ITALY HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN DESIGN, WITH A RICH LEGACY OF CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND UNMISTAKABLE FLAIR. “ITALIANS DO IT BETTER” THEY SAY. HERE WE SHOWCASE FIVE EXCEPTIONAL MANUFACTURERS WITH AN ITALIAN CONNECTION FROM THE WORLD OF HIGH WATCHMAKING

WHEN YOU THINK OF extreme excellence in Italian design and engineering, it’s natural for the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini to spring to mind. The curvaceous, aerodynamic lines and bold, distinctive
aesthetics of Italian supercars have inspired awe and admiration the world over. But Italy’s design mastery is not limited to the automotive realm; it can be seen in the sleek, sophisticated yachts that glide across the Mediterranean, the impeccably tailored garments that defi ne high fashion, and the timeless, elegant furnishings that grace the interiors of the world’s most discerning homes.

From the Amalfi Coast to Milan, Italy’s design ethos is characterised by a relentless pursuit of perfection, a deep appreciation for tradition, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible. It is this unique blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation that has made Italian design a global standard of excellence, inspiring reverence and emulation across industries and continents. And when it comes to luxury watches with an Italian heartbeat, these fi ve brands continue to carry the torch. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or just starting out, these brands offer the incomparable taste of Italian.

PANERAI

Founded in 1860 in Florence, Italy, Panerai has a rich history steeped in the country’s maritime traditions. Originally a manufacturer of precision instruments and mechanical watches for the Italian Royal Navy, Panerai gained fame for its iconic dive watches with their distinctive oversized cases and military-inspired designs.
The Radiomir is one of the brand’s most celebrated models and has become a true icon of luxury watchmaking. Manufactured in 1936 under top-secret classifi cation, this timepiece was named after the special compound Radiomir and was known as the Ref. 3646. These luminous watches featured cushion-shaped cases constructed from stainless steel and secured to heavy duty leather straps using a set of welded wire lugs. They were originally powered by hand-wound movements supplied by Rolex-considered the best under demanding conditions.
In 1997 Panerai was acquired by the Swiss Richmont Group, but the brand´s Italian DNA remains at the core of its offerings. Panerai watches are prized for their exceptional craftsmanship, robust functionality, and uncompromising attention to detail qualities that have made them favorites among watch enthusiast and adventure-seekers alike.
In 2024, Panerai unveiled the Radomir Perpetual Calandar GMT Goldtech PAMO1453 to celebrate the anniversary of Radomir – the first wristwatch prototype to ever be developed by the Maison on October 24, 1935, showcasing its commitment to innovation while staying true to its Italian heritage.

BULGARI

Bulgari’s watchmaking legacy dates back to 1884, when the brand was founded in Rome by the talented Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. It didn’t take long for Bulgari to establish a reputation for Italian excellence with exquisite craftsmanship and magnifi cent jewellery creations.
Over the decades, Bulgari has expanded its expertise into the world of luxury watches, creating timepieces that are as much works of art as they are functional accessories. The brand’s signature Bulgari design, featuring the iconic double-logo bracelet, has become a touchpoint of Italian style, embodying the country’s fl air for bold, unapologetic elegance.
In recent years, Bulgari has also made a name for itself in the realm of ultra-thin movements, exemplifi ed by the recordbreaking Octo Finissimo. This commitment to innovation and technical excellence, combined with Bulgari’s deep-rooted Italian sensibilities, has solidifi ed the brand’s reputation as a leader in the luxury watch industry.
In 2024, the acclaimed Octo Finissimo range expanded with two new automatic models, one featuring a distinctive dial and the second, most radiant in yellow gold. The fi rst model, the Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper Automatic 103856, features a sunray Tuscan copper dial in a salmon hue that is very rare among Bulgari’s timepieces.
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Product Creation Executive Director, explains:
“Here, the metallic salmon tone draws its inspiration not from the usual vintage aesthetic prized by collectors, but from the very roots of Italian art, that of the 16th century, and more precisely from a disruptive movement of the time, called Mannerism, which marked my own training as a designer. Hence, my choice for this colour symbolizes an experimental and disruptive artistic approach.”

