Changing the Straps of Panerai Luxury Watches

One of the benefits of purchasing authentic Panerai watches is that they have lifetime manufacturing warranties. This means that collectors can simply bring their Panerai watches to authorized dealers for any services they need. Changing the straps of both older and newer Panerai models is an easy task, thanks to the tools that come with the purchase of authentic timepieces. If the tools are no longer available, you can substitute it with other tools. To change the straps of a newer Panerai watch, here’s what you need to know.

1. At the back of the Panerai watch, there is a release button which you should find just at the back of the screw posts, near the base of the watch strap.
2. With a 1.4mm screwdriver, press the release button while simultaneously using an equally sharp object to push the screw button through the screw post. If the original tools that came with the Panerai watch are still available, there is a special tool you can use to do these maneuvers concurrently.
3. Remove both the watch straps once you have pulled the end of the screw out of the screw post.
4. Between the two screw posts, place the new watch strap you want to replace the old one with. In the hole located between the two screw posts, insert a screw and make sure to push it all the way through to securely fasten the strap into the hole.
5. Press the release button and simultaneously push the end of the screw through the screw post with another sharp object.
6. Repeat the procedures to replace the other Panerai watch strap.

Replacing an older Panerai model is easier. Simply remove the two straps of the timepiece with your Panerai screwdriver or any 1.4mm flat-head screwdriver if the original is not available. Remove the old straps and place the new ones between the two screw posts. Finish off by inserting a screw into the screw posts and securing it by pushing it all the way through the screw posts. Tighten with a screwdriver and repeat the same procedure for the other strap.

Panerai luxury watches are truly unique and special. Mostly manufactured in limited editions, owning one not only says a lot about your taste, it also speaks of elegance and style.

Panerai Goes to the Movies

Panerai watches are considered one of the most recognizable watches in action films produced in Hollywood. With four major lines of watches to boost (Historic, Contemporary, Manifattura, and Special Edition), Panerai watches are often manufactured in limited editions, thus making them more valuable. Produced in 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 units, Panerai luxury watches carry an issue number on the case back. Because of the distinct features Panerai watches have, they are often featured in movies some of which include the following:

1. Eraser – Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eraser featured a Panerai Luminor Marina even before the hero even appeared in the movie. The story behind Panerai’s appearance in the film is that Sylvester Stallone, a known celebrity who loves Panerai watches, gave the luxury watch as a gift to Schwarzenegger, who then wore it during shooting.

2. Daylight – Released in 1996, Daylight featured Sylvester Stallone as the hero who tried to save people from the collapse of a New York tunnel. It was this during the shooting of this film that Stallone first bought his Panerai Luminor in a jewelry store in Rome. Afterwards, he ordered a batch of Panerai watches with his signature on the case back which he gave to his friends as a gift. The model became known as Slytech and Schwarzenegger was among the first to receive one.


3. Transporter – Jason Statham wore a 40mm Panerai Luminor Automatic Chrono on OEM Brown Alligator Strap the features a white stitching. The Transporter 2 movie also featured Statham wearing a Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight 196. Statham is known to be a Panerai fan and he never took his watch off during the entire film. In the movie Italian Job where Statham played a part of a gang of robbers, Panerai never appeared in the movie itself but it can be seen during the behind the scenes footage.



4. Bridget Jones’ Diary/Two Weeks Notice – Hugh Grant is also a known fan of Panerai luxury watches and in both films, he can be seen wearing his Panerai watches. Hugh Grant also wears his Panerai watch in magazines and TV interviews.

5. Trust – The latest Hollywood film that features a Panerai watch is Clive Owen’s “Trust”, a film tackling the struggle of a father whose daughter became a victim of an online sexual predator. The Panerai watch in this film is from the Luminor 1950 Collection which is most likely to be the 8 Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT. The luxury watch features a bulky 44mm diameter case brushed in steel or titanium. With a solid black dial, the markers and hands easily stand out. The timepiece also boasts of an eight-hour power reserve and 24-hour indicator.


Other notable films that should be mentioned are The Rundown featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Hollywood Homicide with Josh Hartnett wearing a Marina Base on an old style Velcro strap.

Panerai Watches: A Brief Stroll Down History Lane

When it comes to luxury watches, we know all about the Rolexes and the Patek Philippes but not many people know about one Italian brand that has been making top quality and exclusive timepieces since 1860. The name is Panerai and their story begins more than a century ago in Florence, Italy with a man named Giovanni Panerai. The original Panerai office in Ponte alle Grazie was the first watch making shop in the city. In 1900, under his grandson’s leadership, the company became the official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy, supplying not only watches but other precision instruments as well. At about the same time, the company also moved to Piazza San Giovanni where the flagship store stands today. The Panerai Radiomir and Panerai Luminor were designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the Italian underwater elite team. Panerai timepieces are recognizable by their understated elegance—black, large and with luminous Arabic numerals and sticks. The luminescence is achieved through a mix of zinc sulphide and radium bromide which was given the name radiomir, from which the watch takes its name. In 1949, the company was granted a patent for luminor, which is the substance that eventually replaced radiomir, which is also the origin of the name of the other marquee Panerai watch.

