Switzerland embraces Italy: Panerai - A Belle Alliance of Watch History
A watch that combines Italianità with Swiss solidity and made watch history - that is very close to a legend. The PaneraiMare Nostrumor theLuminorare the flagship watches of the Florentine watch manufacturer, which has been producing legendary military and diving watches since 1860 and also launched the first watch with luminous hands in 1916. In 1860, Garibaldi formed the nation state of Italy – Giovanni Panerai opened hisOrologeria Svizzerain historic Florence. The authentic place can still be visited today. The trade in Swiss watches was followed 30 years later by the company being renamedOfficine PaneraiFor decades, it excelled in the manufacture of precision mechanical products such as compasses, depth gauges, timers and calculators. From 1913 onwards, the main customer of nautical precision instruments was the Italian Navy, a business liaison that continued like a thread throughout the company's history. With inventions and patents in the watch and optics sector, the path was laid for the production of the firstOfficine PaneraiWatches in 1936. But it would be another 60 years before the first public model series were presented. In the decades before, Panerai produced mainly for the Italian Navy combat swimmers and officers. This explains the choice of the large dial, on which all features could be read perfectly even under water. The invention of the luminous substance "Radiomir" (with radium component) led to the marine-suitable diving wristwatch of the same name, which was initially rigidly limited and produced in the strictest secrecy. Panerai added a rotating bezel to a further development of the legendary Radiomir and delivered it to the Egyptian Navy in the 1950s. In 1980, this was followed by the development of a water-resistant watch up to 1000 meters.diving watchin a titanium case.
Panerai goes civilian
In the 1990s, the watch manufacturer finally rose to the top with the presentation of the model series “Luminor Base”, “Luminor Marina” and “Mare Nostrum“ into the development of watches and diving chronographs, which were also aimed at private customers. Between 1938 and 1993, Panerai still incorporated Rolex movements into its models. After the takeover by the Richemont Group in 1997 and driven by the Panerai enthusiasm of its CEO Franco Cologni, in-house movements now ticked in model series that were based on the Panerai classics. For example, in theManufattura line, which amazed with technical finesse and sophistication. In the 1990s, the design and appearance, the oversized dial, the typical crown protection bridge were still considered unusual by the taste of the time, but the Panerai watches soon achieved cult status. Last but not least, the attention that film stars like Sylvester Stallone gave them boosted the value and image of the brand. TheLuminor Marine1000 copies were released for sale and were proudly worn on the wrist of Arnold Schwarzenegger in films such as "Eraser". Panerai style and message could not be personified more authentically.
Buying luxury watches online? Not without my Panerai!
Since the company produced models that were largely unknown to the general public until the 1990s, the rare examples from this period have multiplied their value today. Mainly traded at auctions, the potential for value appreciation is enormous, but also with the current Panerai models. Is it perhaps because a certain sparkle flashes in the eyes when you see them? Even without a name on the dial, the Panerai is immediately recognizable by its distinctive face, and not just for connoisseurs. A watch like a veteran, this Panerai.
Ticking masculine beauties
At the Geneva watch fair Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie2015, Officine Panerai presented its novelty “Luminor 1950 3 Days Flyback AutomaticCeramica"A chronograph, a masterpiece that succinctly embodied the brand's credo of "innovation, exclusivity, perfection". Its profile: case made of synthetic ceramic and zinc oxide, size 44 mm. Lightweight. Harder than steel. Corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, temperature-resistant, waterproof. The production of the black ceramic involves a number of complex shaping and processing steps until the absolute consistency is achieved in a firing process at temperatures of up to 1000 degrees. The matte, pleasant and skin-friendly surface achieves efficient glass bead blasting. Strong leather straps ranging from tobacco to chocolate brown pick up the hands' colors and emphasize the virile appearance of the Panerai luxury wristwatch. The "flyback function" of thechronographsThe functions “Stop”, “Reset to 0” and “Start” are achieved in just one operation. The new caliber P.9100 with its 302 individual parts is manufactured in-house in Neuchatel. The dial is made by abluechronograph second hand, a central coated minute hand and a date display positioned at 3. The busily working movement can be seen through a viewing window in the screwed case back. A unique piece, thisPanerai Luminorbased on the flagship from the 1930s. On the same occasion, the maritime-elegantMare Nostrum Titanio– the luxury watch of the Royal Italian Navy officers – made its sensational debut. Unlike its historic steel predecessor, it is made of titanium, its diameter of 53 mm is impressive and its movement requires manual winding. Like theLuminorit appears in just 150 individual pieces.
Other Panerai model series:Luna Rossa,Brabus,men,Marina Militare,Bronzo,women,Söder,Needed,Corrigia,Green,leather bracelet,Vintage,Automatic,Gold,Silver
