Italian Couture in a Swiss watch: Panerai
Monday, July 4th, 2011Italy is fashion and Switzerland is watch technology. So what would happen if the two met? Well, actually, they have met. They met in a company founded in 1896 by Giovanni Panerai. Around 1900, the Panerai watch company opened a boutique in Italy, expressing the strong link the Swiss watch company has with high-quality Italian couture that is evident in the company’s watches.
Swiss watch companies are known for the most skilled manufacturing anywhere in the world and luxury to the max. Years of technology and science go into Swiss watches. For 2011, Panerai adds P .3000 movement to its watches. This is a technology of movement that leads in power reserve. There are 21 jewels in this mechanism. It also has a strong, rigid structure and incredibly thick surrounding to ensure the protection of the mechanism.
Italian couture is commonly associated with high quality materials, risky silhouettes, and innovative design. Panerai watches use innovative materials, such as ceramic and, new to 2011, bronze. Yes, bronze on a watch. Panerai introduced a new watch for 2011 that is known for resisting corrosion and atmospheric effects. It is commonly associated with the nautical world, with which Panerai is greatly associated. Panerai also uses a composite manufactured ceramic material that is commonly used with motorcycle and automobile parts that have to hold up against heat and damage.
When you think of a Swiss watch, you think of a large, round-faced watch made of gold or steel with a steel, gold, or leather band. Usually, these watches tend to have several decorations or dials all around the inside of the face. But Panerai watches do it a little differently because of the Italian influence. Panerai watches are round-faced, with a square case, usually of an unusual material, and a band of leather almost as wide as the watch face itself. The faces are simple, with maybe one or two extra dials, the company logo, and very little else. This simplicity is a direct result of the world of Italian couture.
A combination of Italian design and Swiss technology have made Panerai watches some of the best in the world. They use innovative materials that are not commonly associated with Swiss watch manufacturing. They also show an artistic edge that only Italian couture can bring. But they are still a Swiss watch company, and haven’t forgotten their roots. Panerai makes some of the most accurate watch technology in the world.