Rolex or Panerai

[Bruins7]

I am fairly new to the forums and have just been looking around and reading the forums. So I am trying to figure out if i should purchase a Rolex gmt iic or a Milgauss GV or a Panerai 328/ 329. I know that this is a Rolex forum and it can get biased but, your opinions greatly help thanks! Also does anyone know of a really good watch dealer in the socal area (both for rolex and panerai)? thanks guys

[Wristmaster]

Cant go wrong, but the general public favor panerai in straps, so 312 or 320 might be a better start.

[unknown]

both

I started more than 15 years ago and my first was a submariner. about 4 years later I bought a Panerai

When I bought my first rolex nobody knew Panerai. It was in 2000 - 2001 when I discovered the brand Panerai

If somebody asks me which I would buy first TODAY
I would say Panerai because of the price. You can still buy a very nice panerai for 4000 euro - 5000 USD while the rolex sportswatches are 60% more expensive.
BUT after your first watch (panerai in that case) I would recommend to start saving for a Rolex

Both are great and you can't go wrong with any of the 2. But today my first choice is a Panerai

[Blake P]

Originally Posted by unknown

Both are great and you can't go wrong with any of the 2. But today my first choice is a Panerai

+1, there is no wrong choice here. My father passed me down a vintage Rolex (that I plan to pass down to my son someday) when I graduated from college. I have since purchased two more (SS Date, which I traded toward a Sub) Rolexes. I only recently started to appreciate Panerai watches and started off with the classic 000. I'm eying a Submersible next. Go with whatever makes YOU happy and you won't regret it!

[T-Rip]

GMTIIc is the best overall Rolex IMO...good luck

[Cru Jones]

Sounds like you have some thinking to do, but with a choice of GMTIIc, GV or a PAM (I personally prefer strap models), you are definitely headed in the right direction. Good luck!

[HL65]

So different--get the one that gets to you the most!

[Gmtsub]

It's a nice dilemma to have
I would go with the the gmt
It was also my first one love it till today ...

[capote]

Originally Posted by Bruins7

I am trying to figure out if i should purchase a Rolex gmt iic or a Milgauss GV or a Panerai 328/ 329.

Milgauss GV. You are welcome

[B. Doggy]

To start with, I'd go with Rolex. Either way, both great brands.

[toulouse]

You gotta try them all on. That will help you make up your mind. Can't go wrong either way, though I've never owned a rolex. I like bigger watches, so if I ever did, it would have to be the 42mm models or the DSSD. See what floats your boat.

[mfer]

Pick one and go with it. You'll be satisfied only shortly and the WIS disease comes back in. I started with Rolex then Panerai.

[nick c]

both

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by Bruins7

I am fairly new to the forums and have just been looking around and reading the forums. So I am trying to figure out if i should purchase a Rolex gmt iic or a Milgauss GV or a Panerai 328/ 329. I know that this is a Rolex forum and it can get biased but, your opinions greatly help thanks! Also does anyone know of a really good watch dealer in the socal area (both for rolex and panerai)? thanks guys

GMTIIC does nothing for me, and I love Panerais. You should get the one you love, but if all other things are equal, I would get the Rolex. If you you don't like it you can flip it and not loose too much and get the Panerai later on. If you got a panerai, but didn't like it and had to flip you might lose some $$$.Right now Rolex price increases are outpacing Panerai increases.

Panerai's can hold value decently, but not as well as Rolexes.
Good luck.

[Bruins7]

Originally Posted by dimitros

GMTIIC does nothing for me, and I love Panerais. You should get the one you love, but if all other things are equal, I would get the Rolex. If you you don't like it you can flip it and not loose too much and get the Panerai later on. If you got a panerai, but didn't like it and had to flip you might lose some $$$.Right now Rolex price increases are outpacing Panerai increases.

Panerai's can hold value decently, but not as well as Rolexes.
Good luck.

True but, not a lot of watch companies besides Patek and rolexes really keep great value but, i do like bigger watches and panerais are classy and still have such presence. But, something about those two Rolex models I love just so classy specially that green sapphire crystal !!

