Panerai

Panerai is an Italian luxury watch brand known for its robust diving watches and distinctive luminous dials. The company began in 1860 when Giovanni Panerai opened a watch shop in Florence, which later became the city’s official retailer and workshop for the Royal Italian Navy. In the 1930s and 1940s Panerai developed specialized instruments and watches for naval divers, featuring luminescent dials and large, easy-to-read displays.

Two hallmark designs emerged: Radiomir, introduced in the 1930s, with a cushion-shaped case and wire lugs; and Luminor, introduced in the 1950s, notable for a crown-protecting bridge that improved water resistance. The Radiomir and Luminor families reflect design evolution and remain central to the brand’s identity.

After a period in which Panerai watches were produced in limited quantities for military customers, the brand was acquired by Vendôme S.A. in 1997 (the parent of Cartier). The new ownership and Richemont later helped broaden distribution and revive production, moving much of the manufacturing to Switzerland and introducing a range of wristwatches to civilian markets, including limited editions.

Panerai's current catalog spans the Luminor, Radiomir, and Submersible diving watches, emphasizing robust construction, legibility, and distinctive case shapes. The brand uses mechanical movements, with some models featuring in-house calibers developed for several lines and a mix of sourced movements in others. Panerai operates a global network of boutiques and continues a tradition of precision timekeeping alongside heritage-inspired design.