A brief history of the Panerai brand
Panerai was founded in 1860 in Florence, Italy, and is renowned for its fusion of Italian design and Swiss craftsmanship. Originally a workshop, shop, and watchmaking school, Panerai gained fame in the 1930s when it began supplying the Italian Navy with robust, highly legible underwater timepieces.
Iconic models like the Radiomir and Luminor featured luminous dials and oversized cases designed for underwater visibility. Today, Panerai maintains its reputation for bold, minimalist design, luxury craftsmanship, and a strong connection to maritime heritage, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
In the 1930s Panerai actually used Rolex movements in their watches
Panerai originally used Rolex movements in its early watches. In the 1930s and 1940s, when Panerai was producing military-grade dive watches for the Italian Navy, it partnered with Rolex to supply both the movements and the waterproof cases. These early Panerai models, like the Radiomir, featured Rolex’s manually-wound movements (often based on Rolex’s Cortebert Caliber 618), housed in Rolex’s iconic Oyster-style cases.
This collaboration allowed Panerai to focus on its specialty: creating highly legible, luminous dials using its patented Radiomir (and later Luminor) luminescent materials. By the 1950s, Panerai began to develop more of its own identity, and in later years, it transitioned to producing in-house movements. Today, Panerai manufactures its own high-end movements, but its early legacy is forever tied to Rolex.
Several celebrities and athletes have been spotted wearing Panerai, including:
Several high-profile celebrities have been spotted wearing Panerai watches, reflecting the brand’s association with luxury, style, and rugged elegance. Here are some of the most notable wearers:
Sylvester Stallone
Jason Statham
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tom Cruise
Ben Affleck
Russell Crowe
John Mayer
Heidi Klum
- Several UFC fighters including Michael Chandler, Daniel Cormier, Joe Rogan, and more.
Below is a list of our top 10 favorite Panerai models:
10. Panerai Luminor Automatic Grey Dial Men’s Watch PAM00755 – $6,200
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
25 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
38mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Luminor Due PAM00755 is a stylish and more compact timepiece that still shows Panerai’s iconic design while offering a smaller, more versatile form factor. This is a 38mm stainless steel case with a polished finish, making it one of the smallest Panerai models ever made. The cushion-shaped case is complemented by an anthracite grey “sunburst” dial with luminous stick hands and Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock. This refined design allows it to sit comfortably on smaller wrists, offering a sleeker alternative to Panerai’s larger models.
This is a great addition if you don’t want to deal with the mechanical hand-wind function and want something smaller from Panerai’s lineup.
9. Panerai Radiomir Men’s PAM00388 Stainless Steel Watch – $7,400
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
28 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
45mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Automatic (PAM00388) is a modern yet timeless nod to Panerai’s rich maritime heritage. Launched in 2012, it features the brand’s iconic Radiomir cushion-shaped case with a sleek 45 mm stainless steel build. The watch is powered by Panerai’s in-house P.9000 automatic movement, offering a generous 3-day power reserve. Its elegant black dial, adorned with a sandwich-style layout and luminescent markers, is paired with a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. The open case back reveals the inner workings of the P.9000 movement, making it a favorite for enthusiasts who appreciate both form and function.
This is another watch that does not require the manual hand-wind and pays homage to Panerai’s Radiomir heritage.
“Radiomir” was coined when they started using radioactive chemicals for a really strong glow affect. They no longer use radioactive chemicals.
8. Panerai Luminor Power Reserve Automatic Acciaio PAM01090
– $7,700
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
50 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
21 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
44mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Luminor PAM01090 is a modern interpretation of the classic Luminor design. It features a polished stainless steel case with the iconic crown guard, a hallmark of Panerai’s rugged maritime roots. The black dial is clean and legible, with luminous Arabic numerals and indices, while a power reserve indicator is positioned at the 5 o’clock mark. Powered by the Panerai Caliber OP XXXII automatic movement, the watch offers a 50-hour power reserve, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a date window at 3 o’clock. With its 44mm cushion-shaped case and 300m water resistance, this watch embodies Panerai’s tradition of durability and legibility for both professional and everyday wear
This is one of my favorites because of the power reserve which lets you know when you’re fully wound up.
