For the watch enthusiast, Biblioteksgatan in Stockholm is an excellent destination. Even more excellent since Panerai recently opened the doors to its first boutique in the Nordic region at Biblioteksgatan 1 – VOYAGE checked in at the opening.

It happened fast. Just a few months ago, Panerai and Olof Larsson, owner of Nymans Ur 1851, opened the discussion about opening a Panerai shop in Stockholm. The premises at Biblioteksgatan 1 were seen as an opportunity, and the fact that Nymans Ur's own shop is located right next door was considered a significant advantage. The blue carpet is rolled out on Biblioteksgatan and the opening is in full swing as we check in.

I myself had been in a few days earlier browsing around. The shop is quite small, stylistically it feels Scandinavian, but the Italian elegance shines through. The staff are genuinely nice. They show and tell about the models and their history. I personally favour the Luminor Due model. I try on the rose gold version with a mother-of-pearl dial and am pleasantly surprised that such a masculine brand also delivers this.

Panerai are known for their large watches, a soft square and crown guard make them often recognisable. The company was founded in 1860 in Florence and supplied the Italian Navy with precision instruments. In this context, the first Radomir prototype was developed for the Italian Marine Corps' assault divers in 1936. The model was subject to military secrecy before being launched commercially in 1997.

Initially, Panerai purchased movements, from Rolex among others, but today they manufacture their own movements and watches in Neuchâtel. Alain Hakayem, Managing Director for Panerai, has flown in for the opening and both he and Olof Larsson are pleased. And in agreement that the interest in the brand in the Swedish market is great. I don't know the number of Swedish Paneristi, i.e. Panerai enthusiasts, in Sweden, but I read online that they are a community with around 30,000 members, that they are interested in special models and can recite reference numbers is a given. That they will add this Panerai boutique, the 71st on the list of destinations, is also highly likely.

It is time for Åsa Sparmo, CEO of Nymans Ur 1851, to cut the ribbon and officially declare the shop open. We toast with champagne from Laurent Perrier and drink large gulps of Sanpellegrino, the Italian water with big, bold bubbles.

Classics

The Radiomir Otto Giorni 45mm PAMO1347 is a classic, mechanical, hand-wound watch with an 8-day power reserve. We like the Italian text on the dial.

HA-Desire

The Luminor Due Goldtech Madreperla, 38 mm PAMO1280, is a treasure that demands attention. Rose gold, mother-of-pearl, and an alligator strap.

Under the surface

Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech 47mm, PAM02979, inspired by the model developed for the Egyptian Navy. This version comes in carbon fibre and is only available in-store at Biblioteksgatan 1.