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vantzemi · 26 January 2012, 03:28 AM

Please explain what the deal is with these watches. I see them for sale for a steep price and they don't strike me as being worth it. I know I am wrong, so I am asking for someone to explain it to me. Thanks for being kind in advance :)

FeelingTheBlues · 26 January 2012, 03:36 AM

I'm far from being a Panerai expert but I must admit I didn't really like them at first. They started to grow on me and I'm thinking I would most probably like to own one someday so it's all a matter of tastes at some point. However, if I'm not mistaken, I believe they make some very tough watches that contain amazing movements. For instance, if I'm right, they have a manual winding movement with a power reserve of 8 days. Now I'm not a watchmaker but it sounds quite impressive to me!

Conclusion: Tough watches + reliable movements = big price! It never stops people who like them though!

esm · 26 January 2012, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vantzemi

Please explain what the deal is with these watches. I see them for sale for a steep price and they don't strike me as being worth it. I know I am wrong, so I am asking for someone to explain it to me. Thanks for being kind in advance :)

they have less production number per year than Rolex, depends on the model.
they offer both manual and automatic options, but in the recent years, they have moved onto in-house movements.

the limited editions will fetch more than MSRP in the grey/secondary market. there is a "small-ish" community.

Rolex used to make case and supply movement for Panerai back in the days.

im sure Panerai experts will provide more in-depth info later

subtona · 26 January 2012, 03:55 AM

interesting watches, imho they were a large part of the current large watch movement and with that in mind, i believe they may have even influenced rolex with their current larger case watches.... certainly no easy feat. they also have some unique and utilitarian design choices that really set them apart from others, namely: the sandwich dials, the crown lock mechanism on the luminors, the strap retention systems for both the luminors and the radiomirs to name a few.

picture is worth a thousand words

Cru Jones · 26 January 2012, 03:56 AM

are any expensive watches "worth" the price? these are luxury items, after all.

to some, panerai hits all the right buttons and, after a decade of continued growth, it can no longer be considered a "fad". check out the sub-forum right here on TRF, learn about the history of the brand, check out the designs, try them on, check out other online communities, check out the strap universe, consider if it is for you.

either you'll "get it" or you won't. either way is the correct answer.

mfer · 26 January 2012, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vantzemi

Please explain what the deal is with these watches. I see them for sale for a steep price and they don't strike me as being worth it. I know I am wrong, so I am asking for someone to explain it to me. Thanks for being kind in advance :)

I didn't get it at first either, just try some on. You either get it or you don't.

dddrees · 26 January 2012, 04:32 AM

Have you ever bought anything expensive to this point yet? Why did you do that for? Their are a number of things that are real expensive that people buy every day. Some of which I would never buy nor see any reason to.

I must admit that I have bought a couple of Panerai watches though.

For me it's because they are unique in a good way, and they have a good reputation for building solid watches.

eric23 · 26 January 2012, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

I'm far from being a Panerai expert but I must admit I didn't really like them at first. They started to grow on me and I'm thinking I would most probably like to own one someday so it's all a matter of tastes at some point. However, if I'm not mistaken, I believe they make some very tough watches that contain amazing movements. For instance, if I'm right, they have a manual winding movement with a power reserve of 8 days. Now I'm not a watchmaker but it sounds quite impressive to me!

Conclusion: Tough watches + reliable movements = big price! It never stops people who like them though!

Carl be carefull soon you will have one.

I did not like them at first then I tried them on a few times, after that I came home with one on my lunch break.

rennisk · 26 January 2012, 07:44 AM

Have to agree with "FeelingTheBlues" - I thought they (especially the Luminor's) were incredible obnoxious when I first started getting into watches a few years ago. Well, now I have the Radiomir 183 and recently a Luminor GMT 88. Now I'm looking at pre-owned Luminor Chrono (251, maybe?).

p_mcgee · 26 January 2012, 07:57 AM

I think they look cool & have a great history. Only caveat is you have to have at least a mid-sized wrist IMO or they don't look right.

B. Doggy · 26 January 2012, 08:03 AM

Worth it in what way? They don't make very good hedge trimmers if that matters to you.

