Shop Panerai Watches | Pre-owned/unworn | Luminor, Radiomir & More

Shop Panerai Watches | Pre-owned/unworn | Luminor, Radiomir & More

Know your Panerai!

Panerai was launched in Florence, Italy, way back in 1860. From its founding date to this date, Panerai has reflected prestige and precision. The brand became notable for producing robust timepieces right from its early years of making watches for the Italian Navy. Today, Panerai combines its military heritage with Italian craftsmanship to create unique watches with oversized dials and luminous markings.

Iconic Panerai Watch Models

Model Key Features
Panerai Radiomir
  • Case Size: 45mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m
  • Materials: Stainless steel, gold
  • Unique Design Elements: Distinctive cushion-shaped case, wire lugs, and minimalist dial with luminous markers.
  • Movement: Manual or automatic options are available.
Panerai Luminor
  • Case Size: 44mm - 47mm
  • Water Resistance: 300m
  • Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic, titanium
  • Unique Design Elements: Iconic crown-protecting bridge, bold dial with large luminous markers.
  • Movement: Automatic with various complications.
Panerai Submersible
  • Case Size: 42mm - 47mm
  • Water Resistance: Up to 300m (some models up to 2500m)
  • Materials: Stainless steel, Carbotech, BMG-Tech
  • Unique Design Elements: Unidirectional rotating bezel for dive timing, robust case design.
  • Movement: Automatic with features like GMT and chronograph options.
Panerai Luminor Due
  • Case Size: 38mm - 45mm (thinner profile)
  • Water Resistance: 30m
  • Materials: Stainless steel, gold
  • Unique Design Elements: The slimmer case for a more elegant look while retaining Luminor characteristics.
  • Movement: Automatic with a focus on comfort and wearability.

*The Special Editions*

Special Edition Model Features Collectibility Factor
Submersible Chrono Paltrinieri Edition PAM01163
  • Tribute to swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri
  • Limited to 27 pieces
  • Blue rubber strap
  • Black ceramic bezel
  • Unique swimmer symbol on the dial
 Highly sought after due to its limited production and unique design, making it a rare find in the secondary market.
Submersible Chrono Guillaume Néry Edition PAM00982
  • Designed with freediver Guillaume Néry
  • Blue ceramic bezel
  • Gray textured dial
 Popular among collectors for its unique collaboration and limited availability, enhancing its desirability.
Luminor Submersible Bronzo (Various Editions)
  • Unique bronze cases with green or blue dials
  • Notable models include PAM00382 and PAM00671
 Collectors value these for their distinctive materials and limited runs, often appreciating significantly in resale value.
Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech PAM01563
  • Limited to 37 pieces, celebrating the Luna Rossa sailing team
  • 42mm Carbotech case, blue sun-brushed dial
 Extremely collectible due to its connection to the prestigious America’s Cup and very limited production.
Luminor Marina Regatta 2001 Special Edition PAM00107
  • Limited to 500 pieces, features a black rubber strap and black dial
  • Automatic movement with regatta timing functions
 Highly collectible due to its historical significance and limited numbers, appealing to both Panerai fans and regatta enthusiasts.

Panerai Price Range and Investment Value

Model Price Range Factors Influencing Price
Radiomir $4,000 - $32,000+ Materials (stainless steel, gold), complications, and limited editions.
Luminor $7,000 - $30,000+ Case size, materials (ceramic, titanium), and features like GMT or chronograph.
Luminor Submersible $5,700 - $20,000+ Water resistance, materials (bronze, Carbotech), and special editions.
Luminor Due $9,300 - $15,000+ Slimmer design appeals to different audiences; materials and complications affect pricing.
Submersible Bronzo $17,000 - $30,000+ Limited production and unique bronze material increase collectibility.

Value Retention

Investment Potential
Panerai watches are a good investment in the long run, particularly their limited and discontinued models.

Most of these watches hold their value or appreciation due to limited production and their high-quality construction.

Resale Value

The main reason is that limited editions normally generate higher resale values due to their exclusivity.

For instance, the Panerai Submersible Luna Rossa Carbotech PAM01563 is €18,400 and is a 37-piece edition, sure to get sold out almost immediately to anyone interested in the model.

