Collection: Panerai

Panerai, officially known as Officine Panerai, is an Italian luxury watch brand founded in Florence in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai. Originally, Panerai began as a watchmaking workshop, shop and watchmaking school. The workshop served as the first watch shop in the city, offering high-quality watch repairs and manufacturing.

A significant turning point in Panerai's history was its collaboration with the Italian Navy in the 1930s. Panerai developed special precision instruments and diving watches for the Navy's elite unit, the "Gamma Group". These watches had to be extremely robust and legible to withstand the harsh conditions underwater. Some of the brand's most iconic models date from this period, such as the Radiomir, named after the luminous material developed on the basis of radium and known for its exceptional legibility underwater.

In 1949, Panerai introduced the Luminor luminous material, which was less radioactive and safer than radium. This led to the development of the Luminor collection, instantly recognizable by its distinctive crown protection bridge and robust case, features that remain characteristic of the brand to this day.

In the 1990s, Panerai experienced a resurgence under the management of the Vendôme Luxury Group, which later became part of the Richemont Group. The brand began to offer its watches to the civilian market and quickly found a loyal following among collectors and watch enthusiasts around the world. Models such as the Luminor and Radiomir became sought-after collectors' items.

Today, Panerai represents a perfect combination of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking, as all watches are manufactured in the factory in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The brand is known for its large, robust watch cases, clean and functional designs and the combination of tradition and innovation. Panerai remains an icon in the world of luxury watches, appreciated for its history, quality and distinctive aesthetic.

Giovanni Panerai, born in Florence in 1825, was a visionary watchmaker and the founder of the Panerai brand. In 1860 he opened the first watchmaking workshop, which also served as a shop and watchmaking school. This workshop was located in the Ponte alle Grazie, one of the historic districts of Florence. From the very beginning, Giovanni Panerai placed great emphasis on precision and quality, which quickly made him and his business famous.

Giovanni was not only a talented watchmaker, but also a shrewd businessman. He recognized early on the importance of collaborating with other leading watchmakers and suppliers from Switzerland to obtain the best components for his watches. This international orientation and his pursuit of perfection laid the foundation for the brand's later success.

In the early 1900s, Giovanni Panerai handed over the business to his grandson Guido Panerai, who established cooperation with the Italian Navy and promoted the development of specialized diving watches and precision instruments. This close connection with the Navy had a lasting impact on the brand's identity and resulted in some of the most famous watch models in history.

Giovanni Panerai died in 1897, but his legacy and vision live on in the Panerai brand. His core principles of superior quality, precision and innovation continue to guide the company today. Panerai remains a brand that has its roots in traditional watchmaking while integrating the latest technologies and designs to create watches that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Giovanni Panerai's work and dedication have left a lasting impact on the world of luxury watches. His name continues to stand for excellence and craftsmanship that have made Panerai one of the most respected watch brands in the world.

Panerai has developed some of the most distinctive watch models on the market. The Radiomir , first developed in 1936 for the Italian Navy, is known for its luminous dial that offers excellent legibility thanks to radium-based powder. The Luminor , introduced in 1949, is distinguished by its distinctive crown-protecting bridge and the use of tritium for the luminous numerals. The Submersible collection, originally part of the Luminor series, became its own line in 2019 and is known for its high water resistance and robust construction.

The Luminor Due is a more modern, sleeker version of the classic Luminor, ideal for formal occasions. Celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have worn Panerai watches in films, adding to the brand's popularity. These models and celebrity endorsement have made Panerai one of the most sought-after brands in the luxury watch industry.