HDHNTER · 26 January 2012, 08:30 AM

I didn't get Panerai for the first couple of years. Then they started to grow on me. 5 years after buying my first Rolex I finally got my first PAM. Wish I hadn't waited for so long. I love the unique look, the history behind the brand, the rarity compared to Rolex & last but definitely not least, the ability to personalize the watch via an endless array of awesome strap options. Hunting for & changing straps goes a long ways in helping to keep the "new" feeling alive. That being said, I agree with the earlier post that you need a good size wrist to pull them off, not a fan of the big watch/little wrist look. My Sub-C has left the safe once in the 3 months or so since I got my 312 & I missed wearing the PAM the entire night.

PGAPRO · 26 January 2012, 09:09 AM

I have 15 Rollies, But have added 2 panerai within the last week. A new Pam 88, and one of the hardes Pam's in the world to find. Pam 237, mint with all the books, currently at Richmont Service Center getting new Deployment clasp alligator strap. I like the idea of being able to change the looks, unlike Rolex, they don't let you change Bracelet. IMO.

Cru Jones · 26 January 2012, 10:04 AM

As an aside, hdhunter (Allen), that 312 pic is ammmmmmazzzzzzzzzing.

Psmith · 26 January 2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

As an aside, hdhunter (Allen), that 312 pic is ammmmmmazzzzzzzzzing.

Agreed, and here's another from the same talented photographer (Martin Wilmsen)

B. Doggy · 26 January 2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGAPRO

I have 15 Rollies, But have added 2 panerai within the last week. A new Pam 88, and one of the hardes Pam's in the world to find. Pam 237, mint with all the books, currently at Richmont Service Center getting new Deployment clasp alligator strap. I like the idea of being able to change the looks, unlike Rolex, they don't let you change Bracelet. IMO.

Hardest to get in the world?

I could name some others that are MUCH more difficult to source.

tray_18 · 26 January 2012, 10:56 AM

It what you like in the end the first time i seen a penerai i love the look and still do.The 311 or 275
I just cant seem to bring myself to AP so every1 has the own opinion

Nicekettle · 26 January 2012, 11:19 AM

I remember seeing a Radiomir in a shop window some years back,but paid no more attention to it as I thought it was HUGE.Years later I saw a luminor on someone nd it grabbed my attention also.I started doing some research and set my mind on a 40mm Base.I however was having a hard time justifying the extravagance of spending such a huge amount on a watch (4K ) Within days I was to discover Radiomirs were made by the same company ! I was also about to discover that they had just produced a wearable size model (338) especially for me !!! Somehow it was even easier to justify the almost 9K price tag.
There is no sense or reason in some choices we make,yet we make them.I prefer my $100
Beater over nearly every other luxury brand watch I've ever seen,but for some reason the Rads just do it for me.

andrew79 · 26 January 2012, 11:42 AM

history, collectability, limited number of production (in some models), and strap-changing experience.... good enough for me.... i was too once asking the same question back in 2010, but panerai bug hit me hard.... ouch

kilyung · 26 January 2012, 01:10 PM

The simple dial layouts and strap changes are what originally hooked me. While my interest in the brand and its new models is waning, I'll always have ONE Panerai in my collection.

xjeeunitx · 26 January 2012, 01:12 PM

Looks good on leather...

Andad · 26 January 2012, 01:43 PM

I count this one as one of the best looking watches I own.

toulouse · 26 January 2012, 01:50 PM

The submersibles are what got me looking at Panerai. The other luminors didn't appeal to me at first. I was used to a certain busyness on my dials and thought the brand look plain. Though I did like the crown guard because it was different. I'd say the more I looked at Panerai, the more they grew on me. Now I really love the simplicity and the history as well. I can't wait to get another one.

htc8p · 26 January 2012, 02:00 PM

i like the looks and the size of panerai. when i first saw it was instantly hooked. then when read about the history liked it even more. then when i got into straps liked it even more.

its up to you really.

Nicekettle · 26 January 2012, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

I count this one as one of the best looking watches I own.

I believe that is one of the best looking ANYONE could own !

toulouse · 26 January 2012, 03:39 PM

It's funny. I also wasn't a fan of Rolex. I just didn't think they suited me. I don't dress up much, etc. But lately I've been growing fond of the Deep Sea SD. I like it because it's big and bold. I also like the green Milgaus. I can see myself pulling the trigger on a Rolex now, where as before I couldn't. So I think it's a matter of watches growing on you.

WatersedgeWaterproof · 29 January 2012, 12:11 AM

Hilarious, i say go buy one and you'll know the "Feeling" i gave up wearing my Rolex's because PANERAI are so Delicious to wear ! a selection of interchangeable straps ! what more could we want ?

