In 1860 Italian watchmaker Giovanni Panerai opened up his first watch shop. He taught watchmaking and was an authorized dealer of top Swiss watch brands.

In the early 1900s, with Giovanni’s grandson Guido Panerai at the helm, Panerai started producing instruments for the Italian Navy and watches for the force’s combat divers. It was a relationship that would last until 1997 when the company was acquired by the Richemont Group and the entire military production branch of the company was closed. A year later, the first collection of Panerai watches, drawing inspiration from the Raiomir and Luminor models created for WW2 commandos, was presented to the public.

Panerai watches caught the attention of Sylvester Stallone when he was asked to wear one in the 1996 film Daylight. His endorsement proved a huge boost for the company and is credited with catapulting the brand to worldwide fame.

Everyone knows a Panerai when they see one - with a rich maritime history and an excellent mix between Swiss technology and unique Italian design with a larger-than-life aesthetic that is truly striking.