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.
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Panerai
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15th Century and Earlier Modern Antique Panerai
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15th Century and Earlier Swiss Modern Antique Panerai
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Panerai
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.