For SIHH 2015, two new special editions created by Officine Panerai, the PAM 516 and PAM 601 both feature one of the most classic and fascinating astronomical complications, the Equation of Time.
The length of one day is derived from the period of one rotation of the Earth and the length of one year corresponds to the period of one revolution of the Earth around the Sun. There is, however, a difference between convention and reality. Because of the elliptical orbit of the Earth round the Sun and the axial tilt of the Earth’s rotation in relation to the equator, the duration of a day measures exactly 24 hours on only four occasions in one year, while on all other days there is a difference between apparent time (solar time) and conventional time (mean time) which varies between being up to about 15 minutes ahead or behind, depending on the time of year.
Panerai has fitted P.2002/E movement into two models, One of the watches has the Radiomir 1940 case and the other the Luminor 1950 case, the latter being the historical evolution of the former, having the distinctive bridge device with clamping lever which protects the winding crown.
The PAM 601 Equation of Time
Both models have a “Sandwich” dial. Two superimposed discs contain the luminous substance, the
light of which emerges through the holes in it corresponding to the markers on the upper disc, providing a unique tonal depth and high legibility. As well as the linear indicator of the equation of time, the dial also contains the seconds counter at nine o’clock, the date window at three o’clock and the circular indicator on which the month can be read.
The PAM 516 Equation of Time with 1940’s case
On the back of both cases is a sapphire crystal window which enables the details and fine finish of the hitherto unissued P.2002/E movement to be admired. This is a development of the P.2002 calibre, the first to be made by Officine Panerai in 2005: it is a hand-wound movement with a diameter of 13¾ lignes, with three spring barrels providing the long power reserve of eight days which has been part of the tradition of the brand since the 1940s.
P.2002/E movement in both the PAM 601 and PAM 516. Featured is the PAM 516
Both of these models look quite good, although we feel white coloured luminous paint would look much better since the “ercu” colour has been used very often.
Specifications from Press Release
PAM 516- Limited to 200 pieces
MOVEMENT: Hand-wound mechanical, P.2002/E calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes,
small seconds, date, month indicator, equation of time, power reserve indicator on the back. CASE: 48 mm, AISI 316L
polished steel. DIAL: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Date and month indicator at 3 o’clock,
seconds at 9 o’clock, equation of time indicator at 6 o’clock. POWER RESERVE: 192H. WATER-RESISTANCE: 10 bar
(~ 100 metres).
PAM 601 Limited to 100 pieces
MOVEMENT:Hand-wound mechanical, P.2002/E calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes,
small seconds, date, month indicator, equation of time, power reserve indicator on the back. CASE: 47 mm, AISI 316L
polished steel. DIAL: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Date and month indicator at 3 o’clock,
seconds at 9 o’clock, equation of time indicator at 6 o’clock. POWER RESERVE: 192H. WATER-RESISTANCE: 10 bar
(~ 100 metres).
