We learned this morning through our friends at @Club.Panerai and Revolution Magazine that Mr. Angelo Bonati former CEO of Panerai passed away yesterday May 15, 2025. Mr. Angelo Bonati is widely recognized as the driving force behind Panerai's remarkable transformation from a small Italian watchmaker into a global luxury brand in the course of a 21-year leadership.
In 1997, when Richemont Group—then called Vendôme Luxury Group—acquired Officine Panerai SrL, Bonati was selected as the brand's first sales director, later becoming CEO in 2000.
When Bonati joined Panerai, the company essentially had one watch model and a single boutique in Florence, Italy. As he once described it: "There was one table, one office, and me." Starting with almost nothing but the Luminor Marina design, Bonati had the vision to build a prestigious international brand around this distinctive timepiece.
Under his leadership, Panerai developed its own in-house movements, expanded its product line while maintaining its distinctive identity fueled by its history, established a network of boutiques worldwide, and cultivated a passionate following known as "Paneristi." The brand became synonymous with bold Italian design, craftsmanship, and maritime heritage.
One of Bonati's most significant achievements was remaining true to Panerai's DNA while modernizing the brand. He once remarked: "The dream was to establish a brand starting from Luminor Marina Panerai. That's what we did." This philosophy guided his stewardship of the company for over two decades.
Bonati retired from Panerai in April 2018, handing over leadership to Jean-Marc Pontroué. His legacy will forever continue regardless of the damage that Jean-Marc Pontroué did to the brand until his sudden departure almost two months ago.
May Mr. Angelo Bonati rest in peace. Our deepest condolences go to everyone in his family and all the loved ones that he left behind.
Lastly, may his ‘Paneristi’ legacy be resurrected with new leadership and a new vision to get Panerai back to where it once was situated.
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