Panerai

History of Panerai Watches

Panerai watches are often referred to as “art in motion”, and are popular with watch enthusiasts worldwide.  The company’s origins date back to 1860 in Florence, Italy.  Giovanni Panerai opened his first watchmaker’s shop which not only served as a store but also as the city’s first watchmaking school.  Soon after its opening, Panerai moved the shop to its current location Piazza San Giovanni and changed the name to Orologeria Svizzera.

Panerai’s first major contribution to the watch world in 1916 with the introduction of Radiomir. The Royal Italian Navy had a need for being able to see in dark underwater condition. Panerai met this need by creating a radium-based powder that was highly visible and had excellent underwater adhesive qualities.  The company had been supplying the Italian navy with technical equipment and precision instruments for years.  In 1936, Panerai released their first Radiomir concept wristwatch. These watches were made for the frogman commandos of the first submarine group of the Royal Italian Navy. The prototype watch possessed many of the features that the Radiomir of today does, including its large 47mm cushion shaped stainless steel case and luminescent numerals and indices. In 1949, the Radiomir was replaced by the Luminor, which is still the company’s most popular model.

Panerai mainly produced divers watches for the military between 1938 and 1970.  They produced a total of 1600 watches during this time.  All Panerai watches were manufactured by Rolex SA using pocket watch movements from Swiss manufacturer Cortebert.  The one exception to this was Panerai’s model GPF 2/56, which the company produced in-house. The production of the first professional diving watches is largely credited to Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex, and Giuseppe Panerai of G. Panerai e Figlio.  By 1970, the company had ceased its production for the Italian Navy, as it was no longer cost-effective.

In 1993, Panerai changed its focus and launched its first line of watches targeted at the civilian market. This year marked the creation of the first Officine Panerai line of watches. The company offered 3 different models initially including the Luminor, Luminor Marina, and Mare Nostrum. In 1997, the Richemont group acquired Officine Panerai and repositioned the company as a major luxury watch brand. In 2005, the company produced its first in-house movement. That year also marked the beginning of Panerai’s relationship with Ferrari.

Panerai watches still live up to their reputation as “art in motion”. They are highly regarded amongst watch aficionados, and the brand has made immense strides since being acquired by the Richemont Group.  Many of their current models still hold close ties to the company’s roots as a professional divers watch. Their exquisite design and dedication to excellence make their timepieces truly one of a kind.