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Panerai Watch Collection
992 MATCHES FOUND
Panerai opened its first shop in Florence, Italy in 1860, and marked its historic beginnings by making diving watches, gauges, and compasses for the renowned Royal Italian Navy. Panerai watches were finally made available to the public in 1993, starting with the Luminor, Luminor Marina and Mare Nostrum. Today, Panerai watches are world renowned for their blend of Italian design, Swiss watchmaking and passion for the sea. Explore our Panerai watches for sale at SwissWatchExpo.
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Panerai Watches Collection
Large and hard-wearing luxury timepieces define Panerai. Their signature cushion-shaped case and unique crown-protecting bridge have transcended generations, and are instantly recognizable to any watch enthusiast.
Panerai traces its roots to Florence in 1860, where for many years the company supplied the Italian Navy with precision instruments. Created especially for the use of frogmen deep underwater, Panerai watches were, from the very beginning, created to survive extreme conditions and provide unparalleled legibility in the dark.
Today, the company develops and crafts its movements and timepieces at its Neuchâtel manufacture, linking its Italian design heritage with Swiss horological expertise.
After being made available commercially in 1993, Panerai watches became closely associated with action stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, paving the way for their mainstream success. Today, the famed Panerai Radiomir and Luminor are no longer pure military watches – they are loved by adventurers, creative minds, and watch lovers of all kinds. Explore our collection of Panerai watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PANERAI
Officine Panerai, or Panerai Workshops, traces its origins back to 1860 when watchmaker Giovanni Panerai opened his first watch shop in Florence.
For several decades, Panerai’s workshop offered watch services and acted as a watchmaking school, until the 1900s, when they began creating timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy. The company specialized in high precision instruments, such as navigation tools and mechanical computer devices, before eventually moving on to timekeeping.
It was in the succeeding decades that Panerai unveiled several innovations that would serve as the foundation of the brand. In 1916, Panerai developed a radium-based powder called “Radiomir” that could make the dials of instruments brighter and easier to read. Two decades later, with the World War II looming, the Royal Italian Navy commissioned Panerai to create a marine watch that was luminous and easy to read underwater. To bring these to fruition, Panerai approached Rolex, who enlarged their 26mm waterproof Oyster cases for Panerai. This first batch of Radiomir watches featured large cushion-shaped cases with wire lugs that we still see in today’s Radiomir watches.
With the advancements in luminescent materials, Panerai developed the Luminor in 1949, a tritium-based substance with lower emissions compared to radium. By convention, Luminor became the name of the new Panerai diving timepiece, which was characterized by its crown protection bridge.
After the death of Guido Panerai, Giovanni’s son, in 1972, engineer Dino Zei took over management of Panerai and continued to make instruments for the Italian Navy and military forces.
It was in 1993 that Panerai presented their first collection of watches for the civilian public, consisting of three models: the Luminor, Luminor Marina, and the Mare Nostrum. Inspired by historical models created fifty years earlier, they were targeted mainly towards Italian collectors.
Two years later, a lucky event took place that would eventually put Panerai on the map. While travelling in Italy, Sylvester Stallone came upon a Panerai boutique. He loved the watches so much that he requested for Officine Panerai to make a special edition, which he eventually wore in the 1996 movie Daylight. This also led to the production of a series of watches known as Luminor Slytech, after Stallone’s nickname “Sly”.
Since then, Panerai had seen a massive uptick of interest in the 1990s. In turn, this caught the attention of the Richemont Group (then the Vendôme Group) who acquired the brand in 1997. Panerai was launched on the international market the following year.
A huge part of Panerai’s success has been their highly recognizable design blueprint of robust luxury. Their collection has grown to include dressier and specialized pieces, but all remain faithful to the original Italian designs from the early 20th century.
ABOUT THE PANERAI WATCHES COLLECTION
Panerai’s current collection is more diverse than ever before. Each model they offer pays tribute to the early Radiomir and Luminor models, while catering to different needs, whether you are looking for a practical diver or something dressier. They are grouped into four families of watches:
RADIOMIR (1936)
Today’s Panerai Radiomir references the brand’s earliest military watches, built in the 1930s. The name Radiomir was adapted from their brand’s luminous radium-based paint, which was developed to make dials glow in the dark.
