Panerai
The luxury Italian watchmaker Panerai began as a humble watch retail and repair facility opened by Giovanni Panerai (1825–97) in Florence in 1860. By the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major supplier of seaworthy timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy — its Radiomir collection, named for the radium-based paint that was patented by Panerai in 1916 and used on its luminous dials, was especially popular for underwater military missions. Panerai watches are visually distinctive, and the brand's statement-making oversize models are a big hit with today's collectors.
In 1936, the first Radiomir watch powered by Rolex movements was presented to the Royal Italian Navy’s First Submarine Group Command; this design would go on to become one of the brand’s most iconic models with its luminescent numbers and large cushion-shaped steel case. (Panerai’s name, which is well-known to contemporary watch enthusiasts, is now essentially synonymous with behemoths up to 50mm.) Since then, the brand has introduced numerous models inspired by the ocean to meet the Navy's utility needs.
The Mare Nostrum model, which debuted in 1943, was a two-counter chronograph designed for deck officers. The self-illuminating tritium-based material Luminor was patented in 1949 and replaced the radium-backed Radiomir. The Luminor watches of the mid-century era, which also owed to military contracts, featured an innovative crown-protecting bridge. This is now one of Panerai’s oft-heralded design details.
In 1993, Panerai introduced its watches to civilian buyers. That year, the three designs that debuted to the general public — the Luminor, the Luminor Marina and the Mare Nostrum — saw Panerai effectively reimagining its historical models for the luxury market.
The company, which was acquired by the Richemont Group in 1997, continues to innovate, celebrating its 70th anniversary with a water-resistant diving watch with a luminescent dial inspired by French free-diver Guillaume Néry.
Today, Panerai is on the cutting edge of watch sustainability, with the Panerai Ecologico initiative including the almost entirely recycled Submersible eLAB-ID watch and a series of Luminor Marina models composed of a recycled-based steel alloy. Panerai manufactures its high-end, hand-wound watch calibers in a Swiss facility that opened in 2002, combining Swiss technology with its core elements of Italian design and a long, storied connection to the sea.
Find a collection of Panerai watches for sale on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $6,843 |
| Styles |
| Related Creators |
Early 2000s French Panerai
Steel
2010s Panerai
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Panerai
Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Panerai
Rose Gold
2010s Panerai
Early 2000s Swiss Panerai
Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Panerai
Titanium
2010s Panerai
Stainless Steel
Popular Searches
Panerai Sale Prices
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||
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| $6,843 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $4,795-$8,280 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
Creators Similar to Panerai
Panerai jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.
- Why is Panerai so expensive?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Panerai is so expensive because it is a revered luxury brand. Panerai timepieces are created from quality materials and the company’s offerings are also associated with reputable production methods. The brand’s innovative watch designs have rendered Panerai a celebrated brand. Shop Panerai watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Panerai better than Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending on what kind of watch you're looking for, one may be better than the other. For instance, if you want a highly functional sport watch, some of Rolex's models may be better for you. That said, the brands' watches are very similar quality-wise. The main difference is their appearances: While Rolex designs more traditional timepieces, Panerai is more contemporary and bold.
- Who wears Panerai?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024Many famous people wear Panerai. Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the best-known devotees of the Italian watchmaker and frequently sports various Panerai timepieces. Other notable people who have appeared in photographs wearing Panerai watches include Sylvester Stallone, Duane "The Rock" Johnson, Jason Statham, Bob Iger, Brad Pitt, Heidi Klum and Mike Piazza. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Panerai watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024Here are a few things that are special about Panerai watches. First, Panerai is on the cutting edge of watch sustainability, with the Panerai Ecologico initiative including the almost entirely recycled Submersible eLAB-ID watch and a series of Luminor Marina models composed of a recycled-based steel alloy. Also, Panerai manufactures its high-end, hand-wound watch calibers in a Swiss facility that opened in 2002, combining Swiss technology with its core elements of Italian design and a long, storied connection to the sea. Panerai is also known for producing watches with large, bold dials, many of which are very easy to read, even in low-light conditions and at night. Additionally, the company has a rich heritage that dates back to 1860 and it is a producer of watches for the Italian Navy. Explore a collection of Panerai watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Panerai worth the money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024Many watch lovers believe that Panerai is worth the money. The luxury Italian watchmaker began as a humble watch retail and repair facility opened by Giovanni Panerai in Florence in 1860. By the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major supplier of seaworthy timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy. Its Radiomir collection, named for the radium-based paint that was patented by Panerai in 1916 and used on its luminous dials, was especially popular for underwater military missions. Panerai watches are visually distinctive, and the brand's statement-making oversized models are a big hit with today's collectors. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Panerai watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Panerai watches and other watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023No, not all Panerai watches are made by Rolex. During the 1930s, Rolex partnered with Panerai and produced a line of watches for the Royal Italian Navy that bore the Panerai name. However, Panerai has been owned by the Richemont Group since 1977 and manufactures its own timepieces. Shop a variety of Panerai watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Panerai a high-end watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024Yes, Panerai is a high-end watch. However, the luxury watchmaker began as a humble watch retail and repair facility opened by Giovanni Panerai in Florence in 1860. By the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major supplier of seaworthy timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy. Its Radiomir collection, named for the radium-based paint that was patented by Panerai in 1916 and used on its luminous dials, was especially popular for underwater military missions. Panerai watches are visually distinctive, and the brand's statement-making oversized models are a big hit with today's collectors. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Panerai watches.
- Does Panerai make gold watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Panerai does indeed make gold watches. Depending on the style, the gold will be mixed with other alloys to create a certain look or to add durability to the gold itself. You can shop a collection of Panerai watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The price of a Panerai Luminor Submersible wristwatch varies with the model. On the lower end, it will likelyw cost around $3,000 and the price increases with different models. The price range currently on 1stDibs ranges from under $8,000 to over $15,000 for a Panerai Luminor Submersible watch.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024Many famous people wear Panerai watches. Among them are Sylvester Stallone, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Jason Statham, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham, John Mayer, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, LeBron James, Tom Hardy, Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Reynolds, Eddie Redmayne, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Ryan Gosling. Each year, Panerai's sales total more than $300 million. Shop a collection of Panerai watches on 1stDibs.