Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

Jean-Marc Pontroué on Paneristi, Panerai’s Challenges and Its Future

In a 2019 interview, Jean-Marc Pontroué discussed Panerai’s identity, the influence of Paneristi, his strategy for the brand and his five-year ambitions. He left the CEO role in April 2025.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In a 2019 interview, then-Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué described the brand’s central task as protecting its recognizable identity while making that identity better known. His priorities included developing Panerai’s existing watch lines, improving its retail and service capabilities, and engaging the collectors he credited with helping build the brand. His five-year outlook was an ambition stated at the time—not evidence of Panerai’s position today.

What did Pontroué see as Panerai’s biggest opportunity and challenge?

Pontroué saw opportunity and challenge as two sides of the same goal: keep Panerai iconic while helping more people recognize what makes its watches distinct. In the 7 May 2019 Monochrome Watches interview, he pointed to the cases, dials and straps as parts of the brand’s design identity.

That framing was not a call to abandon Panerai’s established look. It was about preserving a recognizable product identity and communicating it more clearly, while keeping the maison relevant. The interview presents Pontroué’s view, not an independent assessment of the brand or its products.

Why did he value Paneristi?

Pontroué described Paneristi—the community of Panerai enthusiasts and collectors—as geographically broad, naming the United States, Germany, China and Hong Kong. He said he tried to meet collectors while travelling, at boutique openings and at events such as the community’s P-Day gathering.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Pagani Design 1767 Men's Automatic Watch Synthetic Sapphire Stainless Steel case 20 bar Water-Resistant Leather Strap Casual Men's Watch (Silver and Black)
  • PD-1767 men's watch: The men's watch 1767 is a new collection from Pagani with a unique design. The watch is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, a seconds dial, a winding dial and a date hand. The 41MM stainless steel case is polished and corrosion-resistant. The unique PAGANI DESIGN logo is embossed on the side of the case.
  • Automatic watch: Automatic movement, reliable performance, accurate timekeeping. Pull out the crown to set the time and calendar. When wearing the watch for the first time, please wind it by turning it about 20 times; you can check whether the watch is fully wound and the indicator bar is present by looking at the winding disc on the right.
  • The perfect watch: The synthetic sapphire crystal is resistant, highly transparent and is only surpassed in hardness by diamonds. The braided nylon strap with leather trim is lightweight and comfortable, with a classic buckle for easy removal and an adjustable size to fit your wrist. The hands and dots on the dial are luminescent so they are easy to read in the dark. (Please illuminate the watch sufficiently before use)
  • Waterproof watch: the watch is waterproof up to 200 meters with precise waterproof performance. It is not only suitable for daily contact with water sports, such as washing hands, washing cars, getting wet, etc., but also for long-term contact with water sports, such as diving and swimming. Please note that the watch cannot be operated underwater. (Please tighten the crown before going under water)
  • You can get pagani watch*1, pagani watch box*1, pagani watch manual*1, pagani brand card*1, pagani fiber watch cloth*1. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service, we will help you solve the problem.

He credited Paneristi with helping Panerai achieve success quickly. Their close knowledge of reference numbers, launch dates, production quantities and prices also shaped how he approached the brand. As he put it, “I love their opinion because they know the brand even slightly better than me.” That is Pontroué’s assessment in the 2019 interview, rather than a claim that every collector or customer shares the same view.

What strategy did he describe for Panerai?

Pontroué’s stated approach was to build within Panerai’s four existing product lines rather than add new ones. He also identified practical work behind the watches: preparing teams to handle retail, digital, after-sales service and distribution challenges.

Rank #2
Luminox SEA Turtle Giant Blackout XS.0321.BO.L Men's Military Watch 44mm
  • Its iconic "turtle shape" makes the Leatherback Sea Turtle series more than just reminiscent of its namesake. Its functionality on and underwater also make it live up to its name making it an exceptional timepiece for on and off water use.
  • Technical Specifications: 100 meters / 330 feet / 10 ATM water resistant, Extremely robust hardened mineral glass, Unidirectional rotating Bezel, Date, Protected crown, CARBONOX screw on case back
  • Lighting Technology: Orange & green Luminox Light Technology on dial ring and minute and hour hands (LLT) and green Super-LumiNova on bezel dot (SLN) - LLT: Self-powered illumination system employing tiny micro gas light sources; Always visible under any circumstances; Never press a button to light up; Does not need a battery to luminaite; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 25 years. SLN: Light-powered illumination system; Provides glow for up to 1 hour.
  • Details: Case diameter 44 mm, Case thickness 12 mm, Band length 8.25 inch, Band width 22 mm, Black CARBONOX case with Black Polyurethane band and Black dial
  • LUMINOX - Since 1989, Luminox has been dedicated to creating watches that combine precision, durability, and functionality.

Develop existing lines, not more product families

He said Panerai intended to develop product creativity within the four lines it already had. In the same interview, he said the company did not intend to grow production and planned to reduce the number of limited editions. He also aimed to increase technical content and use more precious materials in some lines.