Radiomir watches are characterized by their curved and rounded case, oversized onion-shaped or flared crown, and thin wire lugs. As Radiomirs don’t have the crown-protection bridge, they are considered dressier than the Luminor models.
Within the collection is the Radiomir 1940, a modified version of the Radiomir which has thicker lugs made from the same block of metal as the case, and a cylindrical winding crown.
The Radiomir collection comes in 42, 45, 47 and 48mm case sizes. Styles include time-and-date, small seconds, GMT, power reserve and tourbillon functions.
LUMINOR (1950)
The Panerai Luminor was also named after the luminescent paint compound used on the brand’s watches. In 1949, Panerai switched from the radium-based Radiomir (which is now understood to be radioactive and toxic) to Luminor, a tritium based paint that is safer and more luminous.
Luminor watches are characterized by the signature crown-protecting bridge, which is easily Panerai’s most recognizable feature today. Aside from the bridge, it features integrated lugs and a cushion-shaped case with straighter edges.
Under the Luminor series are the Luminor Marina, which comes with a small seconds sub dial at 9 o’clock; and the Luminor 1950, which has more defined curves, a taller crystal, and a crown guard device marked “R.E.G. T.M.”
Luminor watches come in 42, 44 and 47mm case sizes, with time-and-date, small seconds, GMT, and perpetual calendar functions.
LUMINOR DUE (2018)
The Panerai Luminor Due line is a slimmer and more refined version of the Luminor watch. Due being the Italian word for two, it is positioned as the dressier alternative to the robust watches of the Luminor line. It features a slimmer case, more restrained proportions, and much lower water resistance (30 meters) which categorizes them as dress or casual watches, rather than dive watches.
Luminor Due watches come in 35, 42 and 45mm case sizes, with time-and-date, small seconds, GMT, and power reserve functions.
SUBMERSIBLE (2019)
The Panerai Submersible is a line of action-ready watches. It was originally part of the Luminor collection, and was made into a standalone line of dive watches in 2019. These watches come equipped with standard dive watch features, such as unidirectional rotating bezels and 300m depth rating.
Submersible watches come in 42 or 47mm case sizes, and are offered in cutting edge materials like Carbotech, BMG-Tech, and titanium.
PANERAI REFERENCE, CASE and SERIAL NUMBERS
Like other brands, Panerai uses numbers to document their sale and manufacture. Each Panerai watch can be identified using three different numbers: their reference or model number, their case number, and their serial number.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
The reference number identifies the watch model. This number often refers to watches with the same material, dial, and movement.
Panerai reference numbers are usually written out as PAMxxxxx, with PAM followed by randomized numbers. The first 2-3 digits are oftentimes zeros, so colloquially, watches are referred to without the zeros (e.g. PAM 541)
CASE NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER
The case number refers to the type of case used on the watch, while the serial number is assigned to just one unique piece. This can be viewed as a personal security number that no other watch has. It comes especially handy when leaving a watch to service, or when a watch has been stolen.
Both the case and serial number are engraved on the case back of modern Panerai watches. The numbers on the back can be identified as follows:
Case Number – line beginning with OP, followed by four numerals
Serial Number – line beginning with BB, and as of 2002, PB
Year Designator – beginning with a letter, which corresponds to its production year. A corresponds to year 1998, and so on.
No letter: 1997
A: 1998
B: 1999
C: 2000
D: 2001
E: 2002
F: 2003
G: 2004
H: 2005
I: 2006
J: 2007
K: 2008
L: 2009
M: 2010
N: 2011
O: 2012
P: 2013
Q: 2014
R: 2015
S: 2016
T: 2017
U: 2018
Production or Edition Number – indicates its sequence out of the total number of models produced for the year.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PANERAI
Panerai watches are sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts for their rich heritage and immediately identifiable aesthetic. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Panerai.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A PANERAI WATCH IS AUTHENTIC?
