Panerai entered the watchmaking industry in 1860 but it was not as successful as it is today. The founders and its watchmakers worked hard to reach the pinnacle of success. The giant corporation started as a small shop in Italy. It soon expanded its operations to include a workshop and the first horological training center in Florence. During the early 20th century, Panerai watches were only exclusive to the Royal Italian Navy. It only made its timepieces accessible to the public in 1916 when it patented Radiomir, a radium-based glowing paint. When it began establishing its presence in the global market, it didn’t reach a wider audience until it manufactured a civilian collection. It became so popular that Vendome Group acquired it and moved its production to Switzerland. If you want a watch with innovative maritime technologies, then Panerai watches are for you. Continue reading to deepen your understanding of the company.
The company manufactured four model categories
Before you became a part of the workforce, you probably imagined buying one Panerai watch as soon as you got the chance. You thought that the process you have to undergo was simple and easy. It only included earning enough money and going to the nearest jewelry store. But as you received your salary, and you visited online stores, such as The Watch Company, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of watches available for sale. You might not know what to choose from the four model categories, namely Radiomir, Panerai Luminor Due, Luminor, and Submersible. See the detailed description of each of the collections to know what they can offer.
- Radiomir Collection
The early timepieces under the Radiomir Collection became the talk of the town due to their highly radioactive radium substance. It happened because Guido Panerai Radiomir patented the luminous chemical mixture without having any idea that it was dangerous. Despite this, people in the vintage industry still patronized them. The company now manufactures the Radiomir collection with a completely safe Superluminova material.
The first Radiomir watch became accessible to the public in 1997 with a limited number of 60 pieces that were all in platinum. It had a 47 mm diameter but the newer models are now available in smaller case diameters. Its shape and bold crown made it a must-have for every watch collector and enthusiast. Even though the collection contains a variety of timepieces, they all remain true to the shape of the original watch. Besides that, the company manufactured all of its movements in-house. If you want to buy the most recognizable piece from the collection, then you might want to check out the PAM 210 or the simple Radiomir 8 days PAM 346.
- Luminor Collection
When the public knew about the highly radioactive material of Radiomir, the company replaced it with another collection named Luminor. The original models had large and robust cases with traditional cushion shapes. The Luminor was among the three collections launched in 1993 as the first models available for commercial distribution rather than for military use.
The company manufactured the older versions in only one size, measuring 47mm in diameter. However, the new models have a case diameter with a size ranging from 40 to 47 mm. This adjustment is necessary to entertain customers with smaller wrists. If you are eyeing luxury watches with a sporty look, high durability, and clear dial, the Luminor can provide it to you. Most watch collectors recommend the Panerai Luminor Marina PAM510 and PAM 590 if you are into vintage aesthetics. Aside from this, they have outstanding power reserves. Usually, the timepiece offered in the market today can only last for three days but the PAM510 AND 590 can serve their purpose for up to 8 days. Even Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jason Statham can’t resist wearing models from this collection. They contributed to the popularity of Luminor all around the world.
- Panerai Luminor Due Collection
The manufacturer used the historical Luminor collection as an inspiration for crafting the Panerai Luminor Due. It contains some of the most notable timepieces because of their modern functionality and aesthetics as seen from their flat housing and classic crown protection bridge. Its target market is people who love smaller, thinner, yet fancier wristwatches.
The Panerai Luminor Due 38mm and the Panerai Luminor Due 42mm are among the top picks of watch collectors. The former is a perfect option for you if you have a small wrist. Both models comprise a flat automatic movement with 4.2 millimeter high P.900 caliber. You can also change the bracelet easily because of its quick-release system. Take advantage of this feature whenever you feel like there is a need to change the color of the watch to better match your outfit. Another feature of these models is their resistance to water of up to 30 meters. Hence, you can expect that it can withstand the conditions underwater.
- Submersible Collection
If you are a long-time fan of Panerai watches, then you probably know its Submersible collection. Its appearance tells so much of the brand’s history while incorporating more technologically advanced materials. All of its models are resistant to the water of up to 300 meters except the red gold model that can only withstand 100 meters. Because of its luminous dial markers, you can easily check the time even if you are in the dark or great depth. Besides that, it also consists of a trademarked lever device that allows the timepieces to calculate the start time of immersion. The company commits itself to provide innovative and newly improved timepieces. As a result, it met the ISO 6425 standard which means that the company offers quality diverse watches.
In A Nutshell
Knowing the Panerai categories, as well as their descriptions, would help you identify where you will start looking for the perfect wristwatch for you. The knowledge you gained in this article would make the decision-making process easier and faster. If you want to know more about the models in each collection, visit TheWatchCompany.com now!