The 10 best Panerai watches for summer
With a commitment to innovation, utilitarianism and precision, Panerai is nailing it right now. Here are ten of their best horological works.

PANERAI HAS ALWAYS MADE watches fit for purpose. Under the watchful guidance of Guido Panerai—the grandson of founder Giovanni Panerai—the Italian watchmaker became an official supplier of the Royal Italian Navy in 1915, crafting a range of military grade precision instruments, including depth gauges, compasses and sights. Among these innovations were the world’s first diving watches—large, luminous and entirely waterproof instruments that allowed divers to venture into the depths of the ocean, a revolutionary advancement.
With this achievement under their belt, Panerai came to specialise in luminescence. While the brand has since transitioned to the civilian market, its timepieces remain unmistakeable for their radiance and precision. To wit, Panerai has named two models in honour of their glow-in-the-dark qualities, Radiomir—derived from the Italian word for radium sights—and Luminor—Latin for illuminate. Both models are still in production and their descendants are included in this list.
What Panerai has also maintained is a connection with the ocean. Many of the brand’s watches encapsulate the spirit of the deep blue, and by extension, summer. The result is a collection of timepieces that wouldn’t look out of place in the boardroom or by the beach. And given their water-resistant capabilities, Panerai’s watches would still serve a diver well.
The significance of Panerai’s early achievements is not to be understated. Many a watchmaking Maison can proclaim themselves the creators of the most durable, practical and functional wristwear based on nothing more than their word. Panerai has the antecedents to prove it, as their reputation extends beyond marketing speak. The brand’s history is marked by nonpareil products designed to be attractive, but to also be the very best in performance.
It was legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren—the owner of a collection of vintage Panerai watches—who best captured the appeal of modern Panerai watches when he said: “The luxury of Panerai grew out of its heritage and the purposefulness of each detail. Panerai watches were not about the latest fashion, they were designed to work in specific conditions. Their form and beauty were secondary to their function, they’re rugged, utilitarian and handsome.”
Ralph was onto something. Today, Panerai manufacturing is based in Neuchâtel, where the intricacies of Swiss watchmaking are driven by Italian flair. The brand continues to lead the pack, with a range of stylish timepieces unparalleled in their functionality and precision. Here, we’ll walk you through ten of Panerai’s best watches that will serve as the ideal addition to your collection this summer.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Collection
Panerai is sticking to its roots while welcoming the future with the QuarantaQuattro range, adding new innovations to a classic submersible dive watch. Three distinct varieties of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro herald its arrival, Bianco, OroCarbo and Blu Abisso, each with a 44mm case and a unique fusion of colours and materials, setting the tone for an exceptional timepiece.
Each watch incorporates the signature features synonymous with Panerai’s Submersible legacy. Notably, the QuarantaQuattro is water-resistant at a depth of up to 300 meters and utilises Panerai’s iconic crown-protecting device—meaning this watch won’t just look good on your wrist, it will legitimately function on an underwater expedition.
At the heart of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro beats the P.900 caliber, boasting a seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and an impressive three-day power reserve. This precision-engineered movement not only reinforces the watch’s reliability, but also adds a touch of technical sophistication. Complementing these attributes is a uni-directional rotating bezel, facilitating precise measurement of submersion time, and metallic appliques filled with the luminous brilliance of white Super-LumiNova.
Besides the size of the case, QuarantaQuattro is distinguishable from other Panerai Submersibles due to its improved date window, bettering the watch’s legibility so you can truly appreciate its finer details. Now let’s delve into the collection’s three distinct interpretations.

Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco
The foremost of the Submersible QuarantaQuattro’s is the Bianco, with a superb white dial and eminently adaptable military green-hued straps. Complementing these eye-catching features is a brushed steel casing for a clean finish.

Submersible QuarantaQuattro Goldtech™ OroCarbo
If the Bianco wasn’t luxe enough, the OroCarbo should certainly suffice. Because if we’re talking luxury, it’s impossible to look past the OroCarbo, which utilises Panerai’s immensely appealing Goldtech to make a great watch even better. Goldtech is 75% gold, 24% copper and 0.4% platinum, lending the material strength, a dominant brushed surface, and an undeniable earthiness.

Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™ Blu Abisso
The foundation for the Blu Abisso is Panerai’s patented Carbotech, with a case composed of the lightest material the brand employs. Carbotech is also used in motorsport, aeronautics and biomedicine, but has found a home in watch design—a testament to the utilitarianism of Panerai watches. Carbotech is a composite of carbon fibre, is lighter than titanium, and incredibly corrosion resistant. The result is a near-weightless timepiece that yearns to be worn comfortably. We can’t fault the dial’s ocean blue tones either.

Submersible GMT Navy SEALs
While the battlefield has changed significantly since Panerai’s involvement, the spirit of bravery still drives much of what the brand creates. Case in point, the Submersible GMT Navy SEALs watch is dedicated to the elite troops of today. This 44mm wide timepiece has an anthracite dial, is held within a purely satin case and is powered by the P.900/GMT caliber, providing dual time zone timekeeping. It also maintains the same military-grade robustness from which Panerai earned its reputation, with three days of power reserve and 300 metres of water-resistance.
Luminor
Panerai’s Luminor watches are an ode to the Maison’s heritage. The first Luminor models were made specifically for naval frogmen and were prized for their luminescence. Today, the collection embodies the innovation of Italian design, blending casual and sporty aesthetics to deliver an eminently wearable timepiece favoured by some of Hollywood’s leading men.
A Luminor watch made an on-screen cameo in the 1996 film Daylight on the wrist of Hollywood muscle man Sylvester Stallone. As the legend goes, Stallone saw the watch—a Panerai Luminor Marina Submersible—while passing by a shop window in Rome, where the film was shooting. Sly was instantly drawn to the watch’s imposing appearance and thought it matched his character’s persona. “When I saw the watch, I immediately felt that it had star power,” he later said.
The latest Luminor Marina range pays homage to the very same watch that caught Stallone’s eye in the ’90s, featuring many of the same qualities that appealed to the actor. The new hand-wound Marinas boast 3-day and 8-day power reserves, a 44mm brushed steel case, and an automatic mechanical P.9010 caliber—which undergoes 28,800 alternations every hour to ensure precise timekeeping.

