Panerai Pre-Vendome

About the Pre-Vendome

Pre-Vendome Panerai watches, produced between 1993 and 1997 before the brand's acquisition by the Vendome Group (now Richemont), are highly prized for their rarity and historical significance. Featuring large cushion-shaped cases, simple dials with luminous markers, and robust ETA movements, these watches showcase Panerai's military and naval heritage. Production during the Pre-Vendome era was very limited: only a few hundred units were produced across various models, making them highly coveted. Among the most iconic references are the Luminor 5218-201/A and Mare Nostrum 5218-301/A, both celebrated for their robust designs. The collection also includes the Luminor Marina 5218-202/A, distinguished by its small seconds sub-dial, as well as the Slytech Submersible 5218-205/A, which gained significant attention after actor Sylvester Stallone wore it in the film Daylight. Stallone's endorsement helped bring Panerai into the spotlight, further boosting its public profile and desirability among collectors. Pre-Vendome watches continue to command high value in the vintage market, cementing Panerai's decades-long journey from a military tool watchmaker to a haute luxury brand.