Officine Panerai is an Italian brand of watches owned by Richemont International SA. Its watches are currently manufactured in Switzerland with some movements designed and manufactured in-house. It is sought-after luxury products by collectors and loyal fans are known as Paneristi.

History

This venerable company was established in Florence in 1860, by Giovanni Panerai and his family. Giovanni is succeeded by his son, Leon Francesco. Grandson of the founder, Guido Panerai expands his grandfather's business and gives it new impetus, specializing in high precision mechanisms and becoming official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy.

It was probably under Guido's leadership that Panerai really achieved its most significant breakthrough, becoming official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy. This connection with the Navy was one impetus behind the company's research into luminous materials; luminous dials etc were of interest to the Navy for night time operations.

Brand Name : Panerai Luminor

Brand Name : Panerai Radiomir

Radiomir & Luminor

In the early twentieth century Panerai produced a luminescent material known as Radiomir. This was based around radioactive radium. In 1949 Radiomir was replaced with Luminor. This was based on tritium and Officine Panerai gained a patent for its invention.

Radiomir and Luminor have become the names by which Panerai's most famous models of watch have become known.

Slytech

1995 saw an unexpected match-up between Officine Panerai and actor Sylvester "Sly" Stallone. At the request of Stallone, Panerai introduced a special range of Slytech watches: The Slytech Luminor Submersible, the Slytech Luminor Daylight and the Slytech Mare Nostrum. These limited edition watches were engraved on the back with Stallone's signature and were worn by him in various movies.

Today

Vendome taken over Panerei in the year of 1997, Vendome has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Compagnie Financiere Richemont AG of Switzerland.

Panerai's rugged, actual watches remain well-known. Mike Horn became the first man to travel round the Arctic Circle on foot, skis, sailing boat and kayak. He journeyed 12500 miles. The rest of the expedition Mike Horn was wearing the Luminor GMT which helped the traveler to determine the north. The timepiece bearing the name Luminor GMT Arktos, features an automatic mechanical Panerai OP VIII caliber movement. It was honored to receive the COSC Chronometer Certificate.