Table of contents:

Top Panerai Watches to Buy and Invest in 2024

UPDATED APRIL 2024

Stretching back to 1860, Giovanni Panerai created his very own moment in time with the opening of his watch shop. Fast forward more than 150 years and he’s still doing the business. But what does the “Radiomir” inventor have in store? It’s time to reveal our pick of the best Panerai watches to buy and invest in 2024.

Dating back to the 19th Century, Panerai’s journey commenced when Signor Panerai opened his watchmaking shop in Florence. He not only created and repaired watches but established the first school of watchmaking in the same city.

Patented in 1916, Panerai’s big claim to fame was his invention of “Radiomir”. Making Radium into a paste, he layered it to show through the hour markers on his watch. When it was discovered that it wasn’t very safe, it was replaced with a tritium based paint known as “Luminor”.

In 1936, Panerai was asked by the navy to create a tool watch for divers. The watch would need to be highly waterproof and offer plenty of lume when diving to deep levels. The luminosity was updated again in 2009 and was named Luminova.

With this military history behind the brand, Panerai is a unique and fascinating luxury watch brand that’s well worth investing in thanks to its military history.

Sure, it may not have the sales record of Rolex or the illustrious catalogue of Patek Philippe, but it’s a perfect entry point for horophiles with room to expand into some truly brilliant models. Here are some models to watch out for in 2024.

Luminor Marina

Source: Esquire

For watch nerds intending to buy a Panerai watch, first up is The Luminor Marina. One of the go to timepieces that watch buyers new to the Panerai brand may like, this looks set to be a popular investment.

The 44mm case is finished with AISI 316L brushed steel and benefits from a polished bezel. The dial has rich black tones featuring Arabic numbers located at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. The date aperture sits nicely at the 3 o’clock position with a small seconds subdial at the 9 o’clock position.

The laser-cut dashes and numbers reveal the luminescence below the dial. Underneath the 12, you will find the words “Luminor Marina”. The word Marina indicates that there is a small seconds dial.

Fit for Golden-Globe winners and James Bond villains alike, this is a timepiece that transcends one styling and can be worn for most occasions.

Setting the Time and Date

With a crown guard lever protecting the crown, The Panerai Luminor Marina also provides water resistance to an impressive 300 metres.

Manufactured from steel, release the lever to pull the crown out to the first position which changes the hour hand and date. The second crown position enables you to change both the minute and hour hands.

The Movement

This baby has an automatic and mechanical in-house movement P.9010. What’s more, you will find 31 jewels and an impressive 3 day power reserve.

The Strap

A black alligator leather strap is a snappy version that will entice newbies to this specific brand.

Panerai has a myriad of straps to choose from across a wealth of various materials and beautiful colours such as Scamosciato (suede) in dark brown, military green and Caoutchouc (natural rubber).

It might be a good idea to have a few to swap out depending on the look you want to achieve. Ideal as a dress watch or something to show off in the office, this Panerai has a simple, easy to change strap system.

Hopefully there won’t be an 8 year waiting list like for some Patek Philippe models!

Luminor Due Luna Goldtech

Made of yellow Goldtech and at just 38mm, this is one of the smaller and dressier Panerai watches.

Source: Swisswatches-magazine.com

As polished as a diamond, Goldtech is Panerai’s own combination of 18 carat gold. Combined with copper and platinum, it prevents the metal from oxidising over time. Buy a watch like this and enjoy the gleaming sheen across the bezel and dial, giving this timepiece a beautiful rose-gold hue.

The striking blue moon-phase complication is located at 3 o’clock. The colour from the moon-phase complements the blue of the alligator leather strap. The seconds sub-dial is located at 9 o’clock but it’s the white Mother-of-Pearl dial that oozes refinement and elegance.

The 12 and 6 are Arabic numbers while the rest of the hour markers are batons with a gold application and Luminova. This makes them glow a mesmerising green in low light conditions. The hour and minute hands are also gold plated.

The Movement

A P900 calibre is housed within this fine watch with a 72 hour power reserve. But you won’t be diving like Jacques Cousteau with this timepiece as it only offers 50 metres (164 feet) of water resistance.

Radiomir Minute Repeater Tourbillon GMT

Source: watchesbysjx.com

Measuring 49mm in diameter with Panerai’s highly polished Goldtech, this is a big, beautiful watch.