Aside from their unique, oversized design, Panerai watches are also known for their superior craftsmanship. If you see less than perfect details on a Panerai watch, such as unfinished edges, improper polish, and wrong markings and engravings, then it is likely a fake watch.
Before buying a watch, we advise clients to research about the features and product specifications of their desired watch in detail, so they can more easily spot a fake. The best way to avoid counterfeits is to only buy from a reputable watch dealer, who can provide a guarantee of authenticity on the timepiece.
DO PANERAI WATCHES HOLD THEIR VALUE?
Panerai is a product of long-standing history, Italian design heritage, and impeccable Swiss manufacturing standards. With all of these in spades, Panerai watches will remain in demand for years to come and retain their value well.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SERVICE MY PANERAI WATCH?
The service frequency depends on the usage of the watch and how frequently it is worn. In general, Panerai recommends complete maintenance every 4-5 years. If the watch is regularly used in water, Panerai recommends that you bring in the watch for maintenance every year.
These are only general recommendations, and there can be signs that your watch needs maintenance sooner rather than later. Here’s our guide on Signs It’s Time for Watch Maintenance.
WHERE CAN I HAVE MY PANERAI WATCH SERVICED?
Even robust watches like Panerai require routine maintenance to keep their value and performance. At SwissWatchExpo, we stand ready to provide loving care to your Panerai timepiece. At our state-of-the-art center, we offer a full range of services, from basic maintenance to major repairs and restorations, performed by expert watchmakers. Here’s more information about our comprehensive Repair Services.
HOW MUCH WILL SERVICING MY PANERAI WATCH COST?
The total cost of the service will depend on the model of your Panerai watch and its current condition. At SwissWatchExpo, we provide repair and maintenance estimates free of charge. When you send us your timepiece, it will first be examined by our master watchmakers, who will create a detailed cost estimate considering the condition of the watch, its history, and your request. Only when the cost is approved will the repair process commence.
BUYING A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PANERAI VS BRAND NEW PANERAI
Panerai is one of the most notable watch manufacturers in the world, with a rich past and strong links to the military. In fact, Panerai watches have been a top military secret until 1993, when it was finally made available to the public.
Among avid Panerai collectors, the most popular models to collect are vintage and pre-Vendôme era pieces, because of their rarity and historical significance. If you are looking to include these in your collection, then there is no better place to look than the secondary market. In the world of pre-owned luxury watches, you have a wider range of styles to choose from. It opens you up to rare references, limited or special editions, or models that are no longer in production.
Another benefit of buying pre-owned watches is that you get to join the exclusive club of Panerai collectors, for a fraction of the price. While some rare vintage watches appreciate in value over time, the general rule is that a pre-owned watch will cost less than a brand-new piece. Brands and styles that have previously been out of your price range become more accessible.
On the other hand, buying pre-owned doesn’t always mean buying older models. If you’re looking for current models and you want your watch to be as brand new as possible, pre-owned watches can be bought in mint and excellent condition. In fact, there are pre-owned watches being sold in their original packaging and kept unworn.
Whether the watch is vintage or current production, SwissWatchExpo commits to delivering the watches in “like new” condition. Our team of master watchmakers never let a single watch leave our workshop until it appears and runs like new.
Our guiding conviction is that buying pre-owned lets the customer enjoy the maximum value possible. When you’re ready for your Panerai watch, our trained and professional experts will happily assist you in finding the right timepiece.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PANERAI
A directory of the most frequently searched questions about Panerai watches.
BUYING A PANERAI WATCH
Is Panerai a good watch?
Among luxury watch brands, Panerai has a unique position of combining Italian design, Swiss watchmaking technology, and maritime heritage. Founded in Florence, Italy in 1860, Panerai has long established itself as a maker of military tool watches and supplier to the Italian Navy.
