Panerai has a very distinctive aesthetic centered on a robust and minimalist design language, and the brand’s catalog includes a myriad of movements, some of which are produced in-house and others outsourced. In addition, Panerai watches are available in a wide selection of metals and straps. As a result, navigating the company’s extensive collection can be a challenge even for the most experienced collector. If you are interested in adding one of these watches to your collection, then read on for our Panerai buying guide which will help take the confusion out of buying your next watch.
Currently, Panerai’s catalog consists of four main collections: Radiomir, Luminor, Luminor Due and Submersible, and while the brand is constantly evolving and offering new technology, the core design of its original Italian replica watches remains. The similarities between these collections and the many models and variations that make up each collection can sometimes be difficult to distinguish, so let’s take a look at what makes each Panerai collection unique.
The easiest way to identify the Radiomir is its lack of a crown protector. Without Panerai’s signature oversized crown protection bridge, the Radiomir features a more refined design that is more in line with what some might consider a formal watch, despite the model’s fierce roots as a military dive watch.
There are several versions of the Panerai Radiomir, but all are part of the classic Radiomir or Radiomir 1940 collection, the former featuring an outward-facing crown and wire lugs, while the latter features thicker lugs and a cylindrical winding crown. The Panerai Radiomir takes its name from the radium-based luminescent material used in the original 1930s fake Rolex watches, and the entire case profile follows the same general design.
At the retail level, the price of a new replica Panerai watch starts at around $5k and rises with the use of more complex movements and quality materials. In general, you can usually find discounts on the pre-owned market, but there are certain Panerai models that are highly collectible and sell for much more than their original retail price on the pre-owned market.
The Luminor Marina is a very popular configuration of the Panerai Luminor. It is similar in design to the base logo model. Only now, the dial also has a seconds display on a subdial at 9 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock. The Luminor Marina also features a cushion-shaped case and the brand’s oversized crown-protected bridge.
Panerai Watches Ultimate Buying Guide
