Brand Focus: Officine Panerai

Officine Panerai are known for combining a passion for the sea with Italian design and Swiss technology. Their handsome watches have always pushed the limits and their innovations throughout the years make them truly fascinating watches.

So lets’ find out more about Officine Panerai…

Military Beginnings

It was in 1860 in Florence that Panerai opened their first space that served as a shop, workshop and the city’s first watchmaking school. It wasn’t long before their watchmaking skills were noticed and they became the official supplier of precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy - their iconic military watchmaking identity was established. This partnership has meant that Panerai will always have deep-rooted links to the sea and their military history is without a doubt part of their appeal. As Panerai put it, it’s ‘like owning a memento of an adventure’.

As time went on they made the move from military to consumer success and in 1993 they presented a collection that drew inspiration from the historical models that had been created for the World War II commandos. They continue a tradition of exceptional quality and each watch has a sporting character that’s unique and authentic. Their watches are stylish, combining sophistication with exceptional technical design and the handsome, distinctive watches are guaranteed to get noticed.

The Radiomir

In the early 1900’s Panerai developed ‘Radiomir’ a radium-based powder that would give luminosity to their devices, as well as high visibility and it also had excellent underwater adhesive qualities. Straight away it became a key element in their production, showing their talent for innovation. World War II saw the first prototype of the model, with the commandos of the First Submarine Group Command using them. Just ten prototypes were produced in 1936 and from then it’s been a constantly evolving model.

The Navy’s requirements soon changed and they needed a watch that could remain underwater in extreme conditions for long periods. This led to the Radiomir 1940 case, which is still popular today.

Today’s models still have some of the original features including the cushion-shaped steel case, luminescent numerals and a water-resistant strap that’s long enough to be worn over a diving suit. A Panerai Radiomir model is a really special piece of histosy.

The Luminor 

In 1949 a new self-luminous substance known as ‘Luminor’ replaced Radiomir. After the War Panerai continued their technical research and their next historical model to follow the Radiomir, the Luminor, was produced. Its characterizing feature is a crown-protecting bridge, which now makes it easily recognizable as a Panerai watch

The popularity of Panerai grew after Sylvester Stallone was spotted wearing a Luminor in his film ‘Daylight’. He also introduced the brand to his friends and Arnold Schwarznegger became a fan, wearing another Luminor in the film ‘Eraser’. It was these organic celebrity endorsements that helped to create such a buzz around Panerai, attracting the attention of watch-lovers all over the world.

Throughout the years Panerai has continued to expand the Luminor family and have developed a full range of models. The celebrated timepiece has a distinctive design and is the perfect way to join the legions of Panerai fans.

View the complete Panerai collecion online

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Til next time, Laings xXx