Now I'm 100% Sure, I Turn To Panerai!!!

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Green is just not my colour and 40mm is too small.

Green is my lucky colour, when it first came out i had to get one

The 40mm is small compared to Panerai, but with the maxi dial it has a feel of a bigger watch over the standard submariner, hopefully next year we'll see a 42mm submariner hitting the shops

[Trurolexer]

I think the new Submariner is still 40mm, right?

[DanP]

Hey Heru Thats just fine with me :) Your my friend for who you are not what watch you prefer! And always will be:thu mbsup::agr ee:

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by DanP

Hey Heru Thats just fine with me :) Your my friend for who you are not what watch you prefer! And always will be:thu mbsup::agr ee:

Thanks Brotha!!!
Still waiting here, you will join us soon...

[moby33]

So help me out guys, what's the deal w/ PAM's and brushed cases (or lack thereof)? I'll admit I don't know a lot about specific models, but every time I see one that interests me it appears to be a high polished case which makes me quickly move on. Just like Breitling, there seems to be a lot of models I would consider until I see the high polished cases...sorry guys, I'm just not a fan of that look. Are there brushed examples to consider?

I guess I'm happy to finally find a watch (DSSD) that stopped my constant looking at other watches. Like pretty much 99% of WIS, I seemed to constantly be looking for another watch. No sooner than I strapped a new one on my wrist, within no time the honeymoon was over and I had to keep looking. I can honestly say my DS has answered the call of everything I love in watches. I don't really envy those out there that are buying new watches and yet seem to be looking for another before they even get a chance to take off the protective plastic. For some reason that seems to be the case with most PAN owners. Is that suppose to be a good thing?

To those that say Rolex hasn't really offered anything amazing w/ the 'limited' upgrades, I say not so. The modern PAN's we're talking about here are unique and provide some fresh ideas, but I wouldn't say Rolex has watched PAN's growth over the years and not answered the call.

While I don't particularly like a lot of the new Rolex designs with regard to looks/fashion statement, I say Rolex has made GREAT advances that started with the GMT-IIC and has continued with the DS & new Sub. PAN is a different beast all itself, but Rolex has stepped up its game significantly and I personally believe we as Rolex lovers have companies like Panerai to thank.

Take the DS for example & compare it to the old SD or Sub. While I love the classic Sub, like most of you PAN fans, I longed for something a little larger than 40mm. At 43mm the DS fit the bill perfectly. I've owned watches from 45-48mm and while they are interesting, after a while I will admit anything over 44mm seems to grow old. +1 to Rolex on the perfect size.

While some might not prefer the new ceramic bezel, I love them. I can attest to the fact that they handle hits & abuse EXTREMELY well. Just ask one door jam in my house, a vintage car's metal bumper that was getting polished in my driveway and (believe it or not) a chipped plate while doing dishes. All took some abuse from the ceramic bezel, yet the bezel looks as good as day one. +2 to Rolex on a ridiculously tough material.

Lets not forget about the new ball bearings of the bezel. I use to laugh when I took the bezel off of my LV and saw the tiny metal 'pin' that kept the bezel from turning clockwise. What a joke IMO...the feel and construction of the new design is simply amazing. +3 to Rolex on a superb mechanical improvement.

In my eyes, the DS's domed crystal is a work of art. Over 6 months of ownership I still find myself mesmerized at how the slight dome reflects light and magnifies the dial at slight angles. +4 to Rolex for adding form/art to function.

The solid bracelet is hands down as good as they come. I didn't really think I could tell a difference until I recently handled my ex-SubLV. Instantly I could feel the difference in that the solid bracelet adds confidence and a feeling of sturdiness that was missing from the previous bands. +5 to Rolex for improving on the strength while maintaining a true classic in the oyster design.

The clasp clip and safety latch of the new clasp is simply amazing. If you have not inspected one up close, you don't know what you're missing. From the micro springs that bend ever so slightly to the micro ball bearings that give way when pressed on the sides, gone are the days of metal-on-metal scraping and worn out/stretched clippings. Even if you've handled one, I recommend you check out the released skeleton design schematics to get a true understanding of what goes into the new clasps. The amount of working parts might just surprise you. +6 to Rolex for finally improving upon probably one of the biggest complaints in Rolex history.