Luminor Marina
The Luminor Marina’s polished steel bezel stands in stark juxtaposition to its brushed steel case, creating a symphony of textures that elevate the watch’s visual allure. A standout characteristic lies in the innovative Safety Lock mechanism, a guardian of the winding crown that not only fortifies against water-resistance up to 300 metres, but also stands sentinel against inadvertent adjustments.
The Marina dons a black alligator leather strap with ecru stitching. Its trapezoidal buckle, fashioned from brushed steel, serves as both a functional and aesthetic anchor. An extra black rubber strap is also included, offering a versatile, laid-back and sporty style shift.

Luminor Marina Goldtech™ Sole Blu
Employing the same caliber movement as the base Marina, the Marina Sole Blue is set in a 44mm Goldtech case. We’ve already discussed the strength, earthiness and imposing power of Goldtech, but the addition of a sapphire crystal in this model—which offers scratch-resistance and clear view of the dial—also bears mentioning. The most striking element of the Sole Blu is, of course, the ocean blue sun-brushed dial. The dial is marked with Arabic numerals and shining indices that harness the power of white Super-LumiNova. A blue alligator leather strap detailed with beige stitching subtly enhances the watch’s enchanting blue hues.

Luminor Quaranta BiTempo Luna Rossa
Panerai is the official sponsor of the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team. As such, the brand couldn’t resist creating a collection of watches inspired by the world of yachting, with an emphasis on technical brilliance and undeniable beauty. Luminor Quaranta BiTempo Luna Rossa is one such creation, and it’s a sight to behold. With an automatic P.900/GMT caliber, a three-day power reserve and the ability to display two time zones, the BiTempo Luna Rossa is a technical marvel. The tip of the GMT hand is bold red, matching the colour of the Luna Rossa boat’s sail. The watch is set in a compact 40mm steel case and features an aesthetically pleasing blue sun-brushed dial.
Luminor Due
Luminor Due was first released in 2016 and positioned as a slimmer, more versatile alternative to the stockier dimensions of the original Luminor collection. In tweaking the standard Luminor to adopt a smaller case and lissom proportions, Panerai has broadened its appeal to a new market of admirers who value the unisex timepiece’s focus on a refined style, which doesn’t hinder its technical qualities.
Be assured, Luminor Due’s design alterations—which include an ultra-slim 38mm case diameter—don’t make it any less recognisable as a Luminor watch. Like other Luminors, the Due utilises a signature cushion-shaped case, an oversized crown guard and integrated lugs, meaning the watches maintain all the trappings of a Luminor, with an added innovative touch, emblematic of Panerai’s storied history.

Luminor Due Prada Re-Nylon
The lightweight and versatile charm of Luminor Due is on full display with this timepiece. Showcasing the collection’s unisex appeal, the Prada Re-Nylon is a testament to Panerai’s craftsmanship. With a slimmer case and sleeker design, this watch lends itself to a wider range of styling choices, without making any sacrifices with Panerai’s signature functionality.
In collaboration with Prada, this watch pairs regenerated nylon fabric with Panerai’s Luminor Due collection. With a 38mm diameter, polished steel case, P.900 caliber and three-day power reserve, the Panerai X Prada collaboration has the technical appeal of a top-level watch. And with a pink nylon strap and beige stitching, it has the aesthetic appeal to rival its performance.

Luminor Due Pastello
Luminor Due Pastello is Panerai’s first collection with pastel-coloured dials. The Luminor Due Pastello is designed to work with the everyday wardrobe, with a 38mm diameter, stainless steel case and matching strap, this watch is fit for the urban maestro. The pastel dial, which comes in light blue, green and powdery pink, adds a softer touch to the watch’s technical aspects, which can only be described as the pinnacle of performance. The dial is filled with white Super-LumiNova for a luminous effect, while a P.900 caliber powers the automatic timekeeper. A polished steel bezel featuring a subtle Panerai inscription caps off a superb watch.
Radiomir

Radiomir Quaranta Goldtech™
Panerai’s first Radiomir watches, which were developed for the Italian Navy in 1935, were a sturdy 47mm in diameter. Those prototypes were encased by steel, held together by soldered lugs and came with a greased waterproof leather strap, enabling them to be worn over voluminous diving suits. Modern reincarnations of the model are more lightweight and compact, but no less practical.
Recently unveiled at Milan design week, the Radiomir Quaranta is a contemporary homage to Panerai’s first watch. With a case that is 40mm in diameter and only 10.15mm thick, the Quaranta is Panerai’s slimmest watch. A precious version of the Quaranta comes set in a polished Goldtech case, unlocking heightened allure before we even mention its matching sun-brushed dial and striking matte-brown alligator strap. The Quaranta Goldtech holds a P.900 caliber, a 4.2mm thick automatic movement, three days of power reserve, and water-resistance up to 50 metres.
Panerai has a range of boutique store locations across Australia, including:
Panerai Sydney, 84 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Panerai Melbourne, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Panerai Chadstone, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone VIC 3148
More information on Panerai watches can be found at panerai.com/au
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