Panerai -- Design inspiration originating from the sea

Today, almost all high-end watches in the world come from Switzerland. Other countries cannot rival them in either manufacturing craftsmanship or brand history. However, Panerai, with its hundred percent Italian pedigree, is an exception. Over the years, Panerai watches have become coveted collector's pieces for discerning individuals due to their exquisite craftsmanship and distinct style.
    The Panerai brand was founded by Giovanni Panerai in 1860. In that year, Giovanni Panerai established a watch workshop in Florence, Italy, producing timepieces and precision instruments. The products manufactured by the Panerai factory possessed professional functions for measuring time and space, with superior quality and extraordinary safety standards. By the end of the 19th century, Panerai had become an official supplier designated by the Royal Italian Navy.
    In 1910, Panerai developed luminescent material and applied it to instrument dials, sights and other devices. This technology obtained patents in Italy and several other countries. During the First World War, the luminescent devices for gun sights, timing devices, depth gauges, compasses and underwater detonator timers used by the Royal Italian Navy were all produced in Panerai's factory.
    In 1938, Panerai produced the Radiomir wristwatch for the Royal Italian Navy, capable of withstanding extremely harsh environments. This timepiece was equipped with a Rolexmanual-winding movement, and its luminescent dial could clearly display the time in dark underwater conditions. It was also from this year that the Radiomir wristwatch officially became a permanent dedicated product for the Royal Italian Navy, with every naval commando wearing a Panerai wristwatch. Following the end of the Second World War, Panerai's naval wristwatches were favoured by collectors, quickly becoming prized items sought after by collectors worldwide.
    At the request of the Egyptian Navy, Panerai specially produced an oversized Radiomir wristwatch in 1956. The unique feature of this wristwatch was its movement, which boasted a power reserve of up to eight days, alongside a rotating bezel graduated in five-minute intervals. In the same year, Panerai also obtained a patent for a crown protection device. This device could lock down the crown to achieve enhanced water resistance. In 1980, Panerai designed a wristwatch capable of withstanding pressures at a depth of 1000 metres underwater. The case of this watch was made from titanium, and the dial and hands were inlaid with micro-tubes containing tritium, delivering exceptional luminescence.
    In 1993, Panerai watches transitioned from military to civilian use, and their oversized cases and rugged style immediately swept the globe. In 1997, Panerai was acquired by the global luxury goods giant, Swiss Richemont Group. After taking over Panerai's watch production, the Richemont Group strongly promoted its global sales and in 1998 first launched mechanical automatic professional diving watches, dual-time wristwatches and power reserve indicators showing remaining energy in the international market.
    Although Panerai has expanded into the global market for less than 10 years, it has already entered the ranks of the world's top watches, becoming a globally renowned high-end sports watch brand. Currently, Panerai produces only around thirty thousand watches a year and has a total of over 380 branches worldwide, with dedicated boutiques also established in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China.