Panerai watches are the prestigious watches that played pivotal role for the Italian Commando Frogs, during World War two; when they launched successful attacks on Allied Naval Ships to sink them. The watch that gave legendary service to the Italian Commandos was established in 1860 by Giovani Panerai in Italy. After establishment of his store he made contacts with most prestigious watch makers of Switzerland; who would send him high precision mechanisms and other parts. Panerai would assemble them in his work shop. He also provided watch repair service. His son and later his grandson made valuable contributions to the watch makers’ world. The original watches made for the Italian Commandos were fitted with Rolex movement. But after World War two, somehow the demand reduced due to the government’s shift of focus. Panerai, then presented its products to the public, but seemed to remain in the shadow.
Luck sided Panerai in 1995, when the star Sylvester Stallone purchased a Panerai Luminor in Rome. He wore it during shooting of the movie “Day light”. Then Stallone ordered a small batch of the same watches with his signature on the case back, called “Slytech”. He gave them away as gifts to friends, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was a hit and Officine Panerai gained immensely from it. Later in 1997 Richemont took over the Panerai Company.
Officine Panerai has basically four model lines. In addition they present Special Edition every year, in limited number, though. In 2006 California Dial (Radiomir) was presented. It was re-issued of the original made for Italian Marina Militare. Panerai developed and manufactured watches under the Ferrari brand in 2006. The Panerai Ferrari watches (as usual) were also produced in extremely small number. The shortage thus created has made it possible to sell used Panerai Ferrari watch at the price of new. Therefore, even replica of the watch is a rarity. The original and the replica Panerai look almost the same. Their difference (if any) is visible to trained eye only. The only precaution needed for the watch is, to avoid swimming or/and diving wearing it.