7. Panerai Submersible Automatic PAM00973 – $8,700
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
23 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
42mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai PAM00973 Submersible is the first of the Submersible lineup on our list. This is a robust and stylish dive watch that embodies Panerai’s iconic design language. It features a stainless steel case with a 42mm diameter, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a substantial yet wearable size. The watch is powered by Panerai’s automatic P.900 calibre, a reliable movement known for its 3-day power reserve, 23 jewels, and an Incabloc® anti-shock device to enhance durability.
This watch is an excellent choice if you like to spend a lot of time in the water or participate in water sports like Scuba diving.
6. Panerai Radiomir PAM00346 Mechanical Hand Wind – $12,100
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
8 Days |
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Jewel Count |
21 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
45mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Radiomir 8 Days Titanio (PAM00346) is the first Panerai on our list with an impressive 8 day power reserve. This watch is known for its lightweight titanium case and power reserve, courtesy of Panerai’s in-house Calibre P.2002/9 movement. This 45mm watch features a minimalist, classic cushion-shaped case with a brown matte dial, luminous Arabic numerals, and index hour markers. The small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, combined with a see-through sapphire case back, highlights Panerai’s technical craftsmanship. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the PAM00346 blends robust functionality with timeless elegance.
The only drawback with this styling is it lacks the iconic crown guard, but that doesn’t take away from this being a fantastic watch bearing the iconic Radiomir name.
5. Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech Automatic PAM01661
– $12,800
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
31 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
44mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech™ PAM01661 is a more fun and unique color combination for Panerai. This is a striking representation of Panerai’s commitment to innovation and design. Its 44 mm cushion-shaped case is crafted from Carbotech™, a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant material exclusive to Panerai. The watch features a black “sandwich” dial with blue Super-LumiNova™ accents for exceptional legibility. This model houses Panerai’s in-house P.9010 automatic movement, offering a robust 72-hour power reserve. Equipped with a signature crown-protecting device and 300 meters of water resistance, the PAM01661 embodies Panerai’s maritime heritage while showcasing modern technical prowess.
4. Panerai Luminor 1950 Flyback Automatic PAM00580
– $14,700
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
37 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
44mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Luminor 1950s Flyback PAM00580 is a bold and technically advanced chronograph watch. Encased in a 44 mm Luminor 1950-style case, it features a flyback chronograph that allows for the reset and restart of the stopwatch with a single push of a button. The case is made from high-tech black ceramic, offering scratch resistance and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Inside, it houses the in-house P.9100 automatic movement, offering a 72-hour power reserve and 37 jewels. The dial features luminous hands and markers for legibility in low light, while the transparent case back reveals the intricate movement, underscoring Panerai’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship.
The ceramic casing and manual start/stop buttons make this a unique find among the Panerai lineup.
3. Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech PAM01616 – $17,900
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
31 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
45mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Panerai Submersible PAM01616 is a robust and stylish 47mm Submersible dive watch, made from Carbotech, a composite material that combines carbon fiber with PEEK to provide excellent strength while remaining lightweight.
The PAM01616 combines Panerai’s signature diving aesthetic with modern materials, offering exceptional durability and performance for underwater adventures, with a unique visual character due to the appearance of its Carbotech case.
2. Luminor Regatta Chronograph Automatic PAM01299
– $14,560
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
72 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
37 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
47mm |
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Where to Buy |
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This is the most out-standing of the Panerai watches on our list. The Panerai PAM01299 is a bold and distinctive piece from the Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback collection. Its key specifications include a power reserve of 72 hours, a jewel count of 37, and a chronograph function, allowing it to track elapsed time with high precision. The PAM01299 features a 47mm brushed titanium case, providing a rugged yet stylish look, and is water-resistant to 100 meters.
With its unique military green dial, luminous Arabic numerals, and chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, the PAM01299 is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate both style and functionality. The watch also features a rubber and alligator leather strap, enhancing its versatility.
1. Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT – $21,000
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
70 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
47 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
43mm |
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Where to Buy |
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This model incorporates the iconic crown guard, power reserve indicator, 8 day power reserve, and a GMT hand which allows you to track 2 time zones. This incorporates all the value and iconic styling of the Panerai lineup in one watch.
The case is made from 18 karat rose gold along with rose gold markers, and the watch has a water resistance rating of 100 meters (10 bar). The PAM00623 also has a black dial with luminous hour markers, making it both stylish and functional in various lighting conditions.
This watch is ideal for those who appreciate precision timekeeping and a bold design.
