Panerai - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Panerai is an Italian watch brand that combines technical ingenuity and daring design. Founded in 1860 in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, it was originally a small watchmaker, but it quickly gained international fame thanks to its collaboration with the Italian Royal Navy. During the Second World War, Panerai supplied diving watches and precision instruments to the Italian Navy. Panerai watches of this era, such as the Radiomir and Luminor, were known for their large size, exceptional readability and robustness.

In 1993, Panerai launched its first collections aimed at the public, including the Radiomir and Luminor models. These watches, inspired by the original military models, quickly gained popularity, particularly among collectors and diving watch enthusiasts.

In 1997, Panerai was acquired by the Richemont group, which allowed the brand to develop and become known in the international market. Today, Panerai is known for its bold and innovative watches, which remain true to the brand's naval heritage.

What are the main models of the Panerai brand?

Panerai Radiomir

The Panerai Radiomir, with its stainless steel case, leather strap, hand-wound mechanical movement and easy-to-read dial, is a true icon. Its water resistance up to 10 ATM makes it a reliable diving watch. There Radiomir is also known for its distinctive design, with Arabic index and stick-shaped indexes coated in luminous material.

Panerai Luminor

The Panerai Luminor, another flagship model, perhaps the best known, is distinguished by its robust case, its leather strap, its mechanical movement and its patented crown protector, iconic of the brand, which ensures exceptional water resistance up to 30 ATM away. The dial, easy to read with its Arabic numerals and luminous stick indexes, is one of the most recognizable design elements of the Luminor. The model is available in numerous versions, with power reserve, GMT or chronograph function. Many personalities have worn Panerai Lumirnor, such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, thus contributing to the reputation of the brand and its powerful character.

Panerai Luminor Marina

The Luminor Marina is another flagship model from Panerai that has won the hearts of watch enthusiasts around the world. This watch features a sturdy stainless steel or titanium case, water resistant up to 30 ATM, making it a great choice for diving and other water activities. The automatic mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability, while the strap, available in leather or rubber, adds a touch of comfort and style.

The dial of the Luminor Marina is one of its strong points. It features the brand's signature luminous indexes and Arabic numerals, ensuring excellent readability even in low light conditions. One of the unique features of the Luminor Marina, compared to the Luminor, is the small seconds at 9 o'clock, adding a touch of sophistication to this model.

Panerai Submersible

Panerai also launched the Submersible, a dive watch with a stainless steel case, rubber strap, automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring diving time. The dial of the Submersible is also coated with luminous material for optimal readability underwater. It features the iconic crown protector of the Panerai Luminor model. This model has almost become inseparable from the South African-Swiss adventurer Mike Horn who is one of the brand's most important ambassadors.

Panerai Mare Nostrum

The Mare Nostrum is an emblematic Panerai watch which offers a chronograph with a more sober design than the Lunimor in particular. It was originally designed in 1943 as a deck watch for Italian naval officers, although only a few prototypes were produced at that time. The contemporary Mare Nostrum is a faithful reinterpretation of this classic design.

The case of the Mare Nostrum is made of stainless steel and is waterproof up to 5 ATM. It has a leather strap for optimal comfort and a vintage look. The hand-wound mechanical movement ensures exceptional precision and reliability. The dial, with stick indexes and luminous hands, is easy to read. A chronograph function adds practical utility to this classic design.

Panerai Luminor Due

The Luminor Due is a thinner and more refined version of the famous Luminor. With its stainless steel or rose gold case, water resistance of up to 30 meters and leather strap, the Luminor Due offers casual elegance. Its automatic movement offers remarkable precision, while the minimalist dial with luminous indexes and hands is easy to read. Panerai thus gives itself the means to attract a clientele different from these historical models intended for adventurers.

Panerai: The Brand of Paneristi!

Whether it's the Mare Nostrum, with its vintage look and chronograph operation, or the Luminor Due, with its sleek and elegant design, Panerai offers a diversity of models to satisfy the tastes of every watch lover. To learn more about these watches and other Panerai collections, I recommend checking out their website. Also, don’t forget to check Dialicious customer reviews for additional information when making your choice. Panerai is owned by the Richemont group, in the same way as Cartier or Jaeger-LeCoultre in particular, and produces around 70,000 watches per year, all models combined.

Check out the Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands, including Panerai.

(Updated August 2023)