From secret military supplier to global icon. Panerai spent decades creating classified diving instruments for the Italian Navy before becoming one of the most distinctive luxury watch brands in the world.
Florence Origins
Giovanni Panerai opened his watchmaking shop in Florence in 1860. The store became an official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy, developing precision instruments and luminous dials for underwater missions.
Military Secrets
For decades, Panerai's dive watches were classified military equipment. The Luminor and Radiomir cases—now iconic—were designed for combat frogmen. The watches were so secret that even their existence wasn't publicly known until the 1990s.
Global Recognition
In 1993, Panerai released its first civilian watches. The distinctive cushion cases and crown-protecting bridge found an instant following. Celebrities like Sylvester Stallone helped catapult the brand to fame.
Key Collections
- Luminor: The crown-bridge icon
- Radiomir: Wire-lug heritage design
- Submersible: Professional dive watches
- Luminor Due: Slimmer everyday option
Today, Panerai is part of Richemont and manufactures its movements in Switzerland, but the Italian soul remains. The oversized cases and bold design continue to attract collectors who want something unmistakably different.