And at 10.35mm thick, it will look as sleek as Tudor ambassador David Beckham stepping out of the barbers. This one is not to be missed on the wrist. Don’t buy this watch if you don’t want people grabbing your wrist or twisting into embarrassing positions to get a peek at it.

But this watch has many distinctive features that it just can’t keep a secret. First up is the exhibition front and back allowing discerning watch fiends to view the movement from both sides.

Dark enough to suit Batman and carrying enough power to make this skeletonised piece almost vibrate, could this be a potential investment for you horophiles? We’ll not be surprised if avid watch collector John Mayer adds this to his safe!

The Chimes

Secondly, it chimes the hours and minutes on demand. Not too shabby Signor Panerai!

Not only that, but depending on whether the watch is striking hours or minutes, there are different notes. There’s a low chiming sound for the hours, a medium-pitched note for ten-minute periods and a high-pitched tone for the minutes.

It is truly hypnotic especially when the chimes go to work.

The Dial

The hour markers are represented by Arabic numbers for the 3, 6, 9 and 12. There’s a 12-hour hand as well as a GMT style 24-hour hand for a second time zone. The small seconds hand is positioned at 9 o’clock and there’s a tourbillon near the top of the dial.

The Movement

Powered by the hand-wound mechanical calibre P.2005/MR, The Radiomir PAM 00600 has a whopping 59 jewels, 96 hour power reserve and has 30 metres (98 feet) water resistance.

Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback

Source: www.analogshift.com

As manly as Gerard Butler running through the streets of Rome, this chronograph flyback watch pays tribute to Panerai’s military history.

With a 47mm circumference, The Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback is less than 10mm thick. As for the case, this is constructed out of brushed titanium while the bezel is made from polished titanium. Of course, Panerai’s iconic crown guard lever comes as standard.

The Chronograph

This specific model has a small seconds counter situated at 3 o’clock with an hour counter at 9 o’clock. You will find not one but two centre hands (one blue, one orange) counting both minutes and seconds for the chronograph function.

Two pushers on the left act as start/stop and reset the chronograph hand and on the right, beneath the crown, is a pusher for the Regatta Countdown.

Between the 1 and 12 points on the watch are 5 orange minute markers. As you push the Regatta Countdown button, the minute hand will jump backwards by one minute for each push. When you’ve got the correct number of minutes, start the chronograph. Very Rolex Yacht-Master, Panerai!

Regattas vary in the number of minutes counting down to starting, depending on the rules of the competition. But you don’t have to be sailing competitively to wear this watch. You can use the countdown for anything you like. Who knows, maybe Panerai will lay down a tachymetric scale and make a Formula 1 timepiece…

The Dial

Powered by calibre P.9100R. This flyback has an automatic, mechanical movement encrusted with 37 jewels. The 3-day power reserve is a decent offering and can be submerged to depths of 100 metres (328 feet).

If you want to make a splash with your brand new Panerai, we would only recommend using it for swimming, snorkelling or water sports activities like sailing or surfing.

The Movement

Powered by calibre P.9100R. This flyback has an automatic, mechanical movement encrusted with 37 jewels. The 3-day power reserve is a decent offering and can be submerged to depths of 100 metres (328 feet).

If you want to make a splash with your brand new Panerai, we would only recommend using it for swimming, snorkelling or water sports activities like sailing or surfing.

Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience

For those wanting to buy a Panerai watch with a little machismo, this useful tool watch may just sway you. The Submersible portfolio has more top models Rolex reference number list, but this may be our favourite!

Source:monochrome-watches.com

Enter our next contender, the Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience. This military-inspired design is a limited edition model with only 50 pieces produced. Therefore, it really is a hot horological property if you can get your mitts on one!

The watch design evokes certain military images such as a bird’s eye view of a helicopter, a portable military radio and the crosshairs of a rifle.

The Dial

A black dial with luminous dot-shaped hour markers is aesthetically pleasing. Who need’s meteorite dials when you can look like GI Joe?

Measuring 47mm in diameter, this watch gives first protection from bumps and scratches thanks to its DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating. This is rounded off with an anti-clockwise rotating bezel that’s marked at 5 minute intervals.

The 3 o’clock position has the chronograph hour counter subdial while the 9 o’clock point has a small seconds subdial. In addition there’s a chronograph seconds hand located at the dial’s centre.