I'm no horologist, so I can't do justice to talking about the merits of the updated blu-hairspring and other movement improvements. But if the reports are true & accurate, then I applaud Rolex for taking a proven workhorse of a movement and upgrading it to provide greater defense of both magnetic interferences and shock trauma. +7 to Rolex for not being afraid to prove that regardless of how good something might be, there is always room for improvement.

The new blue lume and Maxi markers provide hours of clear nightly viewing. My first Rolex was a SD a few years ago. It replaced my SMP Chrono as a daily wearer and I quickly determined that the SD couldn't hold a candle to Omega wrt lume. That was a big deal breaker for me as I wear my watches when I sleep and refer to them throughout the night when I wake to check time. I found w/ the SD I had to literally place my nose against the glass to read the time. This issue led to my selling of the SD for a LV. But, with the DS (as w/ the IIC and new Sub-C), the Maxi is here to stay. No longer do I complain about Rolex coming in second to Omega in the lume category. +8 to Rolex for adding size, yet maintaining the simple elegance of the classic Rolex sport dial.

And finally, lets not forget about the Glidelock. I don't have to go into detail regarding the utter genius of this invention. The only thing I can say is why didn't anyone think of this concept years ago? It seems so simple now that it's been invented, yet obviously no other company thought of it prior to Rolex. If you're like me that prefers a watch on a metal bracelet (which I realize probably the majority of you Pan fans are not), then I don't have to tell you how great this design is. +9 to Rolex for developing & bringing to market an idea that has escaped every watch maker/designer since the beginning of time.

So that's my take on the 'slight' improvements offered. While I agree that Pan's have a lot of appeal, I wouldn't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon that Rolex has been sitting on the sidelines refusing to offer any type of improvements. The improvements are significant and right in front of our faces and I think it's easy to overlook them because many are relatively 'stealth'. As anyone that has operated behind enemy lines can attest - Stealth is Good...Really Good! Cheers.

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by moby33

... Glad you like your watch! :)

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Matrim604

... Glad you like your watch! :)

How could you tell? I didn't realize I typed so much until I hit 'post'...sorry guys for the novel...I need to get some sleep!

[DanP]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Thanks Brotha!!!
Still waiting here, you will join us soon...

When I gots the dough man .. when i gots the dough
One Day

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by DanP

When I gots the dough man .. when i gots the dough
One Day

I'll wait, Buddy!!!

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by moby33

How could you tell? I didn't realize I typed so much until I hit 'post'...sorry guys for the novel...I need to get some sleep!

Rolex is Rolex...The Most Popular Watches In The World.

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by moby33

How could you tell? I didn't realize I typed so much until I hit 'post'...sorry guys for the novel...I need to get some sleep!

Haha no need to apologize, DSSD is a superb watch, and your post was actually a fairly good read. But yeah, I kept scrolling down expecting it to end at some point but just never did! :) j/k. You should stick a couple pics in it and repost it in the Reviews section.

[chenx15]

Originally Posted by moby33

I guess I'm happy to finally find a watch (DSSD) that stopped my constant looking at other watches. Like pretty much 99% of WIS, I seemed to constantly be looking for another watch. No sooner than I strapped a new one on my wrist, within no time the honeymoon was over and I had to keep looking. I can honestly say my DS has answered the call of everything I love in watches. I don't really envy those out there that are buying new watches and yet seem to be looking for another before they even get a chance to take off the protective plastic. For some reason that seems to be the case with most PAN owners. Is that suppose to be a good thing?

Cheers.

