Anyone else here that also doesn't understand

[samuel019]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I do not understand Panerai and I would not buy a Panerai but I respect anyone's choice and desire to own what they want.

Ditto. I typically say never to something because I always end up doing it but I can honestly 100% say I will never buy one. Don't get the attraction. Every time I see there prices I always think man I could have a whole lot nicer Rolex for that money. But to all that do like them. It's your money. Spend it how you like. It's none of my business

[chicfarmer1]

Originally Posted by WARVET

Usually see people looking to trade a Rolex for a Pan. Can you believe that?

No.

Far more typical is finding that people collect both brands.

[Psmith]

The connection between the two brands goes right back to the 1940s

Rolex supplied the movements and other components to Panerai (then an Italian company - the manufacture is now in Switzerland)

Nowadays Panerai and Rolex are in the same price range and seem to appeal to (broadly) the same demographics

Panerai's range starts, size-wise, at 40 mm and there are plenty of great sub-44 mm models to choose from. Having both Rolex and Panerai in a collection gives a nice contrast. For example: smaller size + bracelet + automatic for a Rolex; larger size + strap + manual for a Panerai

Of course there are many other great brands, but Rolex and Panerai seem to sit especially well together imho

[Bulldurham08]

I agree. I was exposed to Panerei shortly after joining this community and I've never understood the 'love'. However, I've learned to NEVER say never, as my taste in timepieces has shifted drastically and I don't see that ending anytime soon...Nothing against Pan lovers though! We all need a little variety in our lives !

[Boopie]

I don't own one, but I think they are definitely cool-looking...very distinctive, without looking "busy." I think they have a very clean, noticeable look. I have seen three in the past few years, and every time they look noticeable but in a cool way, not in a flashy way.

This thread has prompted me to do some internet searches for watches. I stand by my Panerai comments...they look very cool to me (e.g. Luminor Marina). To contrast, the models that I don't understand the love for are most of the Breitling line (I find most too busy) and AP (don't like the angles).

Obviously, it's all a matter of taste. My brother in law just got a Ford Flex, and loves it. All of us think it's ugly.

[submariner66]

Design wise they are very appealing and have a great history, but personally I don't like them either. To me they look like a 50's wall clock. That is of course is the look nowadays, very retro chic. But I do respect the design and can see the appeal, cause there are a tremendous amount of funky looking watches out there, incongruous designs abound. You could do a lot worse! They also look good on some people I think. So given Rolexes great looks I could see where they would gravitate towards them. Nothing wrong with that.

[chhatre9]

Everything said has been cool, but I agree with the OP, doesn't answer the original question, which is trying to understand the why.....Seems to be more relatability(lost on me) with this than PP, Hublot, etc....

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by slvrbulletv6

I wouldn't go as far as other members here stating Panerai's watches are "ugly." Instead, I just find their watches on the "boring" side. (Then again, I'm the guy who has a 116613LN with a serti dial...so perhaps I'm a little to biased.)

Panerai's dial size isn't a problem, it goes well with their style. I do like the part where you can easily interchange the straps to color coordinate with your outfit like a tie.

Sometimes I feel that their limited batches increases people's mentality of exclusivity and collectable. If they were readily and easily available, I wonder if they would have so much hype to them?

Exclusive? I saw one here in Maui Costco last week

[red1108nyc]

Diversity and variety is not necessarily a bad thing. I own and enjoy both brands very much... I guess I am easy to please!

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by WARVET

Love Rolex but I am having a hard time understanding the common love for Panerai among Rolex owners here. Am I missing something here. To me there is no comparison between the two. Giving a choice I will take the Rolex every time.

Yes I totally agree with you.personally I like the looks of a Panerai but I don't quite get how a Panerai comes close to a Rolex in terms of quality, value and ease of resale.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by mfer

You either get it or you don't. Nothing wrong either way.

BTW, the original war issued Panerai had Rolex movements, so there is your connection.

This

I like both and have both. There are other brands I also like. I can't imagine being so brand-centric that I would only buy their watches

[Hairdude1]

I like both but only own Rolex and AP

[Ardalan]

I don't like Panerai.

[boogiebot]

i have tried to like the Panerai brand on multiple occasions. personally i have nothing against the brand i think that they make a great watch and I LOVE the fact that resale is good on them. sadly they just dont fit me. the 1950 case is just too big for me to pull off.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tudor66

Try on a radiomir 98. It has a GMT, and a loud alarm. It's the nicest panerai in my opinion.

Most of the others are too large, and not on my purchase list..

This is a great example - fits a need that no Rolex can...the alarm function is a nice addition to a fine watch.

[kerytch]

all pams look ugly to me, except for the pam441

[Marrk]

Panerai has a great history, and their watches have a unique look. However, I do not think their movements are yet manufactured to the same standard as the top tier brands.

[andyboy39]

Not a fan of Panerai, would rather go with an IWC...

[Genesis]

I've looked at them several times but they don't appeal to me...Just not my style I guess....

[ROGERWILCO357]

opposites attract with that being said I love the Rolex nothing like it to me but it is nice to have another watch that is totally different in the lineup to change it up. Some strange so to speak..

[Vincent65]

not my bag - don't get it

[mc1010]

Different strokes for different folks. While I do see why many people are drawn to Panerais (they indeed are beautifully crafted watches), I personally would likely never own one myself mainly due to its size. Variety is what makes the world more exciting. If Rolex had a monopoly of the watch industry, I'm sure everyone would be sick of it.

[travisb]

I've got alotta love for Panerai.

[Andad]

Nothing like Panerai pix on a Rolex thread.

I have 100+ watches - I like them all.

Proof is I have never sold one.

[HDHNTER]

I remember "not getting" Panerai my first few years of wearing Rolex. These days you'll very rarely catch me wearing anything but a PAM. Different strokes for different folks but no Rolex has ever brought me the level of enjoyment that my 312 or 372 have.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[jay1988]

I believe a varied watch collection is the way to go. I doubt I will ever own a Panerai but I think they are very nice watches.

Rolex, AP, Patek and JLC for me.

[Thorien]

Panerai - not my cup of tea.

Having said that, that's the good thing about watches - there are all sorts to suit all people, it would be a bit boring if we all liked the same watch!

[Norbert]

Love them or hate them, it was probably Panerai that made Rolex update their line to bigger cases. In fact probably the whole industry.

[polarinda]

never liked Pams and I don't mind if others do. Not my problem.

[impalass]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

It's a forum...it's what we do...

Very unique design, too big for me, but I can see the appeal.