Introduction: Stretching back to 1860, Giovanni Panerai created his very own moment in time with the opening of his watch shop. Fast forward more than 150 years and he’s still doing the business. But what does the “Radiomir” inventor have in store? It’s time to reveal our pick of the best Panerai watches to buy and invest in 2023.
Dating back to the 19th Century, Panerai’s journey commenced when Signor Panerai opened his watch shop in Florence. He not only created and repaired watches but established the first school of watchmaking in the same city.
Patented in 1916, Panerai’s big claim to fame was his invention of “Radiomir”. Making Radium into a paste, he layered it to show through the hour markers on his watch. When it was discovered that it wasn’t very safe, it was replaced with a tritium based paint known as “Luminor”.
In 1936, Panerai was asked by the navy to create a tool watch for divers. The watch would need to be highly waterproof and offer plenty of lume when diving to deep levels. The luminosity was updated again in 2009 and was named Luminova.
With this military history behind the brand, Panerai is a unique and fascinating watchmaker that’s well worth investing in thanks to its military history. Here are some models to watch out for in 2023.
Luminor Marina
Source: Esquire
For watch nerds looking to buy a Panerai watch, look no further than The Luminor Marina. One of the go to timepieces that watch buyers new to the Panerai brand may like, this looks set to be a popular investment.
The 44mm case is finished with AISI 316L brushed steel and benefits from a polished bezel. The dial has rich black tones featuring Arabic numbers located at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. The date aperture sits nicely at the 3 o’clock position with a small seconds subdial at the 9 o’clock position.
The laser-cut dashes and numbers reveal the luminescence below the dial. Underneath the 12, you will find the words “Luminor Marina”. The word Marina indicates that there is a small seconds dial.
Setting the Time and Date
With a crown guard lever protecting the crown, The Panerai Luminor Marina also provides water resistance to an impressive 300 metres.
Manufactured from steel, release the lever to pull the crown out to the first position which changes the hour hand and date. The second crown position enables you to change both the minute and hour hands.
The Movement
This baby has an automatic and mechanical in-house movement P.9010. What’s more, you will find 31 jewels and an impressive 3 day power reserve.
The Strap
A black alligator leather strap is a snappy version that will entice newbies to this specific brand.
Panerai has a myriad of straps to choose from across a wealth of various materials and colours such as Scamosciato (suede) in dark brown, military green and Caoutchouc (natural rubber).
It might be a good idea to have a few to swap out depending on the look you want to achieve. Ideal as a dress watch or something to show off in the office, this Panerai has a simple, easy to change strap system.
Luminor Due Luna Goldtech
Source: Swisswatches-magazine.com
Made of Goldtech and at just 38mm, this is one of the smaller and dressier Panerai watches.
As polished as a Rolling Stones performance, Goldtech is Panerai’s own combination of 18 carat gold. Combined with copper and platinum, it prevents the metal from oxidising over time. The gleaming sheen can be seen across the bezel and dial, giving this timepiece a beautiful rose-gold hue.
The striking blue moon-phase complication is located at 3 o’clock. The colour from the moon-phase complements the blue of the alligator leather strap. The seconds sub-dial is located at 9 o’clock but it’s the white Mother-of-Pearl dial that oozes refinement and elegance.
The 12 and 6 are Arabic numbers while the rest of the hour markers are batons with a gold application and Luminova. This makes them glow a mesmerising green in low light conditions. The hour and minute hands are also gold plated.
The Movement
A P900 calibre is housed within this fine watch with a 72 hour power reserve. But you won’t be diving like Jacques Cousteau with this timepiece as it only offers 50 metres (164 feet) of water resistance.
Radiomir Minute Repeater Tourbillon GMT
Source: watchesbysjx.com
Measuring 49mm in diameter with Panerai’s highly polished Goldtech, this is a big, beautiful watch.
And at 10.35mm thick, it will look as sleek as David Beckham stepping out of the barbers. This one is not to be missed on the wrist. Don’t buy this watch if you don’t want people grabbing your wrist or twisting into embarrassing positions to get a peek at it.
But this watch has many distinctive features that it just can’t keep a secret. First up is the exhibition front and back allowing discerning watch fiends to view the movement from both sides.
The Chimes
Secondly, it chimes the hours and minutes on demand. Not too shabby Signor Panerai!
Not only that but depending on whether the watch is striking hours or minutes, there are different notes. There’s a low chiming sound for the hours, a medium-pitched note for ten-minute periods and a high-pitched tone for the minutes.
