Panerai Radiomir vs Panerai Radiomir 1940 Case Comparison

Back in 1997, when it was already under Richemont’s banner, Panerai released a limited edition PAM 21, a 1930 Panerai prototype with a 47mm case, wire and tapered crown. The replica watch was named Radiomir, referring to the luminous material patented in 1916, paving the way for blueprints for all future Panerai Radiomir watches.
In 2012, Panerai introduced the Radiomir 1940 models in the form of the red gold PAM 398 and stainless steel PAM 399. While also 47mm in diameter, the case designs were based on the evolved vintage Panerai watches with thick lugs and a cylindrical crown.
The huge differences between the Radiomir and Radiomir 1940 cases are the shape of the lugs and winding crown. Besides, the bezel execution is also slightly different where the former has a thinner rounded bezel and the latter has a flatter and thicker bezel. Finally, the corners of the cushion-shaped case of the Radiomir 1940 are slightly sharper and more pronounced while the corners of the Radiomir are rounder and softer.
Both Radiomir and Radiomir 1940 cases are available in a variety of sizes, typically 42mm, 45mm, and 47mm, although some other sizes are sometimes used for particular edition models.
Regardless of the size, the Radiomir is dressier in style than the Radiomir 1940 thanks to the thinner lugs and bezel, vintage-style winding crown, and curvier silhouette. The Radiomir 1940’s thick lugs, squat crown, sharper corners, and broader bezel lends the fake watch a sportier feel – some have even equated it to the Panerai Luminor watch but without the bulky bridge crown protector.
It is worth noting that replica panerai no longer formally divides the Radiomir and Radiomir 1940 case styles on its website. On the contrary, the brand puts all its products in one area under the banner of Radiomir. Therefore it’s even more important for you to know the differences between the Panerai Radiomir and Radiomir 1940 cases to make the right choice when picking out your future Panerai watch.