Panerai Smaller Luminor Watches

Panerai has arguably started the large watch craze of the 2000s. The large styling of Panerai watches comes from a unique inherited aesthetic. Panerai watches were meant as tool watches for Italian Navy. So it was therefore in their DNA to create large watches. However, Panerai may be reconsidering some aspects of this design language that have made them so popular.

In 2018, Panerai released a series of smaller Panerai Luminor watches. While Panerai always had some selection of smaller watches for women, this new collection of smaller 38 mm and 40 mm Due watches are meant for men and ladies. They have also released a smaller 42 mm Submersible watch. Let’s explore Panerai’s new diminutive collection.

The Luminor is Panerai’s flagship model. It has the classic sandwich case design, with cut outs of the cardinal numbers that are filled with lume. The Panerai simple dial make it recognizable from a “mile-away”. And to complete the Panerai look, it includes the semi-circle patented crown protecting device. 

With a smaller case, keeping all other aspects the same, means that the watches are perfect for ladies and smaller wrist or those wanting smaller watch. Essentially the look is the same and there are still various strap options; OEM (original equipment manufacturer) from Panerai and various third party providers.

The Submersible is Panerai’s modern watch designed for diving. It includes a rotating unidirectional bezel and is designed for 300 m water resistance. The smaller Submersible means a 42 mm watch from normally 44 mmm, yet maintains the same water resistance. It’s still the same tool watch construction but easier on the wrist.

Does this mean Panerai is leading the way to smaller watches? Well even at that size the watches are not so small and likely wear a bit larger than similarly sized watches. Also the large Panerai watches wore better than similarly sized large watches due to small lugs. So in many ways this is a good compromise.

Panerai is just expanding the collection and in doing so capturing those customers with smaller wrists that would have avoided a Panerai in the past. The best way to know if the currently-sized Panerai watches are right for you is to try them on your wrist. Overall the key result is guaranteed to be a unique watch, with a unique look and feel on the wrist. And with so many strap options, it will feel like owning multiple watches. panerai.com