These were plans he described in 2019. The interview does not establish whether they were carried out in full or whether they remain current Panerai policy.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Casio Men's MDV106-1AV 200M Black Dive Watch (MDV106-1A)
  • Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
  • Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
  • Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
  • Anti-reverse bezel
  • Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)

Strengthen the business around the watches

Training teams to respond to changes in retail, digital channels, after-sales service and distribution was another part of the strategy he outlined. In a separate WatchPro interview published on 12 May 2022, Pontroué said Panerai had 170 stores at that time and that two thirds of the boutiques opened in the preceding five years had been opened with partners. Those figures describe the company’s operations as he reported them in 2022; they are not current store counts.

In that 2022 interview, he also discussed the pandemic-era shift toward domestic customers, retail beyond capital cities, supply-chain tension and Richemont’s support for ecommerce and other capabilities. These remarks offer later context on the operating issues he had identified, but do not confirm the outcome of each 2019 plan.

Rank #4
Watch Link Removal Kit, BYNIIUR Watch Repair Kit, Watch Case Opener Spring Bar Tools, Watch Battery Replacement Tool Kit, Watch Band Link Pin Tool Set with Carrying Case and Instruction Manual
  • UPGRADE COMPLETE 155 PCS WATCH REPAIR KIT suit for professional and general use, which can solution for most watch repair requirements
  • MULTIFUNCTION DELUXE WATCH TOOLS SET has every tool you need, 3 point watch wrench case opener (extra large), watch band link remover tool, pin punch, hammer, pliers, spring bar removal tool, band holder, 5x screwdriver, tweezers, case pry
  • INCLUDED XL WATCH WRENCH CASE OPENER up to 55MM, easy to open groove type oversize watches. This kit is perfect for common watch trouble, like opening watch back cover, watchband adjustment, changing watch batteries, watch band remover, watch resize, watch pins remover. You will never pay pricey watchmaker fees again
  • THE METAL WATCHMAKING TOOLS are made of high quality solid 304 stainless steel, they are sturdy, portable, practical and very easy to use
  • EXCELLENT WEARABILITY NYLON STORAGE BAG holds the whole watch repair set neatly, and this portable zipper case is easy to carry, you can transport it to fix your watch anywhere you want
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What future did Pontroué predict for Panerai?

For the five-year outlook he gave in 2019, Pontroué said his target was for Panerai to “remain part of the top 20 operators in the luxury watch world.” He also wanted the brand to maintain balanced distribution and develop customers in their own markets, rather than rely chiefly on tourists buying watches while travelling.

This was a stated target and direction, not a verified ranking or proof that the forecast was achieved. The 2019 interview does not establish Panerai’s later position in a top-20 list.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
JOREST Watch Link Removal Kit, Resizing Tool for Bracelet Adjustment & Replacement, Pin Remover for Sizing Strap, Watch Adjuster, Hammer for Watch Repair, Adjust Band, with User Manual, Punches
  • 【Liftable platform】The liftable platform is designed for better alignment of the punch pin and the watch link pin hole, helping you to complete the adjustment of the strap more efficiently.
  • 【Multifunction】We have combined the watch link remover and strap holder into one tool, you only need this one tool to remove and install the watch link pin.Screw-on watch straps are not applicable.
  • 【9PCS replacement punch needles】There are two different lengths of replacement needles in the kit. For most of the straps, you can remove the watch link pin by just using the short punch needle pin. For some very wide straps, you can use the long needle to push the watch link pin out a little further for easy removal.
  • 【3PCS punch pins of different diameter】Three different diameter punches for different strap pin diameters, compatible with a wider range of watch straps.
  • 【Instruction manual】The instruction manual(in English) combines pictures and text to explain to you in detail the right way to use the tool, avoiding wrong operation to damage your watch, and helping you to solve watch problems at home.

Which Panerai did he choose for himself?

Asked which single Panerai he would wear, Pontroué chose the Submersible. He called it a “civilized version” of the original diver’s watch and mentioned titanium, BMG, Bronzo and Carbotech when discussing materials. His answer identifies a preferred product family in a historical interview; it is not an independent recommendation or a guide to current references, specifications, prices or availability.

Who leads Panerai now?

Pontroué is no longer Panerai’s CEO. Richemont’s announcement of 18 March 2025 said he would step down on 1 April 2025, after leading the maison since 2018, and that Emmanuel Perrin would become CEO on that date.

The announcement traces Panerai’s roots to Florence in 1860 and its historical supply of precision instruments to the Italian Navy and specialist diving corps. It also says the Radiomir and Luminor designs reached the international market after Richemont acquired Panerai in 1997, and that the maison develops and crafts its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture.

Pontroué continued to discuss Panerai publicly before his departure. An India Today interview listed in 2024 covered partnerships, new watches and the company’s plans for India’s luxury market. Its existence shows that he was still speaking about those themes; it does not establish how successful the plans became.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.