[Andrés G]

From your list, I prefer the GMT 2C.

[psv]

GMTiic out those, no contest.

[tkc324]

gmt2c for sure...

[TAKUYA]

GMT iic first.

[Jeckert7]

Both are great watches, less Panerais out there though...

[romex]

love the pan 328..like previous poster said..you really must examine both watches prior to purchase.

I have a sub and am considering a pan also, really like them.

sooner or later you will probably end up with both, so its more a question of which one you buy first

[rolexjim]

Go where your heart takes you. I went with a Rolex first, because growing up that was what I dreamed of. Once I saw my first PAM, I was hooked and had to have one. Im fortunate to be able to have them both.

Again, you cant go wrong with either.

Good luck!

[ToyCollector]

Go with what you love is great advice. I started in the watch hobby with the attitude of "anything but Rolex" because everyone seemed to have them. To me, a Rolex was the daydate in two tone that are worn by every well to do salesperson. I started with Breitlings due to my involvement in aviation, then added Panerais, then JLC, and have in 2012 added several Rolexes. In today's age, I see tremendous value in watches with a strong resale market, and not much touches Rolex when it comes to that. I have traded/sold two Panerais and I did take a bit of a hit when doing so (albeit tiny).

All that said, a GMTIIC is an absolute stellar choice in the Rolex line, and if I had to have only one, probably my choice too.

[Rex312]

While Rolex and Panerai are my two favorite watch brands -- and TBH, as of late I have been leaning more toward Panerai -- if this is your first high-end watch purchase I would go with the Rolex. It is way more versatile, IMO, and there is no better way to start a watch collection than a Rolex. Plus the GMT IIC is a great choice for an everyday wearer.

[velobran]

I'd go for Rolex. I have a Panerai. And now I want a Rolex. Both have their own appeal though.

[HDHNTER]

Go with what you like, both make outstanding watches. I enjoyed Rolex for years until I finally gave in to my desire for a Panerai. I found that I prefer Panerai so much more that I now have my last Rolex for sale.... different strokes for different folks. For me personally, I have a much deeper connection with my PAM's than I ever had with any Rolex & the straps.... that just takes the hobby enjoyment level light years beyond what Rolex did for me. Long story short, you can't go wrong with either as long as you buy what you like & not what you think everyone else will like. Good luck with your decision.

[Bruins7]

Originally Posted by HDHNTER

Go with what you like, both make outstanding watches. I enjoyed Rolex for years until I finally gave in to my desire for a Panerai. I found that I prefer Panerai so much more that I now have my last Rolex for sale.... different strokes for different folks. For me personally, I have a much deeper connection with my PAM's than I ever had with any Rolex & the straps.... that just takes the hobby enjoyment level light years beyond what Rolex did for me. Long story short, you can't go wrong with either as long as you buy what you like & not what you think everyone else will like. Good luck with your decision.

Very well said! I am deciding between the 297 and 328 :p I want to get a pam with a bracelet first and then get straps after. I love the 1950s case but the 328 face looks sort of plain compared to the 297. I love the hands on the 297 and just overall face of the watch looks more appealing.

[watchdaddy1]

Panerai

[randyyeap]

Originally Posted by romex

love the pan 328..like previous poster said..you really must examine both watches prior to purchase.

I have a sub and am considering a pan also, really like them.

sooner or later you will probably end up with both, so its more a question of which one you buy first

You will end up having both if you have Rolex 1st. But if you have PAM 1st you will soon have your 2nd PAM or 3rd but not sure if you can back to Rolex.

Rolex or Panerai ? Really you can't go wrong . The hottest brand in the market today and of course tomorrow ...... Good luck

[HDHNTER]

Originally Posted by randyyeap

You will end up having both if you have Rolex 1st. But if you have PAM 1st you will soon have your 2nd PAM or 3rd but not sure if you can back to Rolex.

Rolex or Panerai ? Really you can't go wrong . The hottest brand in the market today and of course tomorrow ...... Good luck

Completely agree