve, the PAM339 is known as one of the most exciting models in the watch world in the years it was introduced.
Now let's get to the current collection. Today, if you want to own a Panerai with the "8 Giorni Brevettato" logo, there are two references to go for: Panerai Luminor PAM590 and Panerai Radiomir PAM992.
The Panerai Luminor PAM590 has a 44mm diameter stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a water resistance value of up to 300 meters. The model brought to life with the in-house developed Caliber P.5000, is home to every detail you can live with to the fullest Panerai spirit.
Panerai Radiomir PAM992, on the other hand, has a 45mm diameter case made of aged-looking stainless steel, a sapphire crystal, and a water resistance value up to 100 meters. Unlike the Luminor, the Radiomir model conquers the hearts of Panerai fans with its sandwich-type dial. Equipped with the hand-wound Caliber P.5000 with an 8-day power reserve, just like the PAM590, the watch appeals to those who want to combine Radiomir's stylish lines with the brand's bold design code.