The Movement

Powered by Panerai’s own P.9100/R automatic movement, it boasts 37 jewels with a 3-day power reserve. On the water resistance side, watch lovers can benefit from around 100 metres (328 feet).

The Bracelet

Made of natural rubber it sports a camouflage design of military fatigues in various shades of green.

Panerai Luminor Due PAM01424

The Panerai Luminor Due stretches back to 2016 when it was initially released. The collection takes inspiration from the classic Luminor line, including signature elements like the crown guard and cushion shaped case.

Source - Panerai

However, the Luminor Due takes it up a notch by adding an extra level of slenderness against the classic Luminor models. The PAM01424 is the latest addition to the Luminor Due lineup. Crafted in the classic cushion shape, the 42mm steel watches are thoroughly polished across the bezel and the straight lugs.

The polished aesthetic continues onto the prominent crown guard that has a semi-circular design that stretches over the crown and can reach around 50 metres of water resistance. Not quite dive ready but dare we say still maintains its flex appeal.

The Bracelet

The watches are fitted with a black alligator leather strap and fixed with a PAM Click Release System to allow you to quickly take the watch on and off effortlessly.

The Dial

The watches are given a beautiful burgundy sun-brushed dial that allows the ultimate style statement. Meanwhile, the hour markers are made up of luminous Arabic numerals. Furthermore, this is fitted with a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock.

The dial's minimalism is quite attractive for this watch. This is especially the case considering Panerai are known for jampacking their timepieces with complexity not seen since Stephen Hawking presented his black hole equation. So the sparse and open design of the dial is very refreshing.

However, the small seconds counter adds a level of complexity which is quite useful for the metropolitan man about town.

A dial that's hotter than Dragon’s breath is rare, but it’s a perfect addition to this action-man’s timepiece.

The Movement

The watches are powered by Panerai’s very own automatic mechanical movement, the P.900 calibre.

Around 4.2mm thick, the movement is quite slinky, yet it packs a lot of power inside. This totals around 28,800VpH and has a weekend-proof 3 day power reserve. Fitted with an INCABLOC anti-shock device, the Luminor Due can competently deal with knocks to maintain first rate precision.

Panerai Radiomir Officine PAM01385

Celebrating the eclectic history of the Radiomir collection, the new Panerai Radiomir Officine PAM01385 is a limited edition timepiece that takes inspiration from the classic Radiomir prototype from 1935.

Source - Panerai

Capped at 300 pieces and made from stainless steel, it is what we have come to expect in terms of case size at a very large 45mm diameter. The signature cushion shaped case is given a razor thin bezel which is thoroughly polished to enhance the dressy designs of the watches.

With a screw down caseback and a winding crown which can screw down into the middle case, wearers have 100 metres of water resistance to play with which is perfect for a timepiece that doesn’t require great depth… but enough to deal with a refreshing dip in the pool.

The Dial

The PAM01385 is made up of an exceptionally stylish dial. The grainy beige texture is fitted with Arabic numerals and hour markers that are coated in lume for optimal legibility. Not pitch black for that Halloween theme, but a minimalist shade for the monochrome gent.

There is a small seconds counter based at 9 o’clock which is quite functional. However, we wouldn’t blame you if you kept this 45mm timepiece for flexing with short sleeves.

The Bracelet

The watches come with a sumptuous Scamosciato dark brown strap with beige stitching. This would look sublime against a pale grey polo shirt or a pitch black suit shirt. With more charm than a British gentleman, this is a perfect addition to the dressy piece.

The Movement

Powered by the hand-wind mechanical P.6000 calibre, this movement measures around 4.5mm thick and contains 19 jewels. Skipping away at around 21,600VpH or 3Hz with a 3 day power reserve, the INACBLOC anti-shock device is sufficient in coping with most knocks while deterring any inaccuracies.

Panerai Luminor BiTempo New York Edition PAM01467

Following on from Panerai opening a flagship boutique in New York City back in 2023, Panerai released the Luminor BiTempo New York Edition PAM01467 as a celebratory limited edition timepiece, only sold at its flagship retail store.

Limited editions models are more likely to become more expensive on the retail market so this may be a possible choice for the keen investor.

Source - Panerai

The Luminor BiTempo New York Edition is 44mm in diameter and crafted out of titanium DLC. This is both lighter and stronger in contrast to steel which is enhanced with DLC that counteracts scratches and other marks, alongside significantly improved durability.