I hear you moby! the SS daytona white face did that for me. Isn't Panerai's greatest move is by staying within Radiomir and Luminor models? all in all i think that is one reason i can't jump to the dark side because my SS daytona just amazes me all the time and my GMTIIC just cements my rolex loyalty. then again that PAM88 is really amazing

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by chenx15

I hear you moby! the SS daytona white face did that for me. Isn't Panerai's greatest move is by staying within Radiomir and Luminor models? all in all i think that is one reason i can't jump to the dark side because my SS daytona just amazes me all the time and my GMTIIC just cements my rolex loyalty. then again that PAM88 is really amazing

Many of us on PDF@TRF have been in your position.Eventually ,you will buy that first PAM, its just a question of time.

[GBJIV]

I am thankful some don't connect with PAM. It is hard enough to get Panerai's...

[tuisquash]

Originally Posted by GBJIV

I am thankful some don't connect with PAM. It is hard enough to get Panerai's...

i thought the same several times.
if it's popular as rolex the prices will be much worst.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by GBJIV

I am thankful some don't connect with PAM. It is hard enough to get Panerai's...

No comment...

[housemad]

Panerai hit Asia right now...It will be like Louis Vuitton...Every Asian will own a few soon!!

[Andad]

Good work Moby.

[argee1977]

Originally Posted by housemad

Panerai hit Asia right now...It will be like Louis Vuitton...Every Asian will own a few soon!!

With only around 35000 produced each year it's not really too much of a worry, although for Panerai fans it would be a nightmare as the prices would rocket, again

Rolex are a completely different ballgame to Panerai, but the two of them easily work within the same market as they produce different styles of watches, it's easy to own both a Rolex and a Panerai without worrying that they look similar, or do the same job.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by moby33

So help me out guys, what's the deal w/ PAM's and brushed cases (or lack thereof)? I'll admit I don't know a lot about specific models, but every time I see one that interests me it appears to be a high polished case which makes me quickly move on. Just like Breitling, there seems to be a lot of models I would consider until I see the high polished cases...sorry guys, I'm just not a fan of that look. Are there brushed examples to consider?

I guess I'm happy to finally find a watch (DSSD) that stopped my constant looking at other watches. Like pretty much 99% of WIS, I seemed to constantly be looking for another watch. No sooner than I strapped a new one on my wrist, within no time the honeymoon was over and I had to keep looking. I can honestly say my DS has answered the call of everything I love in watches. I don't really envy those out there that are buying new watches and yet seem to be looking for another before they even get a chance to take off the protective plastic. For some reason that seems to be the case with most PAN owners. Is that suppose to be a good thing?

To those that say Rolex hasn't really offered anything amazing w/ the 'limited' upgrades, I say not so. The modern PAN's we're talking about here are unique and provide some fresh ideas, but I wouldn't say Rolex has watched PAN's growth over the years and not answered the call.

While I don't particularly like a lot of the new Rolex designs with regard to looks/fashion statement, I say Rolex has made GREAT advances that started with the GMT-IIC and has continued with the DS & new Sub. PAN is a different beast all itself, but Rolex has stepped up its game significantly and I personally believe we as Rolex lovers have companies like Panerai to thank.

Take the DS for example & compare it to the old SD or Sub. While I love the classic Sub, like most of you PAN fans, I longed for something a little larger than 40mm. At 43mm the DS fit the bill perfectly. I've owned watches from 45-48mm and while they are interesting, after a while I will admit anything over 44mm seems to grow old. +1 to Rolex on the perfect size.

While some might not prefer the new ceramic bezel, I love them. I can attest to the fact that they handle hits & abuse EXTREMELY well. Just ask one door jam in my house, a vintage car's metal bumper that was getting polished in my driveway and (believe it or not) a chipped plate while doing dishes. All took some abuse from the ceramic bezel, yet the bezel looks as good as day one. +2 to Rolex on a ridiculously tough material.

Lets not forget about the new ball bearings of the bezel. I use to laugh when I took the bezel off of my LV and saw the tiny metal 'pin' that kept the bezel from turning clockwise. What a joke IMO...the feel and construction of the new design is simply amazing. +3 to Rolex on a superb mechanical improvement.

In my eyes, the DS's domed crystal is a work of art. Over 6 months of ownership I still find myself mesmerized at how the slight dome reflects light and magnifies the dial at slight angles. +4 to Rolex for adding form/art to function.