The Panerai Radiomir was inadvertently put in the spotlight at the height of the Second World War as Italian divers carried out bold operations whilst wearing the timepiece. Until the end of 1980, Panerai watches were reserved for military clients. It began opening its doors to the public in the early nineties but it was not until an acquisition by a company that also manages other luxury brands did Panerai gain wide, international attention. The classic Radiomir and Luminor in manual forms were re-launched, together with a collection of new, automatic Panerai watches inspired by the classics. In 2005, Panerai teamed up with Ferrari to create Panerai watches with the Ferrari trademark. The collaboration resulted in two product lines: the Granturismo and the Scuderia. Today, Panerai continues to be lined up with other luxurious watches as one of the worlds’ most coveted and respected brands.

Panerai Luxury Watches for First Time Buyers

Previously, we gave you the first part of how to spot fake Panerai luxury watches. While there are distinct differences between authentic and replica Panerai watches, it helps to know what to look for when purchasing Panerai timepieces. If this is your first time purchasing a Panerai watch, here are some tips to get you started.

1. Visit authorized Panerai retailers and distributors. Panerai has many authorized retailers worldwide and it shouldn’t be a problem locating one near you. Check out Panerai’s official website to locate the nearest distributor. Ask trusted friends who have already purchased Panerai watches where to find good sellers.


2. Stay away from auctions and private dealers. The best source to purchase your first Panerai watch is through authorized sellers. While there are a few who sell authentic Panerai timepieces, it’s always best to begin with trusted distributors.

3. Touch and feel an original Panerai watch. Handling an original Panerai watch will teach you details about the watch. Pay special attention to the smallest details. Use a magnifying glass if you have to. Authentic Panerai timepieces have legible and luminescent numbers and markers, making it one of the distinct features of an authentic Panerai watch.

4. As Panerai watches are often manufactured in a limited number, you’ll find that there are models that have serial numbers engraved on them. Research the brand’s official website for model numbers. Watches should have serial numbers on the watch bracelet. Look for them when you go shopping for your first Panerai watch.

5. As mentioned, the smallest details should be examined. Replica Panerai watches often have shorter hands and sometimes feature a different design. The bezel of most Panerai watches feature a uni-directional rotating bezel so study the feel of how bezels from Panerai rotate to know the difference from the fakes to the real ones. Gaps should not be present in Panerai bracelets and the edges should be smooth while the links should be solid enough.


6. Wear it before purchasing. The feel of an authentic Panerai watch is incomparable. It should be light-weight and comfortable because of the high quality materials used in manufacturing the watch.

So now you are about ready to invest in your first Panerai watch. Chong Hing Jewelers, an esteemed luxury goods distributor, carries the Manifattura line of Panerai luxury watches which feature six to ten day power reserves.

Spotting Fake Panerai Luxury Watches (Part I)

Italian brand Panerai is just one of the millions of victims of piracy. Because of the hard times that have befallen us, many have succumbed to purchasing counterfeit Panerai luxury watches just for the sake of owning one. With four major lines of watches that consist mostly of limited edition pieces, it is no doubt that Panerai is one of the world’s leading watchmakers thus making it a target for counterfeiters and end-users alike. To avoid getting scammed and purchasing a fake Panerai luxury watch, here are a couple of tips to help identify the authentic Panerai watches from the fakes.

1. A fake Panerai luxury watch also has a fake Panerai movement. Do not be surprised that watch movements are now even being faked. Fake movements commonly used in replica Panerai watches are the Valjoux 7750 and ETA 2824, which concidentally are also being used in fake IWC and Omega watches. Most fake watch manufacturers cover these movements with a solid case back. Authentic movements are now in cased backs covered with sapphire crystals to avoid unauhthorized reproduction.

2. Fake Panerai watches usually have a wrong font, that being Arial Light. When the movement is put inside the case, the letterings become upside down. Additionally, the regulator turns up and the crown becomes located in the left.


3. There are Panerai replicas that can copy even the most detailed decorations, making identifying a fake harder. Keep in mind that no Panerai replica has the swan neck and bridge modifications that was part of the modifications in 2002 to prevent counterfeiting.

4. Check for roughly polished stones as these are easily visible in fake Panerai watches. The unfinished look on the exposed parts of the watch should be the first clue to anyone interested in buying a Panerai watch. Luxury watches should be smooth, not hard or rough. It doesn’t take years of experience to realize that roughly polished stones are an indication of counterfeit Panerai watch.

5. Examine the shavings and screws of the watch. Panerai watches have blue screws that result from a heating process. Fake watch manufacturers just paint them blue so this should be easy to identify. Replica timepieces do not have the Panerai logo at the edges too.

Chong Hing Jewelers, an authorized Patek Philippe distributor, carries authentic Panerai watches as well as other Swiss watchmaking brands. Chong Hing also offers fine jewelry, loose gems, diamonds, gifts, and other accessories.