Thanks to this reputation, we encounter many watch enthusiasts asking the ultimate question, “is Panerai better than Rolex? “

And the competition may be a lot closer than you think. The two brands have always fostered close ties with Rolex and Panerai working in partnership throughout much of the 1930s, and the iconic Panerai watches worn by the Decima Flottiglia MA frogman were in fact designed and manufactured by Rolex SA.

In keeping with Rolex standards, Panerai watches maintain a sophisticated level of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and endurance in their manufacturing. But if you’re reading this article, it's perhaps safe to assume you’ve decided to cash in on your Panerai speciality.

And to ease the pain of doing so, make sure you sell your watch with Panache Luxury Watches to secure the optimum price for your beloved timepiece. In the meantime, here are some key points to consider before selling your Panerai watch.

Why is Panerai so expensive?

The generous price tag many Panerai watches sell for certainly begs the question: are Panerai watches worth the money? The short answer is, yes. When dealing with the Panerai brand you can be pretty confident you’re in receipt of a good, reliable timepiece.

Specific Panerai watches will soar in price over the years as they acquire vintage status whilst the high-quality materials used in their construction guarantee it maintains its function for generations. For this purpose, many buyers will seek out second-hand Panerai watches, although these will still fetch an impressive figure, particularly if the calibre is discovered to home those premium materials Panerai are known for adorning their watches with, such as gold, titanium, and leather.

If you're curious about how your own luxury watch might fare in the second-hand market, then consult Panache for a fast, free, no-obligation quote.

Is a Panerai watch a good investment?

Not only is Panerai craftsmanship and artistry renowned amongst enthusiast circles, but they also boast of an enduring popularity within wider popular culture. From the watch fanatics who make up the ‘Paneristi’ community (one of the most expansive watch enthusiast forums in existence) to red-carpet Hollywood events, Panerai has a treasured presence in both niche and mainstream crowds.

At the forefront of culture and fashion, international celebrities such as The Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and athlete and actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, are some of the most iconic clientele. But Panerai also has a rich historical role in military and athletic victories. The most quintessential of these is, of course, the 1936 Panerai Radiomir, which marked the first-ever professional underwater watch.

One of the major beauties of Panerai is that within its vibrant past, there's a little something for everyone. And this will surely come in handy when trying to entice potential buyers. To learn more about just how fruitful an investment opportunity Panerai watches can be, visit our article dedicated to exploring the return rates for Panerai watches.

Which Panerai watches hold value?

Panerai has carefully built up a reputation for quality and reliability, so a lot of their models retain their value over time. But to secure a Panerai addition that is truly an extraordinary asset, the classic rule of rare or scarce comes into play. Limited editions, vintage models, particular engineering significance, and discontinued watches have a much greater promise of climbing in value. We’ve already mentioned the iconic Radiomir, but here are some other examples of exceptional Panerai timepieces within its iconic Luminor collection. Any of these watches will

The Luminor Watch

Perhaps the most iconic Panerai calibre. First patented in 1949, the Luminor’s name comes from its self-luminescent quality and marks a genius expansion in military technology. Alongside its water-resistant materials, this feat made the Luminor the trusted timepiece for military and professional deep-sea divers.

Panerai Slytech Watch

The Panerai Slytech watch is a descendant of the Luminor collection. Famously worn by Sylvester Stallone in his 1997 blockbuster ‘Daylight’, each Slytech watch is only one of 95 released calibres. The mixture of celebrity appeal and scarcity make the Panerai Slytech a highly fought-for timepiece on the second-hand market.

Panerai Luminor Marina Militare ‘Left Hand’

In 2002, Panerai experimented with an unconventional left-hand design with its Marina Militare watch. With just 1,000 models ever made, once again Panerai promises both rarity and ingenuity. The crown sits on the left side of the watch’s face with a sleek, militaristic architecture that harkens back to the Panerai watches used by Italian divers during WW2. This exclusive and unorthodox venture in timekeeping is sure to fetch a significant price tag as a pre-owned, luxury piece.

How to check Panerai authenticity

The most reliable method of authenticating a luxury watch is through a professional in the industry, which you can do with us here at Panache free of charge.

But if you’re determined to strike out on your own, you’ll need to know how to spot a fake Panerai. Since the luxury brand so reliably fetches desirable prices, there is an underbelly market full of counterfeit watches posing as the real thing. To ensure yours is a true Panerai timepiece, we suggest scrutinising the quality of the engravings, the dials, hands, case, and straps of the watch. Anything that suggests the piece isn’t a composite of high-quality, precise manufacturing is the first sign that you may be in possession of a fake.

We also recommend locating your serial number. ‘Where is the serial number on a Panerai watch?’ we hear you ask. Look to the back of your watch to find a closed or exhibition-style caseback. Here, you should identify a series of numbers normally starting with ‘BB’ or ‘BP’. This number can be used in contacting Panerai customer service centres to verify its legitimacy. Fraudulent copies might show an attempt of mimicking a serial number with amateur, low-quality engravings, or it may be completely absent.

Sell your watch with Panache

Selling your watch can be an intimidating process, so having the expertise of trusted professionals makes the exchange swift, safe, and as simple as possible.

At Panache, we take pride in protecting your interests through every stage of the transaction, using our latest insights into the second-hand watch market to ensure you get the best deal for your timepiece and it, in turn, finds a new loving home. So contact us today and we guarantee the fruits of your sale to land in your bank account on the very same day you hand over your watch.