Unbelievable Panerai Watches 101
To most casual watch watchers, almost all Panerai watches look essentially the same. After all, the brand adheres to a strict design language for all its models, derived from mid-20th century classics. These design traits include generously sized cushion-shaped cases, minimalist dials with a mix of Arabic numerals and stick hour markers, plenty of lume, and prominent winding crowns. However, there are some important, albeit subtle variances, between the different replica Panerai watches. So, if you’re completely unsure what kind of Panerai model you have, read on for some easy ways to spot the signs. 
Today, Panerai makes three main case shapes: Luminor, Radiomir, and Submersible. Yet, there are also several variations of these cases like the Luminor 1950 and the Radiomir 1940, which we will get to below. Panerai usually includes the name of the main model on the dial of the watch. So, to find out what the Panerai model is, the first thing you need to do is check the dial for a name.
It’s crucial to note that the Submersible was once part of the Luminor collection, which explains why you’ll sometimes see “Luminor Submersible” on the dial. Panerai officially established the Submersible as a separate collection in 2019, so all Panerai Submersible watches produced before then will have both the Luminor and Submersible names on the dial.
Panerai Radiomir watches do not have any crown guards around the winding crown. The standard Radiomirs include a conical winding crown and thin wire lugs while the Radiomir 1940 models have a cylindrical winding crown and thicker lugs.
What’s more, Panerai Luminor replica watches have an oversized semi-circular crown guard bridge protecting the winding crown. You’ll sometimes hear the name Panerai Luminor Marina. This is not the name of a special model style, but rather, the label given to Panerai Luminor watches that include a running seconds indicator at 9 o’clock.
Although no longer part of the current collection, another Panerai model worth knowing is the Mare Nostrum, which draws its design inspiration from a vintage two-counter chronograph made in the 1940s for deck officers. ifferen the cushion-shaped cases of the Radiomir, Luminor, and Submersible, Panerai Mare Nostrum watches have round cases that are fitted with a pair of chronograph pushers framing the winding crown.
Overall, the fastest way to know what Panerai models you have is to remember that Radiomir watches don’t have a crown shield, fake watches have large semicircle crown shields, diving watches have rotating diving rings, and Mare Nostrum watches have circular cases with timing devices. So, do you have a favorite Panerai model?