For Antiquorum?s 30th Anniversary, Panerai has bestowed on us a great honor, mobilizing all their technical and engineering forces in order to construct for us the first-ever Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon chronometer. In addition, this spectacular chronometer wristwatch, magnificently executed, was delivered in an astonishingly short period of time. Thank you, Mr. Franco Cologni and Mr. Angelo Bonati Officine Panerai In 1860, Giovanni Panerai (1825-1897), founder of the family business, opened the first watchmaker's shop in Florence on the Ponte alle Grazie; he was succeeded by his son, Leon Francesco. Guido Panerai (1873-1934), the founder?s grandson, expanded his grandfather's business and began specializing in high precision mechanisms, becoming official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy. Around the turn of the century, the shop moved to the Piazza San Giovanni in Florence, where the Panerai boutique is still to be found today. During this period, the first precision optical and mechanical instruments were delivered to the Defence Ministry. During the 1930s the Panerai Radiomir watch gained renown for its ability to withstand extreme conditions, and became widely used by the military. After the death of Giuseppe Panerai, the son of Guido, the company came under the direction of engineer Dino Zei and the family firm became known as Officine Panerai S.R.L. The firm continues to collaborate closel with the Italian Navy, supplying watches and instruments. In 1997 Officine Panerai became part of the Richemond Group.