Bringing a touch of Florence to Sydney’s shores, luxury watchmaker Panerai has opened its first standalone boutique in the heart of the CBD.
Located in a prime position within the King Street luxury shopping precinct, the 80-square-metre retail space highlights the Maison’s Florentine roots and passion for the underwater world.
Founded in 1860, Panerai supplied the Italian Navy for many decades – in particular, its specialist diving corps – with precision instruments.
The designs developed during that time were covered by the Military Secrets Act for many years.
When the brand was acquired by Richemont Group in 1997, these designs were launched in the international market and Panerai’s Italian flair and history was strengthened by Swiss horological expertise.
To ensure its success in Australia, Panerai partnered with the country’s leading luxury watch retailer, Kennedy.
“Opening Panerai’s first Australian boutique in Melbourne was an exciting and proud moment for Kennedy and now our close relationship has expanded to the heart of Sydney with a beautiful new boutique that reflects both companies’ qualities of timeless elegance, luxury and sophistication,” says Kennedy’s Executive Chairman, James Kennedy.
The boutique blends tradition and modernity, inviting clients to discover the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship and technical expertise in a sophisticated environment.
Recurrent elements in all Panerai boutiques include oak and burnished brass, which honour the brand’s maritime link and its historical association with the Italian Navy.
Clients will also notice decorative elements throughout the boutique that are reminiscent of the survival instruments Panerai produced for the heroic Italian frogmen who operated from the 1930s to the 1950s.
The Sydney boutique showcases timepieces from all key collections, including the latest Luna Rossa collection dedicated to Panerai’s official sponsorship of challenger team Luna Rossa in the 36th America’s Cup, which takes place in March 2021 in New Zealand.
The materials used in this collection were specifically chosen for their lightness, durability and resistance to stress and corrosion.
Panerai drew inspiration from state-of-the-art technologies and materials used in the AC75 Luna Rossa, the impressive new flying monohull built for the race.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our presence in Australia with the opening of the first boutique in Sydney, “says Giacomo Cinelli, Managing Director, Panerai South–East Asia and Oceania.
“Together with our partner Kennedy, we look forward to showcasing our latest collections and providing our clients with an exceptional customer experience.”
With the opening of the Sydney boutique, Panerai now has 121 boutiques around the world.
