Why Panerai???

[chris1973]

I have been thinking for a while now what should I buy Panerai or Rolex. Rolex just seems the obvious ( maybe boring) choice. I have tried the Sub date, Sub LV and Seadweller and they just don't seem to do it for me.

I feel some people buy Rolex because its a Rolex not because they like the watch but know they have bought a watch people know and they can show it off to their mates!

I have spoken to many Jewellers who won't wear a Rolex thinking they are over priced and for the watch nut there are many better choices out there. I started trying on Rolex and then after reading threads on here and elsewhere feel Panerai is just that bit different, isn't as obvious ( which I like ) than say a Rolex and better suited to what I need the watch for.

I have tried on a Pam 88, 160 since reading this forum and they just feel right, look right and not as obvious as a Rolex.

[Trurolexer]

I was a Rolex Geek before, but lately I lost my passion with Rolex.
Rolex doesn't thrill me anymore. I don't know why.
Not because Rolex is not good, I'm still respectful with Rolex, really.
My advice is don't buy any watch because someone told that's good, but buy a watch because you like it. And you will never regret.
Whatever you choose in the end, that's the BEST for you.
Good Luck!!!

WELCOME To PANERAI SIDE!!!


P.S : 88 is a GREAT watch.

[argee1977]

Rolex are fantastic watches, their biggest selling point is also their biggest flaw to many, the fact that they have such a reputation the world over, making it near impossible to hide the fact you're wearing an expensive watch, they are also quite slow on changing things, but when you buy a Rolex you know what you're getting, with the Submariner and SD you know you're getting a rugged and reliable movement, a distinctive looking watch and something that will hold its value and last a lifetime if you wanted it too.

Panerai are a smaller brand that mainly uses word of mouth and the internet instead of sponsorships, models, etc. Rolex produce at least 20 times as many watches in a year and for that they require the marketing and repuation building, Panerai haven't as they seem to sell their watches without all this, but that's only due to the lack of numbers produced. Again the watches are great and unique, the added bonus is a lot of people won't look twice or ask 'how much was that', and only other people knowledgeable in watches will recognise it.

[chris1973]

Totally agree Rolex are fantastic watches, but I like the fact that only watch enthusiasts will notice a Panerai for what it is

[tuisquash]

i just like it, and the strap thing...

[niels74]

What can i say after TR and Ryan its all there , i like both brands but indeed i have noticed and no disrespect to the people on te forms here that really love the rolex brand what also has some stunnig vintage pieces, however indeed many people buy these as a status symbol, i have noted on many occasions that i had very nice conversations with people wearing a Panerai and commenting on this rather then wearing my Rolex.

and the 88 is a great piece, and if it smiles at you , and feels good , then it might just be the one for you, however you came to the right place, hang around here for a while read up on the models and great pic's people post here, and you might find there are quite a few models going around that also smile at you ..

However be warned, if you catch the bug there might be no way back ..LOL and you will end up with a box full off the things, ...

[airhkg]

Hmm. Yeah got a Breitling, Omega and, a Sub. Never heard of Panerai until joining this forum. Then I started "paying attention". Didn't like them at all at first seemed to "blockey" looking. That is gone the more I see them the more I like the design. Gotta say though the buckle on the straps makes me want to vomit. I think they could come up with a bit better design. Then again the clasp on most Rolexes makes me hurl as well (cheap). That said the Panerai steel bracelet looks sweet and clasp or not the straps are hard to beat. If you are leaning to Panerai do it. They have a very unique and IMHO a classy look for such a big piece of iron.

[B. Doggy]

Just be careful about Panerai not being as "obvious"- A PAM on the wrist garners more attention than most Rolex do. This is just from personal experience though. I get tons of looks and comments with my 190 on....they just have no clue what is cost, etc.

[mfer]

Variety for me.

Panerai, Rolex, Blaincpain, JLC, etc.

[BigHat]

All brands have their attributes and I'd be reluctant to slam Rolex as they do many things well.
You have hit on a big problem though and that's the impression that wearing one flaunts wealth. In another thread, we have a young lady being told by her boss that maybe she should leave the Rolex SS SD) at home because of what it conveys. Now all of these issues can be worked through, but the fact of the matter is she could have been wearing a platinum VC Patrimony that costs $80K and her boss may not have said a word because she probably does know the brand and though the plt. was steel.

