Is Panerai fading into oblivion?

[KVG]

I'm a little worried that Panerai is starting water down their design language-- the Luminor Duo looks like an abomination to me.

[Stack]

Originally Posted by KVG

I'm a little worried that Panerai is starting water down their design language-- the Luminor Duo looks like an abomination to me.

If you are referring to the Luminor "DUE" then you have to see it from Panerai's perspective. They are trying to grasp another part of the watch buying market. There are a lot of fans of the look of Panerai but don't like how bulky it is and how it doesn't fit under the cuff or work well with suits.

They of course have an option of the more dressy Radiomir models, but everyone that wants to get their first Panerai usually want the iconic crown guard. So the Luminor Due is the perfect watch for THAT person.

Do the purists and long time fans of Panerai love it? Probably not, but they know they have buyers in us and the collectors so they have to also cater to the new customers out there and the market changes and what they are looking for. If they only made watches that would appease the small groups of loyal fans, they would not be able to make any money.

They have to at least try and branch out and think of something outside the norm and get a share of every market.

[Uppersouth]

Originally Posted by Stack

If you are referring to the Luminor "DUE" then you have to see it from Panerai's perspective. They are trying to grasp another part of the watch buying market. There are a lot of fans of the look of Panerai but don't like how bulky it is and how it doesn't fit under the cuff or work well with suits.

They of course have an option of the more dressy Radiomir models, but everyone that wants to get their first Panerai usually want the iconic crown guard. So the Luminor Due is the perfect watch for THAT person.

Do the purists and long time fans of Panerai love it? Probably not, but they know they have buyers in us and the collectors so they have to also cater to the new customers out there and the market changes and what they are looking for. If they only made watches that would appease the small groups of loyal fans, they would not be able to make any money.

They have to at least try and branch out and think of something outside the norm and get a share of every market.

I agree.

[Preeble]

+2

The same was said when Porsche introduced the Cayenne. Look how that turned out...

Originally Posted by Stack

If you are referring to the Luminor "DUE" then you have to see it from Panerai's perspective. They are trying to grasp another part of the watch buying market. There are a lot of fans of the look of Panerai but don't like how bulky it is and how it doesn't fit under the cuff or work well with suits.

They of course have an option of the more dressy Radiomir models, but everyone that wants to get their first Panerai usually want the iconic crown guard. So the Luminor Due is the perfect watch for THAT person.

Do the purists and long time fans of Panerai love it? Probably not, but they know they have buyers in us and the collectors so they have to also cater to the new customers out there and the market changes and what they are looking for. If they only made watches that would appease the small groups of loyal fans, they would not be able to make any money.

They have to at least try and branch out and think of something outside the norm and get a share of every market.