From Rolex to Panerai anyone?

[AJMarcus]

Just curious how many began their interest in Panerai after having caught the Rolex bug? I'm wondering if there's a patter because I know a few, like myself, who really did not appreciate Panerai until after I got into the Rolex sports models. Thanks

[jamesbondOO7]

I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction.

I know what you mean. Rolex does seem to be going in the wrong direction. Have you thought about flipping your watches?

[marcinthemiddle]

Had Rolex- and some great ones: the Platty YM, white Daytona, sea-Dweller(original) and most recently a GMT2C- NONE of them 'smiled' at me the way a nice, robust, 44mm Panerai does. I'm staying in the Darkside!

[marcinthemiddle]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction.

Bruno's right... flip 'em!

[Athas]

I started with rolex having an sd and a daytona. Then moved to panerai (pam233). Having seen the new ceramic daytona I now can't stop thinking of rolex

[karmatp]

I have gone back and forth for years, and when the new Sub C was introduced I sold a couple of pams to fund it, and some money in the back.

They are both great brands but I honestly feel like I get more bang for my buck with Rolex. I was going to buy a 351 or a Sub C, I went with the Sub because of all the worries or Panerai's new in house movements. I did not want to have any chance of having to send my watch back to Panerai. It basically came down to that, I knew the Rolex would take a beating and I had concerns with Panerai.

When it comes to base models, no worries, and watchmaker can fix a ETA base movement, but the new in house movement could leave me watch less for months.

I do think about picking up another base Pam, probably one that I have already owned like a 000, 005 or a 176.

[mfer]

Bought 16610
Bought 116710
Bought 111
Bought 210
Sold 116710

[B. Doggy]

I started with Rolex, but knew of Panerai when I took the plunge. I love both brands and intend to stick to those two I think.

[esm]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Just curious how many began their interest in Panerai after having caught the Rolex bug? I'm wondering if there's a patter because I know a few, like myself, who really did not appreciate Panerai until after I got into the Rolex sports models. Thanks

when i started getting into watches about 2 and half years ago, i got a Sub first... then you read and interact with fellow owners for more WIS knowledge.

some people gets it, some dont - that's the fact of like.

i for one like the appearance of Paneri watches, but not all of them (same for Rolex).

several Rolex later (still have them all) and i'm now on my second Panerai - im loving it.

IMO - Rolex and Panerai are somewhat "connected", as Rolex supplied Panerai movements back in the days.

which one has caught your eyes atm?

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction.

so, mr. 007 - if that is the case, can i ask what are you doing in a Panerai sub-forum?

[Benwah]

Had the 16610, bought the 111, then the 024. Sold the 16610 and the 111 and bought the 328...

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

I know what you mean. Rolex does seem to be going in the wrong direction. Have you thought about flipping your watches?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by esm

so, mr. 007 - if that is the case, can i ask what are you doing in a Panerai sub-forum?

He's hating.

Dont hate the Playa, hate the game I say.

[swish77]

Love both for different reasons and different occasions. Both brands have models that are way too blingy, though. Too much polished steel on many Panerais, and they're so big that they scratch easily. Some Rolex models have similar issues, and some are downright ugly. However, depending on your tastes both offer sports models that are stunning. For simple beauty I think Panerai wins. Rolex has long left the world of simple classic tool watches. I own both, but only basic models, PAM177 and Sub 14060M, for example, for the reasons above.

[tkc324]

Only have Rolex right now... but as some of the experts above already know, I am looking at an opportunity to get my first PAM...

[garGARgar]

I started with rolex. Have 2. My third watch will probably be a PAM 111. Unless I win the lotto, then I'm getting an A. Lange.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction.

How to win friends and influence people. Nice.......
Ps Mr.Bond, why are you then lurking in the Panerai section?

[AJMarcus]

You all made good points. I guess I can understand mr. Bond's preference for Rolex. Maybe he just made a wrong turn or clicked the wrong button on the forums. Anyway, I too think there's a connection between the two brands that's why I posed the question. And I absolutely enjoy my Sub C LN and my GMT Pepsi. But alas not much wrist time for the 16613. I may flip the TT Sub down the road for a PAM 88. We'll see.......

