Panerai's luster

[hbrogers]

I just got back from Vegas (excess capital of America) and noticed that there where a lot fewer Panerais on the wrists of people than in the past. Cesar's has a boutique now, but the big T has moved the Panerai display to the back of the store. Is panerai starting to lose its luster? I know its a brand a lot of people love to bash, but though as Panerai has become more mainstream, I thought would see more. Don't get me wrong, I switched from Rolex to get away from the "hey I have the same watch" crowd. And like the exclusivity, but kind of got the feeling that Panerai was no longer desirable.

[advocatia]

I disagree and don't care even if true. Never selling my 422. Trendiness bores me.

[kilyung]

I believe T Vegas moved Panerai to make room for an expanded Rolex display. I don't think I've seen many Panerais in Vegas... mostly Rolex.

[hbrogers]

Mike you are right about Rolex, seemed to be on everyone's wrist. I was considering a DSSD for my next piece, but not so sure now.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by hbrogers

Mike you are right about Rolex, seemed to be on everyone's wrist. I was considering a DSSD for my next piece, but not so sure now.

Don't let the Vegas scene influence your watch choice. It's a microcosm of Rolex owners. Get the DSSD if that's what you like.

[nishant]

What's on my wrist may have something to do with what some forum members think [ probably 5-10% of the decision ] but I hell dont care about what the world in general wears. There is a life beyond the mercedes hands of Rollies :)

[jvo300]

I don't think those are signs of fading luster. However, I do think that Panerai has lost its way (diluted product due to explosive growth), but many like the direction in which the company is going. Time will tell. I've culled my Panerai collection down to one and may soon be out completely -- though keeping a simple base may make sense for my collection.

[mborkow]

If Vegas were used as a measure of our taste, we'd all be in big trouble :-)

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by mborkow

If Vegas were used as a measure of our taste, we'd all be in big trouble :-)

+1000000000000

[RolexWatcher]

Hey OP, get what you like!

[advocatia]

By the way I really like the direction Panerai is headed. The days are gone where a small group of rabid collectors can salivate over impossible to obtain SE's that frankly, looked all too much alike. The new designs feature in house movements, cool variants of the Radiomir (for example) and I think represent a move toward innovation and variation in style, size and design. Not everyone wants a 47mm two hand manual wind. Sorry. Panerai is growing and expanding as a company as it should. Change is inevitable and change is often good. There's a flavor for most every PAM fan these days.

I get more props on my 422 than all my Rolex ever put together. And I enjoy wearing my 422 more so than my GMT2C.

[joe100]

Panerai will always have it's followers. Every brand does otherwise they'd be gone. Panerai has been around as a real watchmaker for a few decades now so they're fine. Rolex is a marketing juggernaut and can't be stopped.

Don't let Vegas influence you. If you landed in vagas from another planet you'd think everyone wore prada t-shirts and had LV wallets. A Rolex would be required equipment too. I see more knock-offs in Vegas than the real deal. That's why I don't have an LV wallet...

[Cru Jones]

Normally, less of something in Vegas is a good sign for that thing.

[hbrogers]

I hope I did not send the wrong message. I'm a paneristi from way back, been wearing one since before Richmond took over. Is just struck me as odd, as to the small showing. I own several different brands, but my 233 is my go to watch of choice. I agree Vegas is Vegas, but last several times I was there, while no way near as prevelant as Rolex, I did see several Pams, this time only one, and I'm the type of WIS that walks around looking at guys wrists, more than female's shirts

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by hbrogers

I hope I did not send the wrong message. I'm a paneristi from way back, been wearing one since before Richmond took over. Is just struck me as odd, as to the small showing. I own several different brands, but my 233 is my go to watch of choice. I agree Vegas is Vegas, but last several times I was there, while no way near as prevelant as Rolex, I did see several Pams, this time only one, and I'm the type of WIS that walks around looking at guys wrists, more than female's shirts:thumbsup:

Uh oh. We have a WIS code red. I repeat, code red.

[Time Collector]

Originally Posted by hbrogers

last several times I was there, while no way near as prevelant as Rolex, I did see several Pams, this time only one, and I'm the type of WIS that walks around looking at guys wrists, more than female's shirts

I see no cause for alarm, I for one travel to Vegas regularly and most of the time I take two watches one being a Rolex Sub as a everything watch and the other a Panerai. So with that said, maybe it was the same ratio of Panerai watches as before in Vegas but you either didn't see them or maybe the owners switched to their Rolex when you encountered them. Just because you didn't see them doesn't mean they are not there. As far as the Panerai display being moved to the back of the Tourneau Time Dome, that is standard if you have a boutique in the same building. They did the same thing at Tourneau in Bal Harbour. In both cases Torneau was selling Panerai first and then the Panerai boutique were built, at least they retained the rights to sell them at all. The brand is alive and well on my arm.

[laphroaig007]

Panerai sell less than a 1/10th of Rolex...... No wonder such a big retailer as T prefers to put Rolex ahead in the shops !
;-)

[Time Collector]

Originally Posted by laphroaig007

Panerai sell less than a 1/10th of Rolex...... No wonder such a big retailer as T prefers to put Rolex ahead in the shops !
;-)

Plus the major brands like Patek and Rolex have a say in how and were their watches will be displayed in those stores. It's about image for them as well, and I'm sure that they pay a premium for the right to do so.