It may not have the modernity of ceramic, but it’s a fantastic adaptation of the classic steel material.

Fitted with a titanium DLC bezel, the design is given a matte aesthetic which is quite charming for the adventurer and sports lover. Who needs polishing when you have a timepiece that's 45mm in diameter and offers a whopping 300 metres of water resistance?

Furthermore, this material carries across to the crown guard that further enhances the water resistance and has become a legendary design code.

The GMT Functionality

The timepieces are fitted with a GMT hand that allows this beauty to show two different time zones. This watch shows GMT functionality in a very unique way. Given a very minimalist GMT style, the Luminor aesthetic of a wide open face is retained through missing out a seconds hand and replacing it with the arrow tipped GMT.

The Dial

The dials are given a very monochrome grey shade which allows the luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers to clearly stand out. There is a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock which pertains to the functionality of the watches.

The Movement

The automatic mechanical movement is around 6mm thick which is fairly big, but like Mike Tyson, it's got a lot of power within. Offering a 28,800VpH and a 3 day power reserve, the timepieces are supported by an INCABLOC anti-shock device and a Glucydur balance for optimal accuracy and precision at all times.

Panerai Luminor Marina Navy SEALs PAM01412

Panerai has worked closely with the military in order to release the Navy SEALS collection. This is more suited for the adventurer and those who are looking to buy a Panerai with military appeal or go tough mudding down some muddy slopes.

Source - Panerai

For the latest lineup, Panerai released five sterling timepieces in 2023 to join the ranks of their army inspired novelties. One watch that really caught our eyes was the fabulous Panerai Luminor Marina Navy SEALs PAM01412.

Sized at 44mm of Brunito steel, this is Panerai’s very own material which is stronger than your average steel. Furthermore, these watches are given a Brunito steel bezel which offers a vintage aesthetic and earthy bronze like patina like on the prominent crown guard.

We really cannot emphasise how durable they are. Offering 300 metres of water resistance, this is enabled through the screw-down Brunito steel caseback with a UNITED STATES NAVY SEALS text and emblem of an eagle and American flag.

As Bette Midler proclaimed, flying higher than an eagle, this is a strong contender as one of the best Panerai watches to buy this year.

The Dial

The watches are given a grey shade with a graduated finish that goes from a light slate grey dial centre to a very dark dial periphery. The Arabic numerals and hour markers are filled with lume in order to promote maximum legibility.

This is rounded off with a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock. There’s no 24 hour scales for pilots of tachymetric scales or race lovers but we can appreciate the minimalism of the dial.

The Movement

Powered by the automatic mechanical P.9010 calibre, the Luminor Marina Navy Seals is around 6mm thick and fitted with a Glucydur balance and an INCABLOC anti-shock device. This promotes a fantastic level of accuracy while ensuring the 28,800VpH and 3 day power reserve to be maintained.

The Bracelet

Strapped onto a recycled PET green strap, this offers not only water resistance but durability properties which is more than suitable for a Navy Seals inspired timepiece. Christmas may be all over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself!

Conclusion

So why should you buy a Panerai? You might be comparing Panerai watches to Rolex or Audemars Piguet and wondering which is the better investment. While investing in a Rolex is definitely the more famous brand, Panerai watches are rarer. Their designs are large, bold and easy on the eye.

Of the four collections Panerai offers, the Submersibles tend to hold or increase in value over the long-term. When you buy a watch, you want it to fit your lifestyle, your character - and your wrist! So make this decision first before reaching for that credit card.

Do you need to buy a Panerai watch that can deep-dive? Perhaps a second time-zone for travelling?

An elegant watch for special occasions? Maybe you’re looking for a show-off timepiece such as the Radiomir Minute Repeater or the slightly understated yet elegant Luminor Marina?

Any one of these picks would be a smart investment.

If you need guidance on which Panerai watch is best for you, contact the Chrono Hunter team for expert advice. Our highly knowledgeable team will guide you through the process about how to buy a Panerai watch. Benefit from personalised customer service and receive offers from a wide selection of the finest luxury watch retailers.

Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter

If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

Compare Offers from the world's most reputable luxury watch retailers.

Save Time.

Save Money.

Personalised Service.

Hassle-Free.