Casa Panerai Lands in Paris Accompanied By Another Boutique Exclusive
On the heels of the incredibly successful opening of Casa Panerai in New York on the esteemed Madison Avenue, Casa Panerai has officially opened its doors in the heart of Paris — nestled at 120 Avenue Des Champs Elysées. Panerai’s new boutique concept is housed within a historic mid-19th-century building, seamlessly fusing French baroque elements with the clean lines typical of Italian rationalism. The result is a boutique that not only pays homage to its storied past but also celebrates modernity, reflecting the emblematic charm of the City of Light.
At the heart of Casa Panerai’s creation lies an innate respect for artisan craftsmanship, a commitment that permeates every aspect of the boutique’s design. Panerai’s in-house creative department took the helm, dedicating itself to a meticulous process grounded in detail and dedication. Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai, emphasizes the significance of this venture in Paris, saying, “This boutique is a journey, a confluence of design eras, and a tribute to enduring craftsmanship.”
Covering over 200 square meters, the Parisian Casa Panerai boutique stands as the largest in France. The Casa Panerai boutique aims to be more than just a shopping destination; it serves as a home for Panerai’s clients and those curious to learn about the Maison. Each visitor is welcomed personally upon entering the boutique, initiating a tailored and personalized experience. Guests are then led to one of five exclusive suites, each designed to provide an in-depth immersion into the Panerai world. One of these areas is dedicated to smaller-sized timepieces, featuring soft, rounded furnishings with walls adorned in artisan-crafted variegated blue resin, reminiscent of the sea’s kaleidoscopic hues.
In a bold departure from conventional watch boutiques, Casa Panerai’s windows remain devoid of products, emphasizing the spirit of discovery. The boutique’s immersive environment is further enriched by a large LED wall spanning two floors, enhancing the in-store experience. Every contour, including meticulously restored moldings and carefully selected materials, pays homage to the building’s spirit. Notably, the staircase’s wood mirrors the existing materials, while a custom design crafted by a French blacksmith features a discreet brass ‘P,’ subtly embedded in the staircase structure, referencing Panerai’s logo.
Casa Panerai Paris also boasts a museum section dedicated to showcasing Panerai’s most historical collection pieces. Along the staircase, guests will encounter frames containing representations of past Panerai watch patents and vintage advertisements.
Similar to the Casa Panerai New York opening, to celebrate the opening of Casa Panerai in Paris, the brand introduced the Radiomir Annual Calendar PAM01364, a timepiece that exemplifies Panerai’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This watch features a green-shaded dial, the Annual Calendar complication, a dark brown hand-dyed matte alligator strap, and is set in a 45mm Panerai Platinumtech™ case.
Of course, in true industry fashion, during the New York opening, there was a buzz about the grand Paris opening on the horizon — and we can confirm it met all of our expectations.