Panerai is releasing a new watch, the Radiomir Eilean, inspired by the 1936 launches of both the original Radiomir and classic yacht Eilean
If you’re in Portofino during July 2021, you may notice a special visitor in the waters surrounding Italy’s iconic harbour town.
Eilean, the 22 metre classic ketch belonging to Italian watchmaker Panerai, will be dropping anchor close to Portofino’s shores to mark a significant moment that commemorates both the past and present of the brand.
Specifically, the sailing yacht will make her appearance in Portofino to celebrate the launch of a new Panerai watch, the Radiomir Eilean.
This model pays homage to the first Radiomir, created by Guido Panerai to support marine missions, combined with features that embrace the aesthetic of the William Fife-designed Eilean; both works of fine craftmanship having been launched in the year of 1936.
The 45mm watch case is created from matte patina steel and sports distinctly nautical features that superyacht owners and enthusiasts can appreciate.
The face has been designed with striations and a variegated brown finish that is reminiscent of Eilean’s teak deck, complete with a dragon engraving on the left side of the case replicating the same emblem that decorates the yacht’s hull. Within the case, the watch hands are vintage in style with a golden finish and numerals and indices feature a green glow that has been used in early models of the watch.
Other nautical details infused into the luxury timepiece include an inscription reading “Eilean 1936,” identical to the one from the boat's boom, located on both the caseback and the strap.
The watch strap itself is made from leather produced in Panerai’s place of origin, Tuscany, and is adorned with intricate hand stitching inspired by the lacing found on Eilean’s sails. This stitching also ensures that the strap will endure tough conditions when worn on board, while the case itself is water resistant up to approximately 100 metres under the surface of the water and boasts a a three-day power reserve.
The new Radiomir Eilean will be released in a limited run of only 449 pieces per year – the same sail number as classic yacht Eilean – so be sure to secure yours before they sell out.