[0037ksm]

I'm attracted to some of the Panerai models although not enough (yet) to make getting one a priority over some other watches. That doesn't stop me from browsing this forum or any other.

[Speed]

I fall into that camp!

[Kapture1]

I have had my eye on them for some time, think they look sweet.

I'm worried about getting one... I hear that the dark side consumes you.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

How to win friends and influence people. Nice.......
Ps Mr.Bond, why are you then lurking in the Panerai section?

No idea, I just press the new posts button.

[mike]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

No idea, I just press the new posts button.

Here's a thought...read the post. I really have a hard time understanding why some (not just you) feel it necessary to make a negative comment on a brand, ANY brand, just to make a comment.

In answer to the OPs question, I've worn Rolex before many of you were alive. They were, and are, amazingly strong watches that carry a storied history and will always have a special place for me.

That said, Panerai brings to the table many of the very things that Rolex is also noted for. Strength, a particular unique look, practicality from a user standpoint, and it's own strong following.

No watch is the be all end all for everyone, but Rolex and Panerai seem to have answered all I need in a timepiece.

[Launch Mini]

I think Rolex is a gateway drug/watch.
Many people start the luxury watch purchases based on the reputation, then with research find other brands, Panerai or other.
For me
was
Rolex
Rolex
about 14 Panerai
Sold the 2 Rolexes
Sold about 10 Panerai
Bought a Rolex.

Now can you say BREGUET?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

No idea, I just press the new posts button.

So let me clear my throat.

After you "press the new post button" what happens next?

You go into a coma and your fingers uncontrollably type out "I cannot for the life of me understand the attraction"?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by mike

Here's a thought...read the post. I really have a hard time understanding why some (not just you) feel it necessary to make a negative comment on a brand, ANY brand, just to make a comment.

In answer to the OPs question, I've worn Rolex before many of you were alive. They were, and are, amazingly strong watches that carry a storied history and will always have a special place for me.

That said, Panerai brings to the table many of the very things that Rolex is also noted for. Strength, a particular unique look, practicality from a user standpoint, and it's own strong following.

No watch is the be all end all for everyone, but Rolex and Panerai seem to have answered all I need in a timepiece.

Great post. For me its also rolex and Pam. Plus G-shock for me. My new found watch love.

[snog]

I got into Pams through Rolex,was looking to buy a Rolex, came on here,got all the ins and outs of the brand, then went to my local Rolex AD after having just taken the cash out of the bank,went to the AD and just couldn't pull the trigger,seen a Pam for the first time and bought it there and then!
This was just as the sub c was released,the AD didn't have that model,I would buy a sub c but may find that hard to do as the prices keep going up,which makes another Pam purchase more likely and also makes Omega an option.

[Cru Jones]

If Rolex had designs like PAM and a strap culture, maybe I wouldn't look outside of Rolex. Then again, then Rolex wouldn't be Rolex.

It all comes down to personal taste. I'm very happy with my Rolex and have my eye on other models, but, why would I limit myself to just Rolex? Is there anything in Rolex's catalogue resembling a 111 on a JV? Should there even be?

[esm]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

If Rolex had designs like PAM and a strap culture, maybe I wouldn't look outside of Rolex. Then again, then Rolex wouldn't be Rolex.

It all comes down to personal taste. I'm very happy with my Rolex and have my eye on other models, but, why would I limit myself to just Rolex? Is there anything in Rolex's catalogue resembling a 111 on a JV? Should there even be?

Agreed. It's like is there any Panerai in the catalogue resembling a SS Sub on a Bond NATO?

Let's open yourself open to more exciting experiences in the WIS world.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Here's a thought...read the post. I really have a hard time understanding why some (not just you) feel it necessary to make a negative comment on a brand, ANY brand, just to make a comment.

In answer to the OPs question, I've worn Rolex before many of you were alive. They were, and are, amazingly strong watches that carry a storied history and will always have a special place for me.

That said, Panerai brings to the table many of the very things that Rolex is also noted for. Strength, a particular unique look, practicality from a user standpoint, and it's own strong following.

No watch is the be all end all for everyone, but Rolex and Panerai seem to have answered all I need in a timepiece.

Well said Mike and I could not agree more with you!