Panerai

Those who wear a Panerai on their wrist, calls attention to themselves with the watch's unique design. These impressive, large watches are descendants of models from the 1930s and 1950s. During this time, Panerai supplied the Italian Marines with their diving instruments. The crown protection on Luminor models is particularly striking. When closed, the frame around the crown presses down against it, securing it against the case and making it water resistant.

Actor Sylvester Stallone purchased a Slytech, a special Luminor series, for shooting the film Daylight. Arnold Schwarzenegger, action hero and the Terminator, is also a fan of this Italian brand. He wore a Luminor Marina in the film Eraser.

The Radiomir comes without any crown protection. The watch was Panerai's first and it has been part of their product palette since 1936. Officine Panerai – the company's full name – originally developed the watch for the Italian military. The 47-mm case brings the Rolex Oyster to mind, as the Panerai was based on this watch.

The 1940 and 1950 series pay homage to each respective decade and consist of retro watches with specific design characteristics. Panerai also offers chronographs, GMT watches, manual watches, and automatic watches, as well as complicated models with a tourbillon. One watchmaking highlight is the Radiomir 1940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT Oro Rosso with a GMT function, tourbillon, and minute repeater.

The Luminor is, without a doubt, one of the most famous watches in the world. Its distinctive crown-protecting bridge is its main, distinctive feature. Most versions have a case diameter of 44 mm, making these diving watches the perfect fit for a larger wrist.

Standard versions are known as the Luminor Base Logo Acciaio and have only two hands to display the hour and minutes. New, they cost around 3,500 euros. Top Luminor Marina models made of 18-karat red gold with an 8-day power reserve (192 hours) cost around 15,000 euros new. You can purchase a new stainless steel Luminor Marina for much less, around 3,800 euros. If you want a model that runs for longer than a week before needing to be wound again, you should be prepared to spend around 4,700 euros for the 8-day version. The diving watch version is available new for around 5,500 euros.

You can purchase a pre-owned Luminor, such as a Base or Marina, for around 3,200 euros. Gold variants cost around 13,000 euros, while limited editions can cost over 20,000 euros. Panerai Luminors have the advantage that they maintain their value over the years.

Panerai introduced the first Radiomir watches to the market in 1936. The timepieces were originally meant for the Marines. The design of current models is heavily reminiscent of the originals; they both have large cases ranging between 45 and 47 mm.

Above all, the Radiomir California 3 Days Acciaio (PAM00424) is a homage to the 1930s timepieces. The "California" in its name refers to its so-called California dial, which uses Roman numerals as hour markers on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom half. It also features a cushion-shaped case, an unprotected cone-shaped crown, and thin wire loop strap attachments. The Radiomir California is available for 4,800 euros pre-owned in very good condition; new, this retro watch costs around 5,400 euros. The 45-mm Radiomir Black Seal is a bit more affordable, costing only 3,500 euros pre-owned and 4,000 euros new.