Rolex doesn't make 20 times the watches Panerai makes, they make 10,000 times the number so you see far less of them around. You may get some attention (it's a big watch) with it on your wrist, but it's interesting attention. People like the watch and have no idea what it is or how much it costs--genuine curiousity and none of the status hassles that everyone frets around around here.

They are really nice watches and the quick changing straps make them so much fun to play around with. With a black dial and SS case, the strap is really a lot more of the "personality" of the watch and thus a strap change is a new and very different look.

I like Rolex, have a number of them too, but don't disregard the attributes of Panny or other brands as you opt to make a "nice watch" purchase.

[SirLoki]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

I was a Rolex Geek before, but lately I lost my passion with Rolex.
Rolex doesn't thrill me anymore. I don't know why.
Not because Rolex is not good, I'm still respectful with Rolex, really.
My advice is don't buy any watch because someone told that's good, but buy a watch because you like it. And you will never regret.
Whatever you choose in the end, that's the BEST for you.
Good Luck!!!

WELCOME To PANERAI SIDE!!!


P.S : 88 is a GREAT watch.

well said TR! i also agree, although i have no panerais, i really love the leather strap look and larger case, trying on numerous pieces i settled on a u-boat classico as1 because i loved the way it looked and felt on my wrist. it compliments my rolex collection well since it looks and feels nothing like what i already have.

[Nica64]

Get what you like don't worry about what people is going to say, I always wear my Pam to work and co workers usually make nice comments about the size, the crown and how clean it looks my 000 but no a big deal, probably they don't know anything about Panerai or how much they are which I like........... when I wear my Rolex is a totally different story all of a sudden people think I'm making a ton of money.

In the end is about me, what I like and what makes me happy... and Panerai and Rolex are doing just that

[WatchTimes]

Rolex are GREAT watches.
My white Rolex Exp II is my go to watch for going to the gun range
wearing at work quite a bit (I own a Mechanical Museum (have been on the History Channel) and am always sticking my hand inside some machine knockin my watch around and the Exp II is GREAT for that. But other than a DD or DDII I have sort of lost my passion for Rolex. I have sold my DSSD, my SD and will be selling my classic GMT and Sub ND soon (not letting go of my Blue Tudor Snowflake).
There are 2 or 3 Panerai watches other than my 233 I want for my collection and there is an IWC I am looking at as well but other wise the rest of the watches I dream about are much smaller companies.

Where I live everyone has a Rolex.
I am tired of everyone having my watch
People saying is that a Rolex, can I see it, is it real
etc etc....

I rarely ever get asked about my IWC or Panerai BUT when I do
it is someone who knows watches and it always turns into a good
conversation.

[hflee55]

i just like it.

[WatchTimes]

It's just the start.....
It only gets worse.

[c2tcardin]

As the others have said Rolex watches are great and you really can't go wrong with them. Per your concerns I can say after owning a Rolex for a while it just didn't sing to me and I couldn't stop thinking about the Panerai brand. After buying my Pam the Rolex had to go, this was mostly to pay off the Pam but it was also because I knew the Rolex wasn't going to get any wrist time. I will say the Pam has gotten more compliments but I agree with the others that most people have no idea what the cost is on one of these Pam's.

[chris1973]

Great comments, I love the fact that no one really knows a Pam and also no one knows the cost. Its unfortunate when you wear a Rolex people think you are earning too much money and want to know how much it costs!

As I visit customers looking for business or a price increase it would be unwise turning up in a Rolex!

[116520]

I am still a Rolex Geek....

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

I was a Rolex Geek before, but lately I lost my passion with Rolex.
Rolex doesn't thrill me anymore. I don't know why.
Not because Rolex is not good, I'm still respectful with Rolex, really.
My advice is don't buy any watch because someone told that's good, but buy a watch because you like it. And you will never regret.
Whatever you choose in the end, that's the BEST for you.
Good Luck!!!

WELCOME To PANERAI SIDE!!!


P.S : 88 is a GREAT watch.

[tuisquash]

if you like it, you don't have to ask why.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by tuisquash

if you like it, you don't have to ask why.

Exactly Tui

You either get it or you don't...if you need an explanation, you wouldn't understand.




(not that we are biased or anything here on PDF @ TRF)

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by 116520

I am still a Rolex Geek....

Good for you...
soon enough you will cross the line, Bro...