Officine Panerai makes some of the most recognisable watches on the market today. Not one to cram its dials with over-complicated design flourishes, the Italian watchmaker prefers to take a more minimalist approach to design – instead, relying on its impressive nautical history and a signature design language that’s immediately recognisable.
Panerai was founded in Florence, Italy in 1860 by then-35-year-old Giovanni Panerai. The original shop was located at the iconic Ponte Alle Grazie bridge, but when his grandson Guido took over the business just 30 years later, it was relocated to Piazza San Giovanni, one of the main public squares in the city.
It was Guido who was responsible for developing Panerai’s famous Radiomir luminous material (and subsequent nomenclature) in 1915 and shortly after, Panerai was commissioned to make diver’s watches for the Italian navy. These watches were made in collaboration with Rolex and were huge, coming in at 47mm – a uniquely large watch diameter Panerai still offers today.
These days, Panerai produces a majority of its movements in-house and is well-known for its material innovations, such as its proprietary Carbotech and Fibratech compounds. Their Radiomir and Luminor luminescent compounds have since been phased out in favour of Super-LumiNova in recent years, due to their radioactive properties.
Panerai watches have secured a special place in the world of horology due to their hefty construction, use of innovative materials and their general aesthetic. They’re a true icon. We’ve rounded up some of the best Panerai watches currently available, although making such a shortlist was no easy task…
In this best Panerai watches article…
- Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta
- Panerai Luminor Chrono
- Panerai Luminor Logo
- Panerai Submersible Goldtech
- Panerai Radiomir GMT
- Panerai Luminor Due
- Panerai Luminor Chrono Goldtech Blu Notte
- Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel Verde Smeraldo
- Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel Grigio Roccia
- Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech
- Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica
- Panerai Radiomir 8 Days
- Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech
- Best Panerai Watches FAQs
Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta
Reference Number: PAM01270
Case Material: AISI 316L Polished Steel
Size: 40mm
Price: AU$11,100
The Luminor Marina Quaranta is arguably the best starting point for anyone trying to get into the brand. Panerai is known for its large case sizes, but this new model is a rather manageable 40mm: the smallest Luminor Marina in production, in fact. The sizing might be non-traditional but otherwise, it’s pure, traditional Panerai: a ‘sandwich dial’ (where the watch’s lume is recessed under the dial, creating a sandwiched appearance); small seconds and a date window at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively, plus that famous Panerai crown guard.
Panerai Luminor Chrono
Reference Number: PAM01110
Case Material: AISI 316L Polished Steel
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$15,300
Watch brands love to make chronograph versions of their popular dive watches, but often it can completely ruin the model’s aesthetic (and even functionality). That’s not the case here with the Luminor Chrono thanks to its elegant execution. Somewhat atypically, its chronograph pushers are mounted on the left-hand side of the case – as not to interfere with the Luminor’s classic crown guard. This chrono really is the best of both worlds. Another unique feature? It’s mounted on a hefty integrated steel bracelet, with a cool link motif that reflects the Luminor’s signature case design.
Panerai Luminor Logo
Reference Number: PAM01084
Case Material: AISI 316L Polished Steel
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$8,600
Want a more traditional (read: bigger) case size than the Quaranta but don’t want to break the bank? The Luminor Logo represents the entry-level point into the world of Panerai. It’s a pure, focused timepiece: hand-wound, time only, with a small seconds counter a 9 o’clock and the nifty Panerai arrow logo at 6 o’clock. You don’t get the ‘sandwich dial’ design common on more expensive models and as a result, the luminous material is painted onto the hands and markers instead – this may be a dealbreaker for some Panerai fanatics. For others, however, a 44m Panerai watch for a smidge under $8,000 is shockingly good value.
Panerai Submersible Goldtech
Reference Number: PAM01164
Case Material: Goldtech
Size: 42mm
Price: AU$42,200
Panerai’s Submersible collection used to be a sub-collection within the Luminor family, but in 2019 it broke out into its own, fully-fledged model line. A slightly more modern, utilitarian take on the Panerai formula, the Submersible is one tough cookie… But this one is both tough and luxurious. Panerai’s Goldtech is a unique alloy of gold, copper, and platinum that boasts a lustrous bronze-like red hue while being resistant to any oxidisation and corrosion when exposed to sweat or seawater – perfectly suited for aquatic adventures.
Panerai Radiomir GMT
Reference Number: PAM01144
Case Material: AISI 316L Polished Steel
Size: 42mm
Price: AU$11,800
For yet another take on the Panerai formula, why not try a Radiomir. Named after Panerai’s groundbreaking pre-WWII lume technology and featuring a case design that pays homage to the very first Panerais produced for European militaries, the Radiomir is a very retro watch perfect for stylish gents. Unlike many Panerais, this reference features a transparent caseback. Peering through the back and having a look at the movement is a joy that never gets old.
