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

[mfer]

Let me start out by saying, I Panerai. I have 4 and want more (well, 3 for me and 1 for the wife). Hell, I'm pondering selling my last non-Panerai to get more Panerai.

We ARE the anal ones for sure. My comment about "What is SIHH for?" is because it draws so much excitement. I know people that don't go into work the next day b/c they are on the web hitting the "F5" key over and over all night to see what comes out. I LOVE it. I'm all for cool models that people want, but I guess I want the build up of SIHH and not random releases at random times. Announce the models in SIHH and release them before the next SIHH. SIHH and Basel are like Christmas Eve for us WIS'. Surprise us with an occasional "wild" release, but not like 4+ in one year. (all the boutique releases).

I'm not going anywhere from Panerai, but my only beef is about the distribution. I KNOW that they have to cater to their loyal fans who can drop tens of thousands on watches every year. That isn't me and I see why the loyal well-to-does get preferential treatment, but after that, it seems odd on their distribution. I'm not going to go into calling out names, etc, but it just seems odd and I'll leave it at that. I'm not an owner of a large watch manufacturer and I don't know all the in's and out's of the biz, but I do feel a little left out as a passionate WIS. But....who am I to them? A dude who has never bought a watch from them (all mine are used), but I want to buy a new one (SE), so how do I do it?

Oh well, in the end, it is just a watch I suppose. Guess I'll just have to get another used watch......maybe a 232??????

[Cru Jones]

this is a tough nut to crack, but, it's good to think about and discuss. thanks, bryan.

i'm not sure where i land on the spectrum, and, i think that's okay, since, after all, it's just a watch.

i understand mik's points about the fun and excitement of SIHH, and how these random releases take away from that a bit. and how waiting so long for SIHH models to make it to market is a bit of a drag. however, the flip side of that is that something like SIHH or basel is really something only WIS's care about, and WIS's make up a small percentage of the market. panerai is a successful business, and, from their end, i could see how likely having already sold-out a good percentage of the 2011 SEs and novelties would encourage them to come out with more models. not only does that bring them money, but, they are working to satisfy demand. there's a positive spin somewhere to be found regarding a watch company being so proactive, as opposed to the annual "my way or the highway" rolex/basel "event". also, i happen to like all the new pieces, all of them, which i can't say with a certain other brand's design direction.

regarding the difficulties people have securing pieces, i can see how that would be frustrating. i think buying new from an AD would help with that, in the sense of getting one's foot in the door for an SE.

i dunno. i just like looking at the new models and talking about them. funds don't really permit me to be actively shopping on a yearly basis for the "next piece", so, maybe that's why all this talk about panerai's "strategy" isn't really hitting home.

[jvo300]

It feels like their are two related issues at work here.

On the one hand, the brand faithful are concerned that the frequent releases are diminishing the special shine of the brand. The good news about these releases seems to be the overall numbers of production are higher which (in theory) should mean it is easier to get your hands on without a secondhand mark-up.

On the other hand, the means of getting these beautiful time peices leaves much to be desired. Everyone wants a fair shot at getting the watch of their dreams. This begs a questions though. If everyone could get the watch they want, would the brand still be special?

It seems like Panerai is attempting to balance both of these issues with some mixed results. Time will tell if their strategy proves successful, but I think concern is warranted. As to Mik's concern on buying a new SE, I'd say forget cultivating relationships with local AD. Buy directly from the boutique (some are much more customer oriented than others) and you will find more SEs available to you (of course this also means you pay full retail price). Cheers!

[B. Doggy]

Originally Posted by mfer

Let me start out by saying, I Panerai. I have 4 and want more (well, 3 for me and 1 for the wife). Hell, I'm pondering selling my last non-Panerai to get more Panerai.

We ARE the anal ones for sure. My comment about "What is SIHH for?" is because it draws so much excitement. I know people that don't go into work the next day b/c they are on the web hitting the "F5" key over and over all night to see what comes out. I LOVE it. I'm all for cool models that people want, but I guess I want the build up of SIHH and not random releases at random times. Announce the models in SIHH and release them before the next SIHH. SIHH and Basel are like Christmas Eve for us WIS'. Surprise us with an occasional "wild" release, but not like 4+ in one year. (all the boutique releases).

I'm not going anywhere from Panerai, but my only beef is about the distribution. I KNOW that they have to cater to their loyal fans who can drop tens of thousands on watches every year. That isn't me and I see why the loyal well-to-does get preferential treatment, but after that, it seems odd on their distribution. I'm not going to go into calling out names, etc, but it just seems odd and I'll leave it at that. I'm not an owner of a large watch manufacturer and I don't know all the in's and out's of the biz, but I do feel a little left out as a passionate WIS. But....who am I to them? A dude who has never bought a watch from them (all mine are used), but I want to buy a new one (SE), so how do I do it?

Oh well, in the end, it is just a watch I suppose. Guess I'll just have to get another used watch......maybe a 232??????

Grab that 232, Mik!! I'm waiting to see what SIHH brings us this year before I decide what's next on the PAM list. Hoping a nice RAD with some DNA comes out. About time.

[ocwatching]

I am taking my ball to....Hublot

Just kidding! I would then really be jumping on the bandwagon of crazy releases and SEs galore...

You are totally correct Bryan...95% of the watch buying public when they are dropping this kind of $$ wants to make a statement, especially in ASIA..they don't care about fonts, movement, etc..and I totally understand (well sort of) why Panerai is trying to up production as the demand is there...

After my 339, I am just going to sit back and take your advice and see where they are going...(well, except when Chad calls for the 390)

Tell you this much, this break has allowed me to explore other brands out there..and you can see that many other long time ristis are doing the same..

back to my hole...

[dukerules]

Let your money do your talking. If you don't support the way a particular brand does things, then don't buy the brand's offerings.

I understand the number of watches OP makes is relatively small, and that there is a rabid fan base ready to buy the most desirable pieces. That means small timers like me won't be able to buy every Panerai that we really want. That's OK though. I'm not going to begrudge OP taking care of its most loyal and deep-pocketed customers.

[red1108nyc]

I almost feel like SIHH is a huge marketing scheme to test the waters.. ie checking to see which models the enthusiasts are responding to the MOST.. and then BAM! hit them with the surprise models that have characteristics from those particular popular models are from the SIHH IE 372.. Interesting to say the least.. again only time will tell if this strategy works in the long run.. we are also near year end so this can be another reason.

Still, I love my pammies and will buy another!

Best,

Fred

[MP5]

Im losing love. Too many crap models and high prices. Fake patina is terrible. I care for nothing but the historics and some subs.

[dman]

Great post.

[Nica64]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

Still, I love my pammies and will buy another!

Best,

Fred

Originally Posted by dman

Great post.

X2,

I'm looking for a Radiomir or a Sub now , but all this move are taking me to others brands.

[barstoolman]

I say the more releases the merrier!!!!!