It is truly hypnotic especially when the chimes go to work.
The Dial
The hour markers are represented by Arabic numbers for the 3, 6, 9 and 12. There’s a 12-hour hand as well as a 24-hour hand for a second time zone. The small seconds hand is positioned at 9 o’clock.
The Movement
Powered by the hand-wound mechanical calibre P.2005/MR, The Radiomir PAM 00600 has a whopping 59 jewels, 96 hour power reserve and has 30 metres (98 feet) water resistance.
Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback
Source: www.analogshift.com
As manly as Gerard Butler running through the streets of Rome, this chronograph flyback watch pays tribute to Panerai’s military history.
With a 47mm circumference, The Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback is less than 10mm thick. As for the case, this is constructed out of brushed titanium while the bezel is made from polished titanium. Of course, Panerai’s iconic crown guard lever comes as standard.
The Chronograph
This specific model has a small seconds counter situated at 3 o’clock with an hour counter at 9 o’clock. You will find not one but two centre hands (one blue, one orange) counting both minutes and seconds for the chronograph function.
Two pushers on the left act as start/stop and reset the chronograph hand and on the right, beneath the crown, is a pusher for the Regatta Countdown.
Between the 1 and 12 points on the watch are 5 orange minute markers. As you push the Regatta Countdown button, the minute hand will jump backwards by one minute for each push. When you’ve got the correct number of minutes, start the chronograph.
Regattas vary in the number of minutes counting down to start, depending on the rules of the competition. But you don’t have to be sailing competitively to wear this watch. You can use the countdown for anything you like.
The Dial
The dial has black with orange accents with Arabic numerals for the 12 and 6 and batons for all other hour markers.
The Movement
Powered by calibre P.9100R. This flyback has an automatic, mechanical movement encrusted with 37 jewels. The 3-day power reserve is a decent offering and can be submerged to depths of 100 metres (328 feet).
If you want to make a splash with your brand new Panerai, we would only recommend using it for swimming, snorkelling or water sports activities like sailing or surfing.
Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience
For those wanting to buy a Panerai watch with a little machismo, this useful tool watch may just sway you.
Source:monochrome-watches.com
Enter our next contender, the Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience. This military-inspired design is a limited edition model with only 50 pieces produced. Therefore, it really is a hot horological property if you can get your mitts on one!
The watch design evokes certain military images such as a bird’s eye view of a helicopter, a portable military radio and the crosshairs of a rifle.
The Dial
A black dial with luminous dot-shaped hour markers is aesthetically pleasing.
Measuring 47mm in diameter, this watch gives first protection from bumps and scratches thanks to its DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating. This is rounded off with an anti-clockwise rotating bezel that’s marked at 5 minute intervals.
The 3 o’clock position has the chronograph hour counter subdial while the 9 o’clock point has a small seconds subdial. In addition there’s a chronograph seconds hand located at the dial’s centre.
The Movement
Powered by Panerai’s own P.9100/R automatic movement, it boasts 37 jewels with a 3-day power reserve. On the water resistance side, watch lovers can benefit from around 100 metres (328 feet).
The Bracelet
Made of natural rubber it sports a camouflage design of military fatigues in various shades of green.
Conclusion
So why would you want to buy a Panerai watch? You might be comparing Panerai watches to Rolex or Audemars Piguet and wondering which is the better investment. While investing in a Rolex is definitely the more famous brand, Panerai watches are rarer. Their designs are large, bold and easy on the eye.
Of the four collections Panerai offers, the Submersibles tend to hold or increase in value over the long-term. When you buy a watch, you want it to fit your lifestyle, your character - and your wrist! So make this decision first before reaching for that credit card.
Do you need a watch that can deep-dive? A second time-zone for travelling? An elegant watch for business or smart functions? Maybe you’re looking for a show-off timepiece such as the Radiomir Minute Repeater or the slightly understated yet elegant Luminor Marina? Any one of these picks would be a smart investment.
If you need guidance on which Panerai watch is best for you, contact the Chrono Hunter team for expert advice. Our highly knowledgeable team will guide you through the process about how to buy a Panerai watch. Benefit from personalised customer service and receive offers from a wide selection of the finest luxury watch retailers.
Further Reading:
Read more about Panerai’s history
Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter
If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.
Compare Offers from the world's most reputable luxury watch retailers.
Save Time.
Save Money.
Personalised Service.
Hassle-Free.