Langleyz · 29 January 2012, 12:59 AM

they're beautiful...

Turkeyboy · 29 January 2012, 01:24 AM

Enough said!!!!!!

watchdaddy1 · 29 January 2012, 03:25 AM

Purchase 1 & you will see. It's a love/hate relationship & you either get it or you don't. I purchased my 1st one last year, now within a 3 month period & I purchased 2 more too feed the need

It's an entire new ballgame w/ Panerai, straps galor to give different looks,sandwich dial or painted, inhouse/base so many choices it's crazy--That's y I LOVE EM'

HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THESE ???

26 January 2012, 03:28 AM	#1
vantzemi "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: Falls Church, VA Watch: DateJust + GMT IIc Posts: 51	Panerai ? Please explain what the deal is with these watches. I see them for sale for a steep price and they don't strike me as being worth it. I know I am wrong, so I am asking for someone to explain it to me. Thanks for being kind in advance :)

26 January 2012, 03:36 AM	#2
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	I'm far from being a Panerai expert but I must admit I didn't really like them at first. They started to grow on me and I'm thinking I would most probably like to own one someday so it's all a matter of tastes at some point. However, if I'm not mistaken, I believe they make some very tough watches that contain amazing movements. For instance, if I'm right, they have a manual winding movement with a power reserve of 8 days. Now I'm not a watchmaker but it sounds quite impressive to me! Conclusion: Tough watches + reliable movements = big price! It never stops people who like them though! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

26 January 2012, 03:55 AM	#4
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 26,599	interesting watches, imho they were a large part of the current large watch movement and with that in mind, i believe they may have even influenced rolex with their current larger case watches.... certainly no easy feat. they also have some unique and utilitarian design choices that really set them apart from others, namely: the sandwich dials, the crown lock mechanism on the luminors, the strap retention systems for both the luminors and the radiomirs to name a few. picture is worth a thousand words Attached Images __________________

26 January 2012, 04:32 AM	#7
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	Have you ever bought anything expensive to this point yet? Why did you do that for? Their are a number of things that are real expensive that people buy every day. Some of which I would never buy nor see any reason to. I must admit that I have bought a couple of Panerai watches though. For me it's because they are unique in a good way, and they have a good reputation for building solid watches. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

26 January 2012, 08:03 AM	#11
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Worth it in what way? They don't make very good hedge trimmers if that matters to you. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

26 January 2012, 03:56 AM	#5
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	are any expensive watches "worth" the price? these are luxury items, after all. to some, panerai hits all the right buttons and, after a decade of continued growth, it can no longer be considered a "fad". check out the sub-forum right here on TRF, learn about the history of the brand, check out the designs, try them on, check out other online communities, check out the strap universe, consider if it is for you. either you'll "get it" or you won't. either way is the correct answer.

26 January 2012, 07:44 AM	#9
rennisk "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Rennis Location: California Watch: Panerai Black Seal Posts: 111	Have to agree with "FeelingTheBlues" - I thought they (especially the Luminor's) were incredible obnoxious when I first started getting into watches a few years ago. Well, now I have the Radiomir 183 and recently a Luminor GMT 88. Now I'm looking at pre-owned Luminor Chrono (251, maybe?).

26 January 2012, 07:57 AM	#10
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,150	I think they look cool & have a great history. Only caveat is you have to have at least a mid-sized wrist IMO or they don't look right.

26 January 2012, 08:30 AM	#12
HDHNTER "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Allen Location: SC Posts: 2,766	I didn't get Panerai for the first couple of years. Then they started to grow on me. 5 years after buying my first Rolex I finally got my first PAM. Wish I hadn't waited for so long. I love the unique look, the history behind the brand, the rarity compared to Rolex & last but definitely not least, the ability to personalize the watch via an endless array of awesome strap options. Hunting for & changing straps goes a long ways in helping to keep the "new" feeling alive. That being said, I agree with the earlier post that you need a good size wrist to pull them off, not a fan of the big watch/little wrist look. My Sub-C has left the safe once in the 3 months or so since I got my 312 & I missed wearing the PAM the entire night.

26 January 2012, 09:09 AM	#13
PGAPRO "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: US Watch: Rolex WG Daytona Posts: 747	I have 15 Rollies, But have added 2 panerai within the last week. A new Pam 88, and one of the hardes Pam's in the world to find. Pam 237, mint with all the books, currently at Richmont Service Center getting new Deployment clasp alligator strap. I like the idea of being able to change the looks, unlike Rolex, they don't let you change Bracelet. IMO.