MECCANICHE VELOCI

Meccaniche Veloci is an originally Italian watch manufacturer with a production facility in Geneva. The brand was founded in 2006 by Italian watch designer Marco Colombo. In 2015, the company was acquired by Swiss-Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cerrito, who quickly set about restoring its distinctiveness and moving it to the heart of the Swiss watch industry in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The new owner worked on developing an in-house mechanical movement to replace the four independent ETA calibres used previously.
The Meccaniche Veloci collection is immediately recognisable by its unique case design, which is based on the pistons found inside every internal combustion engine. This perfectly round case, without
any lugs, is paired with a distinctive dial featuring four individual subdials. As a company that proudly celebrates its Italian design and inspiration, Meccaniche Veloci also places great importance on the Swiss origin of all components in its timepieces. Each owner receives a “watch passport” signed by Cesare Cerrito, attesting that every single component—from the case to the movement, dial, hands, and strap—is of Swiss origin.
In the brand’s own words, “A watch is just an object. Unless there is a story behind it. The true story, not the marketing one. In our case it’s a state of mind, made of passion, freedom, and respect. Passion for what we do, for the automotive and mechanical scene, bringing us joy and emotion. Freedom to unleash our way of being, genuinely refl ected in the iconic design of our timepieces. Respect for the customers, who deserve an uncompromised watchmaking manufacturing excellence. That’s why everything we manufacture carries the Meccaniche Veloci hallmark.”

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND ITS FOUNDER’S ITALIAN ROOTS HAVE
HELPED THE BRAND FORGE A UNIQUE IDENTITY IN THE CROWDED LUXURY WATCH MARKE

GIRARD-PERREGAUX

While Girard-Perregaux is also a Swiss watchmaker, the brand’s origins can be traced back to 1791, when it was founded by Italianborn Giovanni Girard. Over the centuries, Girard-Perregaux has become renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative movements, including the iconic Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges.
Since the 1980s, following the quartz crisis, Girard-Perregaux has been reinforcing
its position in the domain of high-quality mechanical watches, and since the end of the 80s, Girard-Perregaux has been a part of the Swiss Sowind Group.
In recent years, the brand has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking, as evidenced by the launch of the Laureato Chronograph in 2024, a modern interpretation of the brand’s classic design that pays homage to its Italian roots.
Girard-Perregaux’s rich history and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship have made it a respected name among watch collectors and connoisseurs. Despite its Swiss pedigree, the brand’s Italian connection remains an integral part of its identity, infusing its timepieces with a unique blend of European elegance and horological expertise.

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Although Parmigiani Fleurier is a Swiss watch brand, it has a strong Italian connection through its founder, Michel Parmigiani, who was born in Switzerland but has Italian heritage. Established in 1996, the brand quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. One of Parmigiani Fleurier’s most iconic models is the Tonda, a sleek and sophisticated timepiece that showcases the brand’s mastery of traditional watchmaking techniques.
Parmigiani Fleurier’s commitment to excellence and its founder’s Italian roots have helped the brand forge a unique identity in the crowded luxury watch market. And this dedication is recognised and admired by many. No less than six Parmigiani Fleurier timepieces have been nominated for the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2024. The awards ceremony on 13th November recognises timepieces that represent the very best of watchmaking across various categories.
One of the nominees is the Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar, which Parmigiani Fleurier describe as a testament to Michel Parmigiani’s belief that watchmaking can and should be a window into the history, culture, and philosophy of the people who have shaped our perception of time. Calendars are mirroring civilizations and Hijri is the watchmaking expression of the tabular Islamic calendar that was developed by Muslim scholars and astronomers in the 8th century.