Armani, Versace, Pucci, Prada. Italy’s most prestigious fashion houses have created a footprint in the Design District, Miami’s most luxurious shopping neighborhood. We can now add Panerai to the list of esteemed brands. The maker of fine Italian watches recently opened their flagship store in Palm Court – their largest point of sale in the U.S. to date.
Photo: Panerai Store interior
Dating back to the 19th century in Florence, Italy, Officine Panerai was not only a boutique, but also a workshop and watchmaking school that was for years the supplier of precision instruments for the Italian Navy. Watch styles created then including the Luminor and Radiomir are still available today at the Design District store. In fact, the Luminor Marina is recreated on a wall serving as, well, a way to keep track of time when shopping the stunning two-story space designed by Italy-based, Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola.
Photo: Panerai Store interior
Studio Urquiola is behind the design of several Panerai boutiques throughout the world and has masterfully fused the aesthetic and technical codes of the watchmaker, honoring the classic design of the timepieces, while bringing a modern feel to the Miami store. Urquiola pays homage to the heritage of the brand and its naval ties in details like the custom chandelier inspired by Panerai movements consisting of a suspended series of disks, rings and lamps featuring a metal and gold finish reminiscent of vintage nautical instruments.
Photo: Panerai Store exterior
The Panerai flagship will not only house a coveted collection of watches and special-edition pieces, but the second floor of the store will also serve as a private area for exclusive shopping experiences as well as an exhibition space for artists and designers.
Officine Panerai in the Miami Design District is located at 140 NE 39th Street, Miami, Florida, 305- 908-4518.
