If I may

[B. Doggy]

So there has been some relatively recent controversy with the 'risti of the world regarding the Panerai business model. *Note- 360, 339, 390, 422.....others?

It's not my intention to start a beef, simply an observation. This said, I've seen many here and on the other board have a 'fine, I'm going to take my ball and go home' attitude if they don't get what they want. It's this or acknowledging a possible issue of allocation and excessive model release activity.

Now I whole-heartedly agree that Panerai is making an interesting move with the recent new models. I for one didn't see this coming and I can only speculate as to why, but will assume it has to do with hitting numbers. Mik said it best- what's the point of SIHH then? I'd hate to see these guys adopt a mantra likened to, err, some of the entry level watch makers. I think I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and see what's up though.

I would also like to point out that as a community of WIS,' there is a microscope put on every move a brand makes. This is what's so fantastic about this place! But if you back out and really look at it, there's a touch of irony and amusement there. For me anyway, these are only watches, albeit ones I love and would hate to see a brand screw up.

In all, perhaps I can suggest that if we're a bit ticked about something that a brief break if necessary. After all, we do only make up a relatively small percentage of Panerai's sales. The average guy doesn't care about the font size, placement of text, dial lay-out, if there's a 9 vs. a seconds hand, faux patina, etc, etc.

We're the anal ones.



B