Panerai Watches

The Panerai Luminor traces its roots back to 1949, when the Florentine brand moved away from radioactive radium and patented a safer luminescent compound using tritium. This material inspired the name “Luminor,” soon applied to a new generation of dive watches designed for Italian Army. The Luminor stood out with its thick case, sandwich dial and protective crown-locking bridge which are elements that still define the model today. By the 1960s, Panerai equipped the Luminor with 8-day Angelus movements, showcasing technical refinement along with impressive endurance. Plexiglass exhibition casebacks were also introduced on some models, giving early collectors a rare view into the mechanics. Alongside watches, Panerai also crafted wrist-depth gauges and underwater lights for professional divers. The Luminor became synonymous with robust function and cutting-edge engineering, maintaining its status today as a cornerstone of Panerai’s new and preowned offerings across the world of luxury tool watches.

Originally developed in the 1930s for Italy’s Royal Navy, the Panerai Radiomir is one of the brand’s most enduring designs. Named after a radium-based luminous material patented in 1916, Radiomir made nighttime legibility possible for deep-sea missions. The first official prototype, produced in 1936, featured a wire-lugged 47mm cushion-shaped case adapted from a Rolex design, with simple, oversized numerals for clear visibility. By 1938, the Radiomir was in active military use. As the years progressed, Panerai introduced improvements like soldered wire lugs and integrated cases for better underwater resistance. Eventually, the Radiomir evolved into a civilian classic, retaining its core visual cues while adding advanced features like plexiglass casebacks and modern calibers. Today’s Radiomir watches still feel purposeful and bold, balancing Italian elegance with a no-nonsense tool-watch heritage.

The Panerai Submersible collection was born from a legacy of deep-sea innovation, tracing its roots to the oversized 1956 “Egyptian” model, which pioneered Panerai’s iconic crown guard and diving bezel. Originally launched in 1998 as part of the Luminor family, the Submersible became its own collection in 2019, focused entirely on professional-grade dive functionality. Each model features a unidirectional rotating bezel, extreme water resistance and a cushion-shaped case designed to endure underwater pressure. Bronze and titanium are frequently used for their durability and maritime connection, while select models feature Panerai’s advanced in-house calibers with features like flyback chronographs and eight-day power reserves. Submersibles are not just aesthetically bold, they’re engineered to withstand demanding conditions with confidence. With water resistance ranging from 300 to 1000 meters, this collection builds on a military past to serve a new generation of explorers who expect both function and form in their luxury sport watches.

Looking to sell your Panerai? Grand Caliber, Dallas's trusted luxury watch store, offers a seamless selling experience. Our experts provide fair appraisals based on your watch’s model, age, and condition, ensuring you get the best price. With free shipping, insurance, and a network of buyers, selling your Panerai watch is easy and secure. Get a quote today!