Beyond the watch
Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future – one story at a time.
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Explore the history and legacy forging our identity
Going “Beyond the watch" means unlocking the doors to our heritage, shedding light on the milestones that have shaped our journey and showcasing the manufacturing expertise that enabled us to create precision instruments for modern heroes—all while staying true to the origins that define our identity.
Whether it’s exploring functional aesthetics, uncovering untold chapters of our history, or understanding the meticulous research and development behind every material and complication, going beyond the watch celebrates what truly matters: innovation, an unwavering pursuit of excellence, and timeless storytelling.
Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future – one chapter at a time.
New Episode
Episode: Manufacture Engineering - Laboratorio di Idee: the Novelties
Innovation meets astronomy, the Panerai Jupiterium celebrates Galileo’s groundbreaking observations.
This planetarium clock, composed of 1,650 parts, maps the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and its Medicean moons, with a 40 Days power reserve ensuring precision over time.
The Super-LumiNova® illuminated constellations bring the celestial sphere to life, embodying Panerai’s expertise in complex mechanics and innovation.
The Episodes
Episode: Panerai History - Travel back in time
Dating back to 1860, Panerai’s century-long story began in Florence at “Ponte delle Grazie” when Giovanni Panerai opened his watchmaker's shop.
The pivotal relationship with the Italian Royal Navy, established by the G. Panerai & Figlio, shaped the brand’s identity, as they supplied precision instruments designed to meet the Navy's exacting standards.
This collaboration laid the foundation for decades of innovation, driven by the rigorous demands of naval operations. The results included the introduction of the first prototype, Ref. 2533, in 1935, and followed by the development of a long power reserve, to address the evolving challenges faced by commandos of that era.
Episode: Functional Design - The rise of functional design
Since its origins, Panerai has been committed to over a century of innovation and development, where instruments were developed for performance and the design was functional, in response to evolving technical needs.
To meet the needs of the Italian Royal Navy, in 1916 the Radiomir patent was registered, a radium-based substance reaching high level of luminosity. In the following decades, to increase luminosity even further, a sandwich dial construction was introduced consisting of two superimposed plates designed to contain a large quantity of self-luminous material with the upper plate being perforated with the numerals and hour markers, ensuring an unparalleled level of luminosity.
The dials contained such a significant amount of self-luminous substance that underwater commandos often had to cover them with mud or seaweed during night operations to avoid being spotted.
Episode: Functional Design - Functional Design, Refined.
Clear numerals, the sandwich dial construction, luminosity, and a small seconds indicator ensured G.Panerai & Figlio's precision instruments functionality and reliability.
To guarantee water resistance, the winding crown was integrated into a lever device on the case. When lifted, it allowed the watch to be wound and adjusted; when closed, it pressed the crown tightly, preventing water penetration.
Since the first patent application in 1955, this innovation remains a defining feature of Panerai watches.
The OP Logo, with its dual arrows, symbolizes the brand’s dedication to creating precision instruments for underwater use and the furniture of landing aid systems for helicopters and aircraft carrier equipment.
Episode: The Emblem - Luminor Marina Evolution
The Luminor Marina has continuously evolved while staying true to its functional identity.
From the 1960s the model 6152/1, with its crown protecting device, sandwich dial, and robust 47mm case, to the 1990s with the model 5218-203/A, which introduced a sleeker 44mm case and the first Luminor Marina inscription.
In 1997, further advancements refined the design through models like PAM00001 and PAM00312.
Now, the legacy continues with the new Luminor Marina PAM03312, featuring enhanced water resistance and next-generation luminescence, pushing the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking performance.
Episode: Manufacture Engineering - Innovation and Technicity in Watchmaking
Panerai’s watchmaking expertise merges precision with innovation, offering advanced functions tailored for modern explorers.
The GMT function allows tracking of two time zones, enhancing practicality for global travelers. The Equation of Time complication with Panerai’s signature linear indicator at 6 o’clock reflects astronomical precision by displaying the difference between solar time and mean time displayed by the watch.
Pushing boundaries further, Panerai’s patented Tourbillon features the balance wheel axis perpendicular to the tourbillon cage's axis, minimizing the impact of gravity on timekeeping accuracy for improved performance.
Episode: Manufacture Engineering - Laboratorio di Idee: the Novelties
Innovation meets astronomy, the Panerai Jupiterium celebrates Galileo’s groundbreaking observations.
This planetarium clock, composed of 1,650 parts, maps the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and its Medicean moons, with a 40 Days power reserve ensuring precision over time.
The Super-LumiNova® illuminated constellations bring the celestial sphere to life, embodying Panerai’s expertise in complex mechanics and innovation.