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So I'm somewhat new to collecting; although I've had my Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch for about 7 years...
As I look at everyone's collection I see Panerai seems to be a staple. I also have a friend that has some. However, I'm not seeing the draw.
I DO see the beauty of simplicity such as IWC, Patek and others. In fact I'm looking at old vintage watches now because I like their simple elegance. But it seems like the Panerai are confused... as if they don't know whether they want to be elegant or magnifying glass looking Seiko. Something about the thick glass reminds me of the Casio/Seiko type watches. So are they extremely tough, never break or what?
I have a very modest collection (in fact, I wouldn't even call it a collection) so please don't take this the wrong way you Panerai aficionado. I am genuinely trying to learn the redeeming qualities of various watch types (mechanically and aesthetically) and seeking to hone my taste a bit. Perhaps you can help me understand why I feel this way about his watch and what watches I may thusly be drawn to.
I currently have the Speedmaster, Movado Museum (tank case), Christian Bernard (gift), Bulova blue and gold w/mother of pearl face - looks like a Rado and is somewhat rare. I got the Bulova at 16 and paid $700 of my hard earned $!
Haven't bought a watch in about 7 years since the Omega but now will begin. I seem to be drawn to Brietling Navitimer, Graham Chronofighter, low profile leather band vintage Omega's, Girard P, Universal, etc, Bell & Ross, Hublot Big Bang, Corum Admirals Cup - so I guess my taste is either
1. Complex intricacy - Navitmer
2. Simple low profile for dress - Antiques
3. Simple yet heavy duty - Bell & Ross, IWC Big Pilot, etc. Perhaps this is where Panerai fits???
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When I stated, "Spend a week on p.com" - you'll find out it's much more than a watch, it's the paneristi passion and community that is ultimately "the draw". It's a good time to check it out and perhaps feel some of the love, someone just posted the Hammer GTG pictures from 2 years ago.
To borrow a line from a wise paneristi:
Panerai...
"It's like children. You can't understand until you've had one."
i used to think panerai were overpriced and cheaply made, only worn by the fashion conscious, von dutch trucker hats wearers. it was they named a line of their of their watches after sly stallone after he wore them in a movie. (seriously, when was the last time he made a relevant movie, cliffhanger?) i figured the 44mm+ fad would wear out over time like every other fashion trend had before it. but after many visits to paneristi.com and looking at the watches in person, i ended up buying one, a 312. it's a little hefty and took getting used to, but i love it.
try one on, look at them in person, i think you'll see the beauty after a while.
The post above says it best... You can't understand until you own one.
I also say its an aquired taste. It took me probably 2 years of looking at them before I started to appreciate/like them. Now I'm hooked - I own an 88 & a 287. And then there's the whole strap addiction thing...
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I don't get it either really...they do nothing for me...but everyone is different...
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Panerais... Its a funny thing, because when I first started getting into watches about 1½ - 2 years ago, I didn't think much of 'em either. Now its on my list of what to get, and a Pam will probably be my next watch.
With that being said, my most recent aqcuisition is my Breitling navitimer. And i LOVE it! but as mentioned earlier, go try on some watches, to experience and feel them live.
I had looked at my navitimer for a while, and went to try it on. It had me so intrigued by its looks and dial that I went and bought it a week after.
Watches do seem to become an expensive hobby of mine as time progresses. I seem to have it under control, but every once in a while I get the "itch" and are having a hard time not running out spending all my hard earned money on a new watch.
Good luck finding the right style for you, and a watch to keep and appreciate for years to come.
The first "expensive" watch I bought is a Porsche Design IWC Ocean 2000. I spent several years deciding what my next nice watch should be. Wanted something with bulk. Was 99% sure it would be a Breitling, until the wtach store I visit took on Panerai. Loved several of the models, and ended up buying a 'Black Seal' with tan strap. Love it! Next may be the Breitling....
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ScottGT3
Life's a Beach
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I was at the track a week ago and out of 30 guys 9 had a Panerai!
It was never the most "exclusive" watch but it used to be more exclusive/exotic than the Rolex/Omega/Tag/etc.. By exotic I mean rare (at least in Canada) - maybe LA or Miami is a different story.
The post above says it best... You can't understand until you own one.
I also say its an aquired taste. It took me probably 2 years of looking at them before I started to appreciate/like them. Now I'm hooked - I own an 88 & a 287. And then there's the whole strap addiction thing...
Yeah the strap thing is a bad habit in itself. I think I'm up to 8 straps for one watch with a few more on order.
For me owning a Panerai came from being around a few friends who have had them for years. It makes it fun when we all get together to see a pile on the table of Panny's.
Overall I enjoy the simplicity and large chunk of stainless on the wrist. Try one on, you never know.
I bought mine about 10 yrs ago. Could sell it for more about/more than I bought it for (although my strap collection will never look BNIB).
The Pan is a fun watch, easy conversation piece and is kinda like parking money until you want something different if bought LNIB. Can't say the same about my JLC, Chronoswiss or Breitling (even after buying LNIB).
Favorite personal story while in Hawaii, Dive Master says I have to have one (had Rubber Dive Strap on). Later at Dinner, a lady walks up to us and says her husband was eyeing my "dress" watch (changed to Honey Croc strap).
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Tom
2005 Carrera S Cab, 2006 CLS 500, 2007 GL 450, 2007 Suburban
Favorite personal story while in Hawaii, Dive Master says I have to have one (had Rubber Dive Strap on). Later at Dinner, a lady walks up to us and says her husband was eyeing my "dress" watch (changed to Honey Croc strap).
The versatility was a big selling point to me. Very nice thing to have especially if its your first nice piece.
My girlfriend always makes fun of me for changing the straps but I often do the dive strap to the leather from day to night.
For a while I had a HUGE thing for Panerai... I thought I loved the watches; thought they were absolutely beautiful. However, once I finally was seriously looking to buy one, and was trying them on at a local AD - my thoughts went in the complete opposite direction. Sure there are still a few that catch my eye on the internet, but when I was there in person, I was drooling over IWC's, JLC's, Ulysees Nardin, Cartier, etc.... Panerai was actually the least appealing out of them all. Ever since I had pretty much lost my interest in Panerai.
To me, the only benefit of a Panerai is the price. Your typical Panerai is one fourth of the price of a decent-to-nice JLC. 1/2 or 1/3 of the price of a Daytona... etc.
It's def. an acquired taste...I didn't know the draw of them either...until I tried one a few, and ultimately, the thought of having one, pushed me over the edge and I bought one.
It seriously brings a smile to my face when I wind it up and am about to put it on...
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they named a line of their of their watches after sly stallone after he wore them in a movie. (seriously, when was the last time he made a relevant movie, cliffhanger?) i figured the 44mm+ fad would wear out over time like every other fashion trend had before it. but after many visits to paneristi.com and looking at the watches in person, i ended up buying one, a 312. it's a little hefty and took getting used to, but i love it. 
but as mentioned earlier, go try on some watches, to experience and feel them live.
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