26 January 2012, 10:04 AM	#14
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	As an aside, hdhunter (Allen), that 312 pic is ammmmmmazzzzzzzzzing.

26 January 2012, 10:56 AM	#17
tray_18 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 240	It what you like in the end the first time i seen a penerai i love the look and still do.The 311 or 275 I just cant seem to bring myself to AP so every1 has the own opinion

26 January 2012, 11:19 AM	#18
Nicekettle "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East Coast Watch: kettle never boils Posts: 61	I remember seeing a Radiomir in a shop window some years back,but paid no more attention to it as I thought it was HUGE.Years later I saw a luminor on someone nd it grabbed my attention also.I started doing some research and set my mind on a 40mm Base.I however was having a hard time justifying the extravagance of spending such a huge amount on a watch (4K ) Within days I was to discover Radiomirs were made by the same company ! I was also about to discover that they had just produced a wearable size model (338) especially for me !!! Somehow it was even easier to justify the almost 9K price tag. There is no sense or reason in some choices we make,yet we make them.I prefer my $100 Beater over nearly every other luxury brand watch I've ever seen,but for some reason the Rads just do it for me. __________________ If i'm here for around 75 years,and I spend a third of it in bed,then you shouldn't worry when i'm half an hour late.

26 January 2012, 11:42 AM	#19
andrew79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Andrew Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,277	history, collectability, limited number of production (in some models), and strap-changing experience.... good enough for me.... i was too once asking the same question back in 2010, but panerai bug hit me hard.... ouch __________________ Baume & Mercier Riviera Rolex GMT II c, DJ 116234, Sub 16610, EXP 2 16570 Panerai 111 , 232

26 January 2012, 01:10 PM	#20
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	The simple dial layouts and strap changes are what originally hooked me. While my interest in the brand and its new models is waning, I'll always have ONE Panerai in my collection.

26 January 2012, 01:12 PM	#21
xjeeunitx 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5,529	Looks good on leather...

26 January 2012, 01:43 PM	#22
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,533	I count this one as one of the best looking watches I own. Attached Images __________________ E

26 January 2012, 01:50 PM	#23
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	The submersibles are what got me looking at Panerai. The other luminors didn't appeal to me at first. I was used to a certain busyness on my dials and thought the brand look plain. Though I did like the crown guard because it was different. I'd say the more I looked at Panerai, the more they grew on me. Now I really love the simplicity and the history as well. I can't wait to get another one.

26 January 2012, 02:00 PM	#24
htc8p "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Bert Location: philippines Watch: 116710 ln Posts: 3,472	i like the looks and the size of panerai. when i first saw it was instantly hooked. then when read about the history liked it even more. then when i got into straps liked it even more. its up to you really.

26 January 2012, 03:39 PM	#26
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	It's funny. I also wasn't a fan of Rolex. I just didn't think they suited me. I don't dress up much, etc. But lately I've been growing fond of the Deep Sea SD. I like it because it's big and bold. I also like the green Milgaus. I can see myself pulling the trigger on a Rolex now, where as before I couldn't. So I think it's a matter of watches growing on you.

29 January 2012, 12:11 AM	#27
WatersedgeWaterproof "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Daz Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: Rolex Posts: 214	Hilarious, i say go buy one and you'll know the "Feeling" i gave up wearing my Rolex's because PANERAI are so Delicious to wear ! a selection of interchangeable straps ! what more could we want ? __________________ Rolex / 116610, 116710, 116713, 116613 x 2 / AP ROO Panda 44 / AP LBJ / Panerai Pam 321 Pam 312 " If your Important People will wait "

29 January 2012, 12:59 AM	#28
Langleyz "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Ben Location: Perth Watch: Rolex 16760/116400 Posts: 756	they're beautiful...

29 January 2012, 01:24 AM	#29
Turkeyboy Banned Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 166	Enough said!!!!!! Attached Images

29 January 2012, 03:25 AM	#30
watchdaddy1 Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: William Location: Az Watch: strap whore Posts: 1,194	Purchase 1 & you will see. It's a love/hate relationship & you either get it or you don't. I purchased my 1st one last year, now within a 3 month period & I purchased 2 more too feed the need It's an entire new ballgame w/ Panerai, straps galor to give different looks,sandwich dial or painted, inhouse/base so many choices it's crazy--That's y I LOVE EM' HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THESE ???

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