eneath a sign that reads OROLOGERIA in Florence's Piazza San
Giovanni, there's a shop window that is still fitted within its
original early-1900s woodwork. In front of it, the ancient
Florence Baptistery stands in monolithic reverence. Step
through its door, however, and you'll find yourself inside the
Florentine boutique of Panerai, the famous (yet, in this writer's opinion,
underrated) Italian watchmaker. It's a threshold that's worthy of veneration;
Panerai has now called this spot home for a century, and in a world that
prizes breakneck speed (and the inevitable turnover said speed demands),
this kind of longevity is… well, deeply reassuring.
The Piazza San Giovanni boutique opened in 1926 as "Orologeria
Svizzera," and it was, after several relocations, the final Florentine address
B
For more than a century, Panerai has
balanced Florentine craftsmanship with
naval precision, proving that the most
enduring luxury is born from purpose
rather than ornament.
BY NICK REMSEN
the art
utility
of
in the atelier
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Italian watchmaker Panerai still
occupies its original store in
Florence, opened in 1926; this
year, the brand is releasing two
limited-edition timepieces to
celebrate the centennial: the
Luminor Firenze 8 Giorni
PAM01794 and PAM01734
(above left).
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BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M
