Panerai Watches

Panerai: How it Began

Giovanni Panerai started his workshop in 1860 at Ponte alle Grazie. But in 20th century, the shop moved to Palazzo Arcivescovile in Piazza San Giovanni. His passion for Italian luxury and the sea brought the world some of the greatest watches.

In 1916, the company created Panerai Radiomir, a watch with radium-based powder to provide luminosity to the dials of sightseeing devices and instruments. After its success, the first Radiomir prototype was launched for the frogman commandos during the World War II in 1936. Only 10 prototypes were made but the watch kept on evolving. In 1940, the navy requirements became more specific. They wanted a watch that could work smoothly under water in harsh conditions for a long time. This led to the production of Radiomir 1940 Special Edition which was presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in 2012. In 1943, Mare Nostrum was introduced that was officially designed for the deck officers and only two to three watches were produced.

In 1950, Panerai Luminor was introduced to the world. This watch served the need of the Royal Navy. In 1956, Panerai Radiomir witnessed a transformation; Egiziano. This watch was known for its exceptional strength and size. Designed for the Egyptian Navy, the watch did so much more than just show time.

In 1993, Officine Panerai presented the new collection of three series: the Luminor, Luminor Marina, and Mare Nostrum. These watches were initially inspired by the watches designed for II World War commandos but quickly became valued items for enthusiasts and collectors.

1997 witnessed the launch of Panerai in the international market. This happened after the Officine Panerai was taken over by The Richemont Group. In 2001, the historic boutique of Panerai was reopened. That marked the place for watch enthusiast and collectors to meet and get the special edition watches that were not available anywhere else.

In the subsequent years, Panerai launched its in-house movement and calibres to trademark the company’s journey. The Panerai headquarters are in Italy but the production house shifted to Switzerland. Angelo Bonati, CEO of the company has always believed in the idea of creating luxury watches that still had an Italian past and soul with a Swiss beating heart. For the last 20 years, Paneria has stayed true to its iconic designs and productions; Radiomir and Luminor.

Panerai has seen multiple famous personalities as its brand ambassador over the years. Gregorio Paltrinieri (Olympic champion), Jimmy Chin (Academy Award winner, photographer, and mountain athlete), Mike Horn (modern day explorer), Guillaume Néry (deep diving world champion), and Comsubin (a team trained for missions that are impossible).

Panerai watch is completely familiar with the Hollywood action. The company features sleek, robust, and massive watches that are compatible with action heroes –

- In 1995, Sylvester Stallone showcased the Panerai Luminor in Rome. After which he wore the same watch in Daylight. Since that day, Sylvester has become the brand advocate.

- Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the first people to wear a Panerai watch. Sylvester had an influence on Arnold and gifted him a Panerai limited edition. This caught the attention of watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

- Dwayne Johnson has swiftly moved from the boxing ring to the box office. In this time with Hollywood, he has showcased Panerai Submersible watch in movies like San Andreas and Fast and Furious Five.

- Jasom Statham is a well-known watch enthusiast. Although he is known to also flaunt other watch brands, he has always been a fan of Panerai. The actor has been seen wearing watches like Panerai Submersible and Marina in The Expendables and The Transporter.

Market Value of Panerai Watches

Panerai Radiomir

The mechanical legend since 30’s, a range of Panerai Radiomir watches have been introduced to the world. These watches come under one of the most luxurious collections by the brand.

Panerai Luminor

Panerai Luminor watches are known for their trustworthy feature underwater. These watches are collected by individuals that have a deep connection with watches and the sea. The watch collection falls under the minimalistic category as compared to the competitor brands that offer the same features in a higher price bracket.

Panerai Submersible

Panerai Submersible watches are the survival instruments along with being the fashion statement for many. These watches have a high retail value and few of the best limited edition watches have been launched under this collection that are owned mostly by big shots.

Watch Collections by Panerai

Over the years, Panerai watches have improved and conquered the world of collectors. These fine Italian luxury timepieces are known for their reliability, strength, and passion for the sea.

Radiomir

The first watch collection introduced by Panerai was the Radiomir. It witnessed a number of changes over time. In today’s Panerai Radiomir, many features of the prototype can be witnessed including a huge steel case in the shape of a cushion, wire lugs, luminescent indices and numerals, water-resistant strap, and hand-wound mechanical movement. This model evolved continuously and features like overlapping dial plates, resistant wire lugs, and folded and welded metal bars were introduced. Few of the best watches from this collection are Panerai Radiomir, GMT, 8 Days, and special edition Minute Repeater Tourbillon GMT.

Luminor

Panerai Luminor came into existence during the World War II. This watch collection featured a bridge with crown protection, reinforced wire lugs, cushion-like dial case, and a wide and flat bezel. In today’s time such models are called the Luminor 1950. Panerai Luminor Luna Rossa, Marina, Marina Carbotech, and GMT are amongst collectors’ favourites.

Panerai Submersible

Panerai Submersible was first introduced in 2011 with a bronze look. This collection had its own charm as it looked fine over time. This theory was linked to the message of the sea world with which the company had linked historically. Panerai Submersible Azzuro Limited Edition, Goldtech Orocarbo, and Bronzo are some of the most exclusive timepieces from this collection.