To meet the needs of their military end-user, Panerai watches are made of large and robust cases, and have high-visibility dials and shatter-resistant crystals. They are also boldly designed, making them the choice of collectors who want a high-quality watch with commanding presence.
How much does a Panerai watch cost?
People also ask: How much is a Panerai watch? / Why is Panerai so expensive? / Is Panerai overpriced? / How much is a Luminor Panerai? / How much is a Panerai Submersible?
The price of a Panerai watch depends on its model and material. As of 2022, retail prices fall in the following ranges for these particular models:
- Panerai Submersible - $8,900 to $46,000
- Panerai Luminor - $7,100 to $23,000
- Panerai Luminor Due - $6,300 to $25,500
- Panerai Radiomir - $5,000 to $11,200
Watches made of steel are the most accessible, and a major jump in price occurs when the watch is made of precious metals (such as gold, bronze, or platinum) and specially made materials like ceramic or Carbotech™, the brand’s signature carbon-based composite material.
Complications also drive the price higher. Time-only and time-and-date watches are the most basic, while watches with GMT, chronograph, flyback, and power reserve features cost more. Panerai watches with the tourbillon complication can easily reach six figures.
Purchasing your Panerai pre-owned offers several advantages. First is that you can get it at a significant discount versus retail. Like cars, a brand-new watch takes an initial depreciation after it leaves the showroom. By buying pre-owned, you potentially save thousands of dollars by avoiding this initial hit.
The pre-owned market also opens you up to a wider range of choices – including vintage, limited and special editions, and discontinued models. Styles that would otherwise be out of your price range become more accessible.
If buying pre-owned, other factors determine the price of the watch, such as age and condition, and the availability of boxing, accessories, and official documentation.
Do Panerai watches hold their value?
People also ask: Does Panerai hold their value? / Are Panerai watches a good Investment? / Are Panerai watches worth it? / Is Panerai worth buying? / Will Panerai hold value?
Panerai watches hold their value well due to their distinct, larger-than-life look, great heritage, and the growing preference for larger watches over time. Panerai watches will always be in demand due to their now iconic look and their relevance within the watch industry.
There are certain Panerai watches with better resale value. Historically important Panerai watches, such as those from its days as an Italian Navy supplier (1930s – 1950s); and Pre-Vendome watches (from 1993 to 1997) are highly sought after by collectors and thus tend to increase in value over time.
That said, while luxury watches like Panerai can retain a great deal of their value, not all watches do. This will all depend on the brand, model, demand, production volume, and condition of the watch – that’s why it’s not advisable to buy a watch for the sole reason of making a profit.
Are Panerai watches collectible?
Panerai watches are some of the most recognizable in the watch world, and special attributes make some of their models even more coveted. Some of the most collectible Panerai watches are the following:
- Vintage Panerai watches – watches from Panerai’s years as a supplier for the Italian Navy (mid 1930s – 1953)
- Rolex-made Panerai – watches manufactured by Rolex for Panerai (late 1930s – 1950s)
- Pre-Vendôme Panerai – watches produced by Panerai from their commercial release in 1993, until the Vendome group purchased Panerai around 1997.
- Ultra complicated Panerai – models such as the Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Skeletal (PAM 578) and Luminor Tourbillon 1950 Equation of Time Watch (PAM 920) are remarkably complex and have a very small production volume.
How can I tell if my Panerai is real?
People also ask: How can you tell a fake Panerai? / How can you tell a fake Panerai Luminor Marina? / How can you tell a fake Luminor Panerai? / How can you tell a fake Panerai Luminor Power Reserve? How can you tell a fake Panerai Radiomir?
Counterfeit watches become more sophisticated each year, that’s why it’s advisable to purchase only from reputable dealers, and to only have your watch authenticated at an authorized dealer.
That said, Panerai watches have unmistakable traits and knowing these can help you spot a counterfeit easily.
Panerai watches are known for their superior craftsmanship. If you observe less than perfect details on a Panerai watch – such as unfinished edges, incorrect or dull polish, and wrong markings and engravings, then it is likely a fake watch.
