8. Brochure “Panerai. L’ora della Leggenda”
First example of an Officine Panerai advertising brochure with a detailed description of the three references from the 1993-1994 collection.
The Depths of Time
Welcome to the interactive The Depths of Time Exhibition digital journey at our Casa Panerai New York!
Navigate the experience by using the map below and tap the ‘+’ icons to uncover stories and historical insights behind each object.
Prepare for an immersive experience that brings every piece to life.
Navigate the experience by using the map below and tap the ‘+’ icons to uncover stories and historical insights behind each object.
Prepare for an immersive experience that brings every piece to life.
Photo Amedeo of Savoia Aosta
Amedeo of Savoia Aosta, son of duke Aimone di Savoia, who served as the head of the Italian Navy’s commando unit from the late 1930s until 1943.
Invitation card for the 10th September event
Sent to Mrs. Maria Teresa Panerai, widow of Giuseppe Panerai, this invitation to the 1993 launch reflects the continued bond between Officine Panerai and the Panerai family.
Luminor "Logo" 5218-201/A
Part of the first civilian collection in 1993, this model introduced the now-iconic 44 mm case and featured the OP (Officine Panerai) logo, earning the name “Luminor Logo.”
7. Photo of the Angelus movement
First used in the 1956 GPF 2/56, the Angelus SF 240 movement enabled weekly winding, minimizing maintenance and tool wear.
Angelus Travel Clock
This Angelus portable alarm clock was specially commissioned for Orologeria Svizzera in the 1940s. Powered by the Angelus SF 240 calibre.
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3646 “Anonymous” dial
The 3646 features the renowned “sandwich dial”, a clever invention by Giuseppe Panerai designed to provide lasting visibility for divers on their missions.
6. 3646 “Anonymous” dial
A classic example of a 3646 with a 47 mm cushion-shaped case, featuring a conical screw-down crown, and wire lugs with a hand -stitched leather strap.
Luminor
Among the first 47 mm models, it quickly became an instant Panerai classic. Known to collectors as the “Fiddy”, it features a reversed crown-protecting bridge.
L'Egiziano
Replicated with innovative titanium materials, this watch embodies the spirit of the original GPF 2/56 design, seamlessly integrating the bridge, bezel and long power reserve.
5. Crown Protecting Bridge Italian patent
Installed and patented for the GPF 2/56 “Egiziano”, this bridge locks the crown to enhance water resistance for underwater missions: a hallmark of Panerai’s design.
Wrist Compass
An underwater navigation tool with luminous markings. It requires the diver to hold their arm horizontally to check their orientation.
Depth Gauge
Part of the diver’s kit since the 1940s, this gauge measured underwater depth. Panerai produced several models with depth ranges spanning from 7 to 50 meters.
Elux Torch
An underwater flashlight using a cold light Elux Panerai panel to emit signals undetectable by infrared. Powered by a dry battery, it illuminated nearby areas without heat.
3. Orologeria Svizzera warranty certificate
To honor the Panerai family's roots as watchmakers, on view is an original warranty document from the Orologeria Svizzera, which accompanied watches sold at their store.
Orologeria Svizzera’s watchmakers, 1930s
Orologeria Svizzera employed trusted watchmakers who assembled and repaired all watches on the first floor before they were sold.
Historical Catalogues and cliches
Guido Panerai used catalogues to advertise his Orologeria Svizzera shop and spare parts for watchmakers. On display: a vintage catalogue and its original printing plate.
2. Panerai family’s historical photos
Through these images, we gain insight into the personal life of the Panerai family — a glimpse at their vacations at the beach and scenes of everyday life in their garden.
Panerai Family Tree
The Panerai family tree—from Giovanni, who opened the first watch shop, to Giuseppe, creator of the Panerai watches—legacy in every generation.
1. Panerai Family, early 1900s
This family portrait introduces the key figures in our story: Guido with his wife Guglielmina, and their children Giuseppe and Maria.
Orologeria Svizzera’s watchmaker, 1930s
Orologeria Svizzera employed trusted watchmakers who assembled and repaired all watches on the first floor before they were sold.
Frogmen in action
Thanks to the technical skills developed through the family’s watchmaking operations, Panerai secured the contract to produce watches for the Italian Navy’s frogmen.
4. Letter from Giuseppe Panerai to the Italian Navy
Dated 1960, this letter verifies the 50 years of collaboration with the Italian Navy. Panerai supplied tools since the 1910s, continuously evolving to meet different needs.
Radiomir luminous sights patent
The French patent marks the first use of “Radiomir,” the luminous paste invented by Panerai. Made with radium, it enabled visibility in total darkness for high precision tools.
Italian patent for Luminor Name
Developed on the Navy’s request in 1940s, Luminor, a safer tritium-based compound was made. From the 1960s, it replaced radium; by 1971, all radioactivity was eliminated.
3646 “Anonymous” Dial
The 3646 diver’s watch with an anonymous sandwich dial, illuminated using Radiomir, a self-luminous paste that ensured constant visibility in total darkness.
Ronconi/Panerai sights
Early 20th-century aiming tools, enhanced with Panerai’s Radiomir paste for night visibility. Adopted not just by the Italian, but also French, British, and American forces.
Self-luminous Radiomir target
This instrument measures angles from a fixed direction. Mounted on a tripod, it used Radiomir paste to remain visible both day and night.
Italian Navy training pool
In the 1950s, Giuseppe Panerai built a plexiglass training pool for Navy divers. Still in use today, it featured plates marked “Officine Panerai Firenze” in red.
Diver watch box
Authentic wooden box for Panerai diver's watches with Radiomir paste, sent to the Navy, including instructions.
Officine Panerai shipping box
Officine Panerai's original wooden shipping box for watches, compasses, and depth gauges sent to the Italian Navy, found at Villino Panerai.
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