The solid bracelet is hands down as good as they come. I didn't really think I could tell a difference until I recently handled my ex-SubLV. Instantly I could feel the difference in that the solid bracelet adds confidence and a feeling of sturdiness that was missing from the previous bands. +5 to Rolex for improving on the strength while maintaining a true classic in the oyster design.

The clasp clip and safety latch of the new clasp is simply amazing. If you have not inspected one up close, you don't know what you're missing. From the micro springs that bend ever so slightly to the micro ball bearings that give way when pressed on the sides, gone are the days of metal-on-metal scraping and worn out/stretched clippings. Even if you've handled one, I recommend you check out the released skeleton design schematics to get a true understanding of what goes into the new clasps. The amount of working parts might just surprise you. +6 to Rolex for finally improving upon probably one of the biggest complaints in Rolex history.

I'm no horologist, so I can't do justice to talking about the merits of the updated blu-hairspring and other movement improvements. But if the reports are true & accurate, then I applaud Rolex for taking a proven workhorse of a movement and upgrading it to provide greater defense of both magnetic interferences and shock trauma. +7 to Rolex for not being afraid to prove that regardless of how good something might be, there is always room for improvement.

The new blue lume and Maxi markers provide hours of clear nightly viewing. My first Rolex was a SD a few years ago. It replaced my SMP Chrono as a daily wearer and I quickly determined that the SD couldn't hold a candle to Omega wrt lume. That was a big deal breaker for me as I wear my watches when I sleep and refer to them throughout the night when I wake to check time. I found w/ the SD I had to literally place my nose against the glass to read the time. This issue led to my selling of the SD for a LV. But, with the DS (as w/ the IIC and new Sub-C), the Maxi is here to stay. No longer do I complain about Rolex coming in second to Omega in the lume category. +8 to Rolex for adding size, yet maintaining the simple elegance of the classic Rolex sport dial.

And finally, lets not forget about the Glidelock. I don't have to go into detail regarding the utter genius of this invention. The only thing I can say is why didn't anyone think of this concept years ago? It seems so simple now that it's been invented, yet obviously no other company thought of it prior to Rolex. If you're like me that prefers a watch on a metal bracelet (which I realize probably the majority of you Pan fans are not), then I don't have to tell you how great this design is. +9 to Rolex for developing & bringing to market an idea that has escaped every watch maker/designer since the beginning of time.

So that's my take on the 'slight' improvements offered. While I agree that Pan's have a lot of appeal, I wouldn't be so quick to jump on the bandwagon that Rolex has been sitting on the sidelines refusing to offer any type of improvements. The improvements are significant and right in front of our faces and I think it's easy to overlook them because many are relatively 'stealth'. As anyone that has operated behind enemy lines can attest - Stealth is Good...Really Good! Cheers.

Yes...

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by housemad

Panerai hit Asia right now...It will be like Louis Vuitton...Every Asian will own a few soon!!

They hit Asia a couple years ago. Maybe since 2003-2004.
The most POPULAR model in Asia is Luminor Marina aka 111.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Yes...

[housemad]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

They hit Asia a couple years ago. Maybe since 2003-2004.
The most POPULAR model in Asia is Luminor Marina aka 111.

That probably why all Panerai dealers in the rest of the world only have 3 or 4 in the showcase... since China discovered Panerai!!!

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by housemad

That probably why all Panerai dealers in the rest of the world only have 3 or 4 in the showcase... since China discovered Panerai!!!

BTW Panerai opened Boutique in Shanghai in very first year.

[housemad]

My friend told me all showcase are empty in China...just the black pig figures inside alone!

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by housemad

My friend told me all showcase are empty in China...just the black pig figures inside alone!

So do in Jakarta AD...
Every item come, always sold out.
That's why I love Pannie.

[VazLube]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Yes...

And I present you this!

[Trurolexer]

I'm just wondering is that really leopard fur in the dial?

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

I'm just wondering is that really leopard fur in the dial?

Unlikely.

[Trurolexer]

To be honest the bling watches is not fo me...
Rose gold is OK, but diamond is difenetely NO.