CASE CONSTRUCTION
There are four main Panerai case styles, and each style should match the model you are inspecting.
- Radiomir - curved and rounded case which doesn’t have the crown protector. A Radiomir has thinner “wire” lugs, while a Radiomir 1940 has thicker lugs integrated with the case.
- Luminor - comes with the curved and rounded case but this time with the crown protecting bridge. It’s considered the most modern looking of the Panerai cases because of its straighter edges.
- Luminor 1950 – resembles the Luminor in front, but the sides sweep back more gracefully. In most Luminor 1950 models, the acrylic crystal is domed.
- Submersible – these are professional diving watches, hence they have a rotating and marked 60-click bezel.
CASE ENGRAVINGS
Panerai watches have numbers on its case back that indicate the following details about the watch.
- Case Number – line beginning with OP
- Serial Number – line beginning with BB
- Year Designator – this is indicated by a letter that corresponds to its production year. The letter A is for watches made in 1998, B for 1999, and so on.
- Production Number – the production number of the model out of the total number of models produced.
PANERAI AS A BRAND
Is Panerai a luxury watch?
Yes. Officine Panerai is a renowned maker of luxury watches. Panerai watches are crafted by skilled artisans using top quality materials in their Neuchâtel manufacture. With a long history of watchmaking, and a reputation for building watches for the military, Panerai combines Italian design flair and history with Swiss horological expertise.
Is Panerai better than Rolex?
Panerai and Rolex are both renowned watch brands. As they offer the same level of heritage, quality, and craftsmanship, choosing between the two brands boils down to preference. Those who lean towards rugged, military tool watches with easily changeable straps may opt for a Panerai watch, while those who prefer a stainless steel tool or sports watch may go with a Rolex.
Is Panerai better than Omega?
Panerai and Omega are both members of a highly exclusive group of luxury watch brands. They both tick the boxes when it comes to heritage and history, craftsmanship, and prestige. That’s why choosing between the two brands is matter of preference and has nothing to do with quality. Those who lean towards traditional military tool watches with easily changeable straps may prefer a Panerai watch, while those who prefer stylish sports watches and limited-edition models may prefer an Omega.
Is Panerai losing popularity?
While it was introduced to the public in 1993, Panerai took off in popularity around the 2000s when world-famous actors and action icons Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger began collecting them, and wearing them in on-screen appearances. These unpaid appearances helped establish Panerai’s reputation as robust and action-ready timepieces.
With the on-going trend of larger watches, Panerai has also been increasingly favored by seasoned and budding collectors alike.
Panerai’s newest collection, the Luminor Due launched in 2016, introduced smaller and wrist-friendly 38 and 42mm sizes. These have expanded the reach of the brand to new markets such as women, and those who seek the hallmark boldness of the brand but with a slimmer case. This move has made Panerai even more popular with collectors.
Are Panerai watches made by Rolex? / Is Panerai owned by Rolex?
Officine Panerai, makers of Panerai watches, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Richemont Group, a Switzerland based luxury goods holding company. The company is headquartered in Geneva, and manufactures their watches in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
While Panerai is not owned by Rolex, these two companies do have common history. In the mid-1930s, Panerai was commissioned by the Italian Navy to create marine watches for the frogmen of their First Submarine Group Command.
To create these watches, Panerai turned to Rolex, which had already created a waterproof case in 1926 called the Oyster. Rolex modified its 26mm Oyster case into larger sizes for Panerai, and supplied them with a 17-jewel pocket watch movement, the Rolex 618.
Who wears a Panerai watch?
Panerai watches are preferred by those who seek a bold and robust watch with maximum wrist presence.
Panerai’s oversized and utilitarian style also makes it the top choice of Hollywood action stars like Sylvster Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, and Dwayne Johnson. While they are not signed by Panerai as ambassadors, they have contributed greatly to the popularity of the brand through on-screen appearances and by wearing the brand in real life.
Panerai also has its own collector community, popularly known as the Paneristi. The community has 30 local hubs worldwide, and many of them gather for an annual convention held in a different city every year.
