For almost 150 years, Officine Panerai watches have set the standard for elegance and functionality. Originally established in 1860 in Italy, these watches have evolved to become some of the most sought-after timepieces by both collectors and individuals looking for the greatest combination of style and substance around.

Only the finest materials are used in the manufacturing of these watches and they are recognized all over the world for their ability to withstand deep water depths and for lasting for an astounding amount of time. These days, there are a variety of different styles and models to choose from, such as Panerai Radiomir, Panerai Marina, Panerai Luminor watch and many more, providing a wealth of opportunities for owning the perfect Panerai Pam watch for just about any watch connoisseur.

The story of Panerai watch began in Florence, Italy when Giovanni Panerai opened a small watch shop on the Ponte alle Grazie and started making precision mechanical instruments. Very soon, Giovanni Panerai earned a reputation as a very skilled watch maker. After his father died, Leon Francesco Panerai, Giovanni Panerai's son, took over the small workshop. Leon continued tradition that his father established for making the most precise and beautiful watches of his day.

At the same time when that Leon Francesco Panerai took over the watch shop from his father, his son started Guido Panerai and Figliothe to work on design and manufacture high-precision mechanical timepieces. The company soon became the official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy (Regia Marina Militare Italiana). This unique partnership between the Royal Italian Navy (Regia Marina Militare Italiana) and Guido Panerai and Figliothe soon became the cornerstone piece of the company's success.

The company was eventually renamed to Officine Panerai. Many of the current Panerai watch designs are influenced and inspired by this unique history and partnership. Panerai watches are still made to the exacting standards of earlier times.

In 1934, continuing the Panerai tradition, Giuseppe and Maria took over after the death of their father Guido Panerai. Giuseppe oversaw the military equipment division, while his sister, Maria Panerai, dedicated her life to the Panerai watch shop. Panerai watches, despite their durability and precision, were not sold to the general public. In fact, much of the technology developed was a guarded secret of the Italian Navy. These watches were only produced in small quantities and only made to order, typically only 30 at a time.

In 1935 Officine Panerai were commissioned by the Italian Navy to create watches for use underwater, specifically ones that could be read underwater. After some initial prototypes Officine Panerai delivered it's first product diving watches in 1938. These were fitted with Rolex movements (and Rolex crowns and case backs).

The watch makers at Officine Panerai progressively improved its designs, with increased luminosity of numerals and hands, and the now famous crown-locking device. Later models were fitted with an Angelus 8 day (marked "8 giorno") movement . The radioactive radium which gave such legibility to the Radiomir watch models was replaced with the distinctly less toxic compound "Luminor". This is how Panerai Luminor watch was born, one of the most popular models being Panerai Luminor Marina.

In 1992 Panerai produced a limited re-edition Mare Nostrum and Luminor (originally designed and produced as prototypes for the Italian Navy during World War II, but never produced due to the war ending). These two watches were so well received by the general public that they sold out almost immediately. This immediate success allowed Officine Panerai to enter the luxury watch market where they’ve become one of the major players over the past couple of decades. In 1993 Officine Panerai started to reproduce the Luminor, and the Mare Nostrum chronograph, targeting specifically the collector's market. These two models were produced only in very limited numbers.

In 1997 Officine Panerai were acquired by the Vendome group. Under the new bosses basically the same models were produced, still in small numbers. However in a clever marketing move, a few "unique editions" were produced each year, with an intriguing movement or case design.

For the past 5 years and running, Panerai has been the number one selling watch in the world. No other watch company can boast the complete and total sell-through of their inventories on an annual basis like Panerai. Ever since the Vendome Luxury Group, under the guise of the Richemont Group, took over the little Italian boutique watch company in the mid 1990's, Panerai, the company that once was nothing more than a tactical instruments company, has been setting industry trends in design, presentation and commemorative themes from which industry stalwarts like Cartier, IWC and Audemars Piguet are taking their cues.

Anyone looking for an exceptional timepiece need look no further than the choices offered by Panerai. They are excellent proof that a person does not need to spend a fortune in order to get a world-class watch. It is easily possible for a person to spend a great deal more money on brands that are less reliable and less stylish than these Italian masterpieces. Everyone from members of the military to socialites to businessman and craftsman can appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into each and every one of these fashionable timepieces.

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for someone or want to add a world-class watch to your own wardrobe, you owe it to yourself to check out the selection of Panerai watches. As soon as you open the box, you will understand why these timepieces have become renowned the world over and are synonymous with quality, style, and durability. Each model features a distinct design and they all are easy to recognize by their unique features and easy to read faces. They really do perfectly bland form and function like no other watch out there.

Many of the Officine Panerai watches available are rated for water resistant up to 100 meters, with Panerai Submersible being the more popular models offering especially impressive water resistance levels. This is almost unheard of in a luxury watch brand and is one of the reasons that many individuals rely on these watches not only as an excellent accessory that adds style to a wardrobe, but also as their perfect everyday timepiece. Whether it is a formal function or a trip into the wilderness, these watches are equally at home. When it comes to the perfect watch for every occasion, savvy shoppers need look no further than selection of high-quality timepieces offered by Officine Panerai.

Worldofluxuryus.com is proud to offer large selection of Officine Panerai watches including the Luminor, Luminor 1950, Luminor Chrono, Luminor GMT, Luminor Marina 1950, Luminor Special Editions, Radiomir, Radiomir 8 Days, and Radiomir Special Editions models.

Panerai Watch Novelties of 2011
Giovanni Panerai founded the luxury watch company, Officine Panerai, in 1860 in Florence, Italy. Quickly building a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Giovanni Panerai’s status as a fine quality watchmaker allowed him to be in touch with some of the most prestigious Swiss watch manufacturers.