Panerai marks the 100th anniversary of its historic Florence boutique in Piazza San Pancrazio with “Immersion,” a new contemporary exhibition exploring the Maison’s identity, running from September 11 to 19, 2026, at the Museo Marino Marini, according to the luxury watchmaker. Conceived as an experiential journey, the exhibition traces the brand’s evolution from a family workshop supplying the Italian Navy to a global icon of 21st-century watchmaking, offering visitors an interactive look at the core principles of purpose, performance, and real-life adventure.
A Century of Florentine Heritage and Naval Innovation
The centennial celebration brings Panerai back to the Museo Marino Marini ten years after its acclaimed 2016 “Dive Into Time” exhibition. Set inside the museum’s historic crypt, “Immersion” highlights the dual roots established in Florence starting in 1860, when the Panerai family operated both the “Orologeria Svizzera” boutique and the “G.Panerai & Figlio” company, which manufactured professional instruments for the Italian Navy. According to Panerai CEO Emmanuel Perrin, the heritage serves as the technical foundation and guiding vision for future development. The historical partnership with the military forged specific design methods—including underwater resistance, darkness visibility, structural robustness, and extended power reserves—that continue to define current tool watches.
From Military Workshops to Extreme Polar Landscapes
The exhibition design guides visitors through distinct physical and thematic environments, beginning with a secret military workshop and descending into a simulated abyss of pressure, darkness, and silence. The journey then ascends toward the surface, showcasing how modern adventurers test Panerai timepieces across frozen lakes, polar landscapes, jungle humidity, and ocean waves. In these demanding scenarios, the watch transitions from a simple measurement tool into an essential companion for endurance and focus.
Nautical Chronographs and the Open Sea
The final chapter of the “Immersion” exhibition focuses on wind, water, and horizon, placing historic nautical instruments side by side with contemporary chronographs. This display bridges competitive sport sailing and classic long-distance navigation. Both categories reflect the Maison’s enduring objective to conquer the open sea through dedicated marine instruments and high-performance wristwatches engineered for extreme maritime environments.
Exhibition Details at a Glance
- Event Name: “Immersion” – a contemporary exploration of Panerai’s identity
- Location: Museo Marino Marini, Piazza San Pancrazio – Florence, Italy
- Dates: Open to the public from September 11 to 19, 2026
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Panerai “Immersion” exhibition taking place?
The exhibition is open to the public from September 11 to 19, 2026, at the Museo Marino Marini located in Piazza San Pancrazio, Florence, Italy, with daily operating hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
What can visitors expect to see inside the exhibition?
Visitors experience an experiential journey spanning from the family’s 19th-century Florentine origins and military workshops to deep-sea abysses and polar landscapes, featuring historical instruments and contemporary tool watches.
How can I book tickets for the exhibition?
Reservations can be made online by visiting the official Panerai booking portal.
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