Panerai
About
Officine Panerai is an Italian luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai in Florence, Italy. The company is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA. While the brand was founded in Florence, its watchmaking operations are now based in Neuchatel, Switzerland, where it operates its own manufacture.
Panerai's early history is closely tied to the Italian Navy, for which it served as a supplier of precision instruments and diving watches. The brand developed luminous material technologies for underwater visibility, first using radium-based compounds and later its own proprietary luminescent material. The cushion-shaped Luminor and Radiomir cases, originally designed for Italian Navy combat divers in the 1930s and 1940s, have become the brand's defining design elements. The Luminor's patented crown-protecting bridge device is one of the most recognizable features in modern watchmaking.
Core collections include the Luminor (featuring the crown-protecting bridge), Radiomir (wire lugs and a simpler case design), Submersible (professional diving watches), and Luminor Due (a thinner, more versatile version of the Luminor). Panerai produces in-house movements at its Neuchatel manufacture, including the P.9010 automatic caliber with a three-day power reserve.
Panerai watches are typically produced in larger case sizes, traditionally 44mm and 47mm, though the brand has expanded its range to include 38mm and 42mm options. The company has also introduced watches using sustainable materials, including recycled steel and eSteel.
Retail prices generally start at approximately $5,000 and extend to over $100,000 for tourbillon and special-edition references. Panerai operates boutiques worldwide and sells through authorized retailers and its own e-commerce platform.
Panerai's early history is closely tied to the Italian Navy, for which it served as a supplier of precision instruments and diving watches. The brand developed luminous material technologies for underwater visibility, first using radium-based compounds and later its own proprietary luminescent material. The cushion-shaped Luminor and Radiomir cases, originally designed for Italian Navy combat divers in the 1930s and 1940s, have become the brand's defining design elements. The Luminor's patented crown-protecting bridge device is one of the most recognizable features in modern watchmaking.
Core collections include the Luminor (featuring the crown-protecting bridge), Radiomir (wire lugs and a simpler case design), Submersible (professional diving watches), and Luminor Due (a thinner, more versatile version of the Luminor). Panerai produces in-house movements at its Neuchatel manufacture, including the P.9010 automatic caliber with a three-day power reserve.
Panerai watches are typically produced in larger case sizes, traditionally 44mm and 47mm, though the brand has expanded its range to include 38mm and 42mm options. The company has also introduced watches using sustainable materials, including recycled steel and eSteel.
Retail prices generally start at approximately $5,000 and extend to over $100,000 for tourbillon and special-edition references. Panerai operates boutiques worldwide and sells through authorized retailers and its own e-commerce platform.
Luxury Watches
Panerai is an Italian-born watchmaker with roots in supplying precision instruments to the Italian Navy. The brand is defined by its cushion-shaped Luminor and Radiomir cases, originally designed for military divers. Collections include the Luminor, Radiomir, Submersible, and Luminor Due. Panerai produces in-house movements at its Neuchatel manufacture. Watches are known for their bold proportions and luminescent dial technology.
Brand Details
Brand Tier
High Luxury
Price Range
$5,000 - $150,000+
Founded
1860
Headquarters
Florence, Italy
Parent Company
Richemont