Panerai Luminor Due
Reference Number: PAM01042
Case Material: Polished Goldtech
Size: 42mm
Price: AU$28,600
Panerais are bold and brassy, and there’s no such thing as a ‘small’ Panerai – but the Luminor Due comes close. Yes, it might still be 42mm wide, but it’s only 4.2mm thin – tiny by Panerai’s normal standards. It’s the closet Panerai gets to a dress watch. While you can get it with a black dial, we’ve chosen to highlight the white-dial model as we feel it better complements the Goldtech case material. It’s got an air of sprezzatura that’s really quite compelling.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Goldtech Blu Notte
Reference Number: PAM01111
Case Material: Polished Goldtech
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$41,700
Speaking of Goldtech… Like the Luminor Chrono above but think it needs a little more pizazz? The
Panerai Luminor Chrono Goldtech Blu Notte is the timepiece for you. Blu Notte is Italian for ‘night blue’ and true to form, this watch has a mesmerising, sun-brushed, deep blue dial. It’s quite royal, really. Instead of an integrated steel bracelet, this bad boy comes with a Blu Notte alligator strap for added luxury. This is one classy chrono.Panerai Luminor Marina eSteel Verde Smeraldo
Reference Number: PAM01356
Case Material: Polished eSteel
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$13,400
At first glance, this Luminor Marina eSteel appears to be a normal Luminor… But appearances can be deceiving. 58.4% (or 89g) of its total weight is constructed from recycled-based materials. The Luminor Marina eSteel’s case and dial, as the name implies, is made from Panerai’s new eSteel, a stainless steel alloy that incorporates recycled materials. On top of that, the watches’ straps are made from recycled PET plastic, a common contributor to ocean pollution. It looks good while being good for the planet, while not compromising on performance, either.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro eSteel Grigio Roccia
Reference Number: PAM01288
Case Material:
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$16,400
Here’s another eco-friendly eSteel Panerai – this time, it’s a Submersible. This model features an attractive grey colour scheme and a cool dégradé dial that gets darker towards the bottom, a reference to how light gets more scarce the deeper you dive, as well as a high-gloss polished ceramic bezel – a first for Panerai. It’s also part of the new Submersible
QuarantaQuattro range, which as the name implies, features a ‘Goldilocks’ case size of 44mm.Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech
Reference Number: PAM01661
Case Material: Carbotech
Size: 44mm
Price: $21,100
Another model here that utilises a proprietary material – this time, Carbotech. Formed by binding together several thin layers of carbon fibre, the resultant product is stronger and lighter than both ceramic and titanium. It also, combined with the blue accents, gives this Luminor Marina a stealthy appearance not many other watches can match. The P.9010 calibre allows for independent hour-hand adjustment – leaving the minute hand stationary – along with a small seconds counter and date window.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica
Reference Number: PAM01298
Case Material: Black Ceramic
Size: 44mm
Price: AU$23,200
Ceramic might seem like a strange material to make a watch out of, but it actually makes a lot of sense: it’s light, tough, scratch-resistant and highly biocompatible. It also looks sick, which is exactly how we’d describe the Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica. It’s not just a pretty face, either. As the name implies, it’s a flyback chronograph, meaning you don’t have to stop the chronograph function to reset it – it’s capable of timing two things at once. Interestingly, the dial features calibrations for nautical miles, in line with Panerai’s nautical focus. On that note, it also features 100m of water resistance.
Panerai Radiomir 8 Days
Reference Number: PAM00992
Case Material: Patina Steel
Size: 45mm
Price: AU$12,900
The Radiomir 8 Days really dials the retro up to 11 with its rugged calf leather strap, onion crown and the use of an older typeface on the dial – but it’s actually a rather impressive watch by any modern standards. Its hand-wound P.5000 calibre, as the name implies, has a whopping 8-day power reserve. That’s more than just about any other luxury watch on the market (particularly at this price point) and means that you can go without wearing it all week and still have it keeping perfect time. That’s pretty cool.
Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech
Reference Number: PAM00799
Case Material:
Size: 47mm
Price: AU$23,600
Finally, we have the Submersible BMG-Tech. Like the Luminor eSteel above, appearances can be deceiving: this unassuming watch is crafted from BMG, or Bulk Metallic Glass. An exotic next-generation alloy, BMW is both much harder and lighter than steel while also being corrosion-resistant and antimagnetic. Add in 300m of water resistance and lume bright enough to conquer the depths and you get one capable beast of a watch.
Best Panerai Watches FAQs
Are Panerai watches a good investment?
Yes. Panerai watches are built to last and are widely considered a good investment. The company only uses high-quality materials and it shows in their products, making them a must-have for watch collectors. Panerai collectors, known as 'Paneristi', are a dedicated bunch – and will pay a hefty premium for particularly special models.
How long is Panerai warranty?
Panerai watches are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 8 years starting from the date you purchased it. This does not cover wear and tear or damage by inappropriate handling.
How to spot fake Panerai watches?
One usual difference between an original and a fake Panerai watch is the GMT hand. On original Panerai watches, the GMT hand reaches the outer edge of the dial, while the counterfeit is much shorter. The steel quality of a real Panerai watch is also shiny and bright compared to fakeries.
The post The Best Panerai Watches To Buy & Invest In appeared first on DMARGE.
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