Market Demand

Normally, Panerai special editions are in demand and increase their resale value. There may also be watches related to certain events or celebrities; examples include those that relate to the America's Cup. For these, larger interest would most likely increase their market value.

Fascinating Facts About Panerai

History and Heritage

Military Origins: Panerai was born in 1860 when an optician in Florence started supplying the Italian Navy with precision equipment.

During the 1930s, they developed special underwater watches for elite commandos or "frogmen."

Their most recognizable model for its durability and practicality underwater would be their first: the Radiomir.

Unique Materials

In 1916, Panerai patented Radiomir, a luminous material that enhanced visibility in low light conditions, and became a trademark in many of its watches. Further and further solidifying its place in military-grade watchmaking.

Special Design Features

Crown Guard: The Luminor features a very unique feature that is considered to be the crown guard, which enhances its water resistance by saving the crown from outer impact. Hence, it proves suitable for diving.

Radiomir Glow-in-the-Dark Technology: For its luminescent effect, early Radiomir models used radium, which enhanced the visibility of timepieces underwater.

Further models used Luminor, therefore, with a tritium-based material that was far safer but at the same time brighter.

Water Resistance Grades

  • Radiomir: 100-meter rating; recreational swimming only, unsuitable for deep diving.
  • Luminor: Usually resistant up to 300 meters; for diving.
  • Submersible Series: For professional diving, up to 300 meters, with features like rotating bezels to measure the dive time.
  • Luminor Due: Even more elegant, its resistance of only about 30 meters of water makes it less underwater.

Panerai Model Comparison

Model Water Resistance Materials Movement Types Case Sizes Design Details
Radiomir 100 meters Stainless steel, gold Manual, Automatic 42mm - 47mm Cushion case, wire lugs, minimalist dial
Luminor 300 meters Stainless steel, ceramic, titanium Automatic 44mm - 47mm Crown guard, bold dial, luminous markers
Submersible 300 meters Stainless steel, bronze, Carbotech Automatic 42mm - 47mm Unidirectional bezel-applied markers
Luminor Due 30 meters Stainless steel, gold Automatic 38mm - 45mm Slim profile, elegant design

Let’s Know The Panerai Model

Radiomir

What We Like

  • The cushion-shaped case and plain dial give it a classic appearance.
  • Easy to wear every day, it tends to be lighter than other models.
  • It has both manual wound and automatic versions.
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Luminor

What We Like

  • It is water-resistant to 300 meters, making it perfect for water sports.
  • This adds to the toughness of the watch and gives it a unique, rugged look.
  • There are many automatic versions of this, each with a host of added features.
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Submersible

What We Like

  • Designed with diving in mind. A great unidirectional bezel.
  • Constructed with solid materials such as titanium and Carbotech.
  • Pleasing for those who have an adventurous taste.
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Luminor Due

What We Like

  • The thinner case makes it easy to wear for both casual and formal events.
  • Keeps Panerai's classic look but with a touch of elegance.
  • Convenient self-winding feature.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Panerai Watches

Advantages of Panerai Watches

Durability

Panerai watches are resistant to shocks up to 5,000 g and have been tested from -40° to +90°C. Thus, their water resistance also makes them potent for diving or adventurous activities.

Top-notch Artisanship

It brings together Swiss watchmaking precision with Italian design. Each watch is carefully hand-finished, ensuring careful attention to detail with high-quality craftsmanship.

Iconic Design

The most striking features of the Panerai watches are bold cases, large dials, and luminous markers. Their crown guard and cushion-shaped cases are quite peculiar in the luxury watch category.

Collectibility and Value Retention

Many limited/special editions hold their value or appreciate in value. Rare models are always in demand by collectors; therefore, that boosts resale value.

Drawbacks of Panerai Watches

Large and Heavy Cases

Many of the models from Panerai are bulky, which is a bit uncomfortable for people with small wrists and unfeasible for daily wear.

High Price

Being luxury items, the timepieces by Panerai are sold at very high prices that could be unaffordable to most customers.

Limited Design Range

Not everyone likes the bold design created by Panerai. Some people feel that it is oversized, and not suitable for formal occasions when compared with other luxury watch brands.

What Sets Panerai Apart?

