There are a lot of watch manufacturers that claim to provide the best product for their clients. While it can be a subjective topic, numerous brands have their strategy in bringing in prospective customers: unique design, the price, its rarity—but Panerai shines through the competition as they have lasted in this industry for more than a millennium, only a few can claim to possess.
With that in mind, Panerai’s history will explain why ingenuity, perseverance, and a little luck are a good combo to have in any era you are in. Panerai can prove that it is a company cut above the rest just like the watches below.
Company’s Rich History
Officine Panerai is an Italian luxury watch brand founded by Giovanni Panerai in 1860 and got its fame when it became the Royal Italian Navy’s official supplier when it comes to precision equipment, including but not limited to depth gauges and compasses. They are also known to patent Radiomir, a substance made with radium that glows in the dark and was considered an incredible milestone for the company. It was used later on to create wristwatches, also named Radiomir, specifically made for deepwater diving for the Italian Navy.
Due to the Radiomir being dangerous for its radioactive properties (which was not known prior), the company replaced the hazardous material with Luminor, a much safer and more luminous medium than its predecessor, which they also patented. The watches had purposely limited quantities as they were a military secret at the time, but it is estimated that only 300 watches were made so their worth and rarity pretty much explain why it is regarded as extremely valuable among wrist watch connoisseurs.
In 1993, the company decided to sell their watches to the public. Although the sales were initially slacking, it was until American actor Sylvester Stallone stumbled across their store in Florence, impressed with the style, bought a couple of watches, and wore it during one of the movies he starred in; this was believed to be the catalyst for the company’s success in no time. With a much-needed push, Panerai has gained momentum that keeps going even to this day as they became one of the powerhouses in the watchmaking industry and they do not have any plans on relinquishing their title.
1. Radiomir Collection
Panerai Radiomir is what started the company’s first step into the watchmaking industry, and they are proud of it as this model became one of their staple lines. Only making a few models of Radiomir watches, limited options may leave you to pick for another Panerai model, its looks are what made this line a mainstay and its hardcore fans would agree to it.
Do not worry as the Radiomir today does not contain any materials that are harmful to the body, unlike in the past. Known for its classy yet contemporary design, this mechanical wonder kept its cushion-shaped casing, luminous dials, welded wire lugs, leather straps, and unprotected onion crown for this model’s line. Suitable for casual use and travel, the Radiomir line has more sophistication compared to other models. Boasting its 100-meter water resistance in its early models,
2. Luminor Collection
Considered an upgrade to the Radiomir line, this line also kept the fundamentals that made the Radiomir popular like the glowing dials but made some changes as they introduced a lever lock over its crown, a distinct trait that made this line of watches supremely well known for. This was the watch that gave the company the break-in needed to be the giant it is today, making over 80 variants, leaving you with several choices to pick the best one for you. Many people prefer Luminor over Radiomir and vice versa as each wrist watch has its unique take on how a watch should look, but at the end of the day, both watches provide the same thing but with different perspectives. Radiomir may undeniably have Panerai written all over it, Luminor has taken a more modern approach that may have catered to the collective public’s preference, making it the more all-rounder type.
3. Submersible Collection
This line may be a Luminor at heart, but the overall design will make you think otherwise. While the Submersible did break off from the Luminor collection but kept the crown protector, it is due to its focus on improving its original purpose: as a deep-water diving watch. With a robust base compared to the other models, they made a statement that not all water-resistant watches are meant for underwater escapades as the Submersible wants you to know. Although its main agenda is to be used as a dive watch, it can be used in conjunction with formal wear, nonetheless, as proven by other celebrities wearing it outside water-based activities.
In A Nutshell
Panerai does make large watches but it does not mean it alienates some people to wear it. There is just something with Panerai watches that entices people to buy them. As large men like Stallone and Schwarzenegger popularized the huge watch craze, other people with a smaller stature compared to them can pull it off. It’s all in the wearer’s confidence and fashion sense.
With a history and development like Panerai, it is no wonder they have lasted this long. Being a pioneer is no small feat. In the end, a watch may tell time, but a Panerai watch can tell history.
