Officine Panerai manufactures some of the most recognisable timepieces in the world. Once exclusively made for the military, these exquisite luxury wristwatches have become extremely sought-after in recent years, and make fantastic investment opportunities.
This boom in popularity has caused the brand to rocket in value, with many people asking the question, are Panerai watches worth the money? Here are our thoughts on the matter.
A Brief History of Panerai
The story of Panerai begins in 1860 when Giovanni Panerai opened his watchmaking school and shop in Florence, Italy. Over the years, the brand established itself as a key player in the Swiss watch industry.
Panerai was also adept at making precision instruments, and held a contract with the Italian Navy. The company was most notably commissioned to create a product that added “next level” luminosity to the dials of sighting instruments and devices. In response, the brand invented and patented Radiomir. Such was the success of the substance, Panera was then asked to make a wrist watch that utilised this groundbreaking material.
The brand then went on to update their catalogue, and once its contract with the Navy expired, started to produce its timepieces for the general market. While the initial reception was lukewarm, Panerai went on to build a cult following and is now regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury watchmakers.
Are Panerai Watches Worth the Money?
There is no doubt that Panerai watches can be extremely expensive. But, as with most things, you are definitely getting what you pay for. The brand is synonymous with quality and is steeped in history and tradition. With this in mind, here is why we believe that Panerai watches are worth the money.
Consistency
Aside from the general design and finishing (which are obviously extremely important), consistency is something that every watch enthusiast will be looking out for. This could be in terms of marketing, wearability and quality. Panerai excels in all of these areas.
Although the timepieces are now Swiss-made, they have always remained true to their Italian roots. If you compare their very first wristwatches to the most recent models, you will see that they have remained remarkably similar.
With each new addition to the Panerai collection, you can almost preempt what you are going to get, and be safe in the knowledge that you will be able to rely on its quality. While this may be disappointing for those who like a little more excitement and surprise, this ideal for people who like their luxury watches to be stylish and reliable.
Versatility
There is a Panerai watch for every kind of watch enthusiast. Each model also offers a variety of straps in different materials and colours to make your timepiece your own. Whether it is a calf strap, alligator strap, rubber strap or textile strap, there is a wide array of options to suit every mood or occasion.
In fact, Panerai was a bit of a trend setter in this department. The brand was actually responsible for the tendency to swap around straps, with most watches being sold with an additional strap to change your look whenever you want. Some models even come with an innovative quick release system that allows you to replace your strap, without needing to use a tool.
Style
Panerai watches have a unique style that makes them instantly recognisable. Their larger-than-life aesthetic is truly striking, meaning they can be easily spotted from a distance. The classic dials appeal to a wide variety of people.
Fans of more rugged timepieces will equally be pleased with the Panerai style. The watches can make you feel you have something really special on your list, something that exudes military precision. Because of this, Panerai watches not only command attention, but also command respect.
Status
If you are looking for bold statement pieces, Panerai watches are definitely for you. They are large and imposing in nature, and complement any outfit perfectly – whether it is a smart suit or casual shirt and jeans.
Panerai watches have also become somewhat of a status symbol. They know how to attract attention, and people are usually unable to stop themselves from commenting on the beauty of these unique timepieces.
Like many luxury watchmakers, Panerai has a number of high-profile fans. Action movie stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger actually helped boost awareness of the brand, while other celebrity aficionados include Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson.
Enthusiasm
While every luxury brand can be said to have a cult following, perhaps none will be as devoted to the cause as Panerai’s. Dubbed the ‘Paneristi’, they regularly hold events and have dedicated trading networks and websites. This gives you a ready-made and enthusiastic audience if you ever decide to sell your watch, making it an extremely valuable investment opportunity.
Why Buy Second Hand Panerai Watches from Blowers Jewellers
If you are looking to purchase a pre-owned Panerai watch, Blowers Jewellers is here to help. We are the destination of choice for aficionados and collectors alike, and are committed to helping our clients find their ideal item of jewellery.
All of our second hand Panerai watches are hand-picked by our team, ensuring they are of the highest quality. You can even see them in person if you would like, either by visiting our boutique in Kingston Upon Hull or making an appointment at our office in London’s Mayfair.
We understand that purchasing a luxury watch or other item of jewellery is an extremely personal experience. This is why we will take the time to learn about your tastes and requirements, before recommending what we believe is the best option for you. Our team is dedicated to offering an all-encompassing service, so you can take advantage of our expertise whenever it is needed. It is this holistic approach that sees clients return to us time and again.
For more information about how Blowers Jewellers can help you, contact a member of our team today or visit us in store. We will do everything we can to assist.