Heritage and Military Roots

The company Panerai had been established in 1860 and produced precise instruments for the Royal Italian Navy, such as creating military watches, including one of the most famous ones from the 1930s—the Radiomir. This watch had luminous material that was vital for the night operations and deep-sea missions of military troops, where the military history of Panerai plays a core role in modern-day inspirations of the watch design.

Innovative Materials

Exotic materials like Carbotech—a lightweight, robust carbon composite—and bronze, which takes on a unique patina with time, further highlight both durability and a modern, fashionable appearance.

Cultural Significance

Having been featured in films such as The Last Samurai, along with being worn by celebrities, there is a certain cultural cache with Panerai. Collectors covet limited editions and collaborations, which adds to the desirability of the brand within the luxury market.

In-House Movements

Including in-house movements, such as the eight-day power reserve provided by the Caliber P.2002, Panerai epitomizes technical precision and craftsmanship that cements its standing among the majors within the luxury watchmaking arena.

How Does Panerai Compare to Other Luxury Watches?

Feature Panerai Rolex Submariner Omega Seamaster Breitling Superocean
Durability High durability with stainless steel and titanium. Renowned for robustness; Oyster case design enhances durability and water resistance. Strong build quality; uses stainless steel and ceramic for scratch resistance. Built for extreme conditions; sturdy construction and high-grade materials.
Design Classic, bold, masculine aesthetic; cushion-shaped cases and large, legible dials. Timeless and versatile design; sleek, understated elegance. Sporty yet elegant; offers a variety of styles and sizes. Sporty and functional, often with bright colors and bold designs.
Water Resistance Typically up to 300 meters (e.g., Luminor); some models like the Submersible offer higher ratings. Water-resistant up to 300 meters; designed for diving. Varies by model, with some like the Planet Ocean rated up to 600 meters. Generally rated up to 500 meters, suitable for serious diving.
Brand Prestige Strong following among enthusiasts; known for unique designs and heritage linked to Italian naval history. Iconic status in luxury watches; is synonymous with prestige and reliability. Highly respected brand with a rich history in watchmaking; known for innovation (e.g., Co-Axial escapement). Well-regarded in aviation and diving circles; known for precision and functionality.

Panerai FAQs

Q1: What makes Panerai watches unique?

Powerfully incurred into massive style, the men's watches from Panerai feature large, well-readable dials and a unique cushion-shaped case. The construction itself of the "sandwich" dial, with its luminous layer underneath, brings in the signature look that is characteristic and enhances their unmistakable style.

Q2: Are Panerai watches suitable for diving?

The Submersible collection, introduced in 1998, was designed by Panerai as a "true diver" series with rotating bezels and high-depth ratings. Now independent, the Submersible models boast skeleton hands on the dial for better readability both underwater and in low-light conditions.

Q3: How do I choose between the Radiomir and the Luminor?

Unlike the wire lugs of the Radiomir, the Luminor featured much stronger integrated lugs made from the same metal block as the case, enhancing durability, hence allowing the watch to be more resistant to the tough conditions that military divers had to face.

Q4: Why are Panerai watches so large?

According to Panerai, the size of watches is quite big, adding a bold and rugged touch. Adding that particular factor is quite essential to bring in masculinity and robustness to the look of a watch. A watch, ideally, should cover up three-quarters of your wrist so that it does not look too big while delivering a strong presence.

Q5: What is the difference between Panerai’s Carbotech and standard materials?

Carbotech, says Panerai, is lighter than both and more resistant to corrosion, as well as hypoallergenic. Aesthetically, the material has an uneven matte-black appearance with an almost wood-grain-like texture that changes depending on the cut of the material.

Q6: How often should I service my Panerai?

It’s recommended to service your Panerai every 4 to 5 years.

Q7: Are Panerai watches limited edition?

Panerai has been known for its Special Editions, issued annually in limited quantities. These range from movements made in-house to manual and Valjoux movements. Many of these are presold to collectors and often sell for more than retail on the secondary market.

Q8: Can Panerai be worn daily?

The Luminor Due was launched in 2016 as a much more refined, versatile option for daily wear. The case is slimmer, but classic Panerai makes this an ultimate daily wear.

Discover Your Panerai

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