GMT India Exclusive: The New Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Variant Brings a Seafaring Legacy to the Wrist

Panerai has a long-standing love affair with the sea. If we look back in history, its relationship with the Royal Italian Navy began in the early twentieth century. Today, in addition to crafting sea-inspired timepieces, the company actively supports marine conservation efforts and sustainable practices, further cementing its reputation as a brand closely connected to the sea. The newly launched Radiomir 8 Giorni Experience Eilean (Ref. PAM01643) watch ― a limited edition of 30 pieces ― is inspired by this illustrious maritime heritage of Panerai.

Eilean, a 22-metre Bermudian ketch designed and built in 1936 by the famed Scottish boatyard Fife of Fairlie, was relaunched at the end of 2009, having been restored to her full magnificence. Eilean is distinguished by waterlines whose proportions complement her beauty. She has a Bermudian ketch sail plan with two masts, each with its own powerful triangular sail. She has a composite structure with Burmese teak planking and a zinc-plated metal backbone. With her modest form and features, she was never designed to compete in races. Even now, her functional elements perfectly reflect her character and grace. Her colourful past includes no fewer than 36 Atlantic crossings and an appearance in Duran Duran's 'Rio' video in 1982.

The new Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition has a 45 mm cushion-shaped Brunita steel case, with a crown at 3 o’clock and a bezel crafted from bronze. The bronze complements a rugged, burnished finish called Brunito. During the yacht’s extensive restoration, parts of its original structure were salvaged, including sections of bronze fittings, which were then incorporated into the watch. The original Eilean bronze underwent a long and meticulous process of successive castings, and was carefully blended. 

Through an intricate process, the steel undergoes a PVD (physical vapour deposition) treatment, followed by hand-brushing to enhance the vintage appeal. There is a grainy beige gradient sandwich dial with beige Super-LumiNova® X1 for the Arabic and cut-out hour markers, the running seconds counter at 9 o’clock, and the hour and minute hands. At 3 o'clock, there is a marking of “8 Giorni Brevettato” or “8 Days Patented”.

Powering this limited-edition timepiece is Calibre P.5000, a hand-wound calibre, offering an 8-day power reserve. Components are enclosed between two plates, leaving only the balance cock and intermediate wheel visible. The large 10 mm balance wheel uses a variable inertia design with four external adjusting screws, allowing precise regulation without disassembly. Supported by a traversing bridge, this setup enhances chronometric performance and provides extra stability to maintain accuracy during shocks. Turning the watch over showcases a closed stainless steel dodecagonal caseback with a bronze medallion “Eilean 1936” at the centre and the engraving of the individual watch number. The watch is finished on a dark brown calf leather with beige stitching. A trapezoidal Brunito steel pin buckle completes the look.

Purchasing the Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643 can help wearers gain access to an unforgettable travel experience as well. The tour features a beautiful helicopter trip and an adventurous climb up Mount Etna, ensuring an immersive experience with one of Europe's most notable volcanoes. Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to a well-known local winery, where they will be guided through a sensory tour of Sicilian wine production. Complete the tour with a traditional cruise onboard Panerai's Bermudian ketch Eilean, reminiscent of the golden age of maritime discovery on Sicily's waters. The event highlights Sicily's rich culture and history, providing a deep link to Panerai's Italian background.