A few weeks ago, I received the invitation every watch enthusiast dreams about: an exclusive beginner’s watchmaking masterclass at Panerai, one of the luxury watch brands out there.
Big thank you to Keane and the entire team for being so warm and welcoming – this was genuinely one of the best watch experiences I’ve ever had.
(Quick disclaimer – this was an invited experience but 100 % my honest opinion and zero compensation.)
The moment I stepped into the boutique, located in the heart of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the boutique gave me a navy-inspired vibe. Submarine-style display windows, warm oak wood everywhere, and right in the centre is this huge revolving marine dial with a magnifying glass. Meanwhile, the iconic glowing Panerai wall clock sits proudly in the middle.
To see it better, check out my video here:
Panerai History with Italian Royal Navy – Regia Marina
Credit: Panerai
Credit: https://naval-encyclopedia.com
His grandson Guido Panerai shifted the company to work closer with the Italian Royal Navy and became an official supplier for the Italian Royal Navy (mainly supplying precision gauges like depth calculators, compasses).
In 1916, they patented Radiomir – a radium-based luminous paste that produced a green glowing effect, which was very useful in the use cases of the Regia Marina’s frogmen who had to work underwater.
In the 1930s they worked with Rolex to create gigantic 47 mm dive watches for Italy’s elite frogmen: welded wire lugs, cushion cases you could operate with thick gloves, and sandwich dials packed with Radiomir paste so the commandos could read the time in pitch-black depths.
After WWII, because of the radioactive radium, in 1949 they patented the safer tritium-based Luminor and added the now-iconic crown-guard lever.
Credit: Panerai
Credit: Hodinkee
Credit: Jake’s Panerai World
Credit: Panerai
Watchmaking Class – White Coats & All
Finally Wearing Panerai on a Female Wrist
It was surprisingly very comfortable, and I think any female will enjoy this piece
I also got to try on a few more watches, check them out in my video:
Verdict?
I used to be one of the many who formed a lot of opinions on Panerai (without examining properly), and only saying “Panerai is too big”.
Well, after this visit, I totally get why the Paneristi are obsessed. Every single design choice has real military DNA, and has real practical needs (which I find it to be super cool!)
Moral of the story: never judge a brand until you’ve tried it, and learn about it.
If you’re in KL, visit the Pavilion boutique and tell the team Ashley sent you. Try the 38 mm Due if you have small wrists – you might leave with a new obsession.
So… are you a Paneristi yet? Own one? Dreaming of one? Drop your thoughts below – I read every comment!