Do I buy a Panerai?

[NK212]

Hello everyone, on/off reader, new poster here. Be gentle!

Need your help on whether or not to get a Panerai.

Firstly, let me introduce myself by way of my collection. From left to right: Bremont MBIII 10th Anniversary Ltd Edition, Tudor BB58 on B&J grey tubular nato, Rolex Sub 16800 Matte dial 1982 on Everest, Rolex SubC, GMT BLNR, Oris Aquis Clean Ocean Ltd Edition.

IMG_6629.jpg


As you can see, most of my collection are quite similar in style. I wasn't looking for a new watch but the new Ltd Edition PAM 1144 has just caught me ... wow. Can't stop looking at this Mediterraneo series. I've never really looked at Panerai before due to the size, but researching this Radomir 1940 manual, it's a nice size, slim, looks stunning in blue and does not have wire lugs. And it adds some (much needed?) variety into my collection. I wear my watches snug, i hate them flopping about so my favourites are probably the BB58 and 16800 for this reason.


£7,000 is a lot though for a manual wind SS model, but then this is a Boutique only Ltd model. Here's the rub .... I'd need to slim the collection so the SubC or BLNR would have to go to make way.

Am I crazy? Tell me what I don't know about the Panerai experience, and are there any other models out there worth considering? I admit I find the broad Pan range quite complicated. I'm not keen on the Radomir wire lugs and I don't much like excessive domed crystal. I think 45mm could be too big but open to views.

Thanks for reading all

[enjoythemusic]

Hmmm.. tough call as the Sub would be the one to sell. Hmmm... sure, do it. Add more diversity to your collection. If this helps, been wearing the PAM01033 and beating the sh*t out of it for about 6 weeks, off-road bicycling, various water sports in the ocean, etc and she still looks great and keeps consistently reasonable time (+5 sec/day).

[stockae92]

The answer is always yes, as long as you fulfill your other financial obligation.

If you can, always try it out at the AD first for the size and make sure you are ok with the case shape.

I think 1144 looks fantastic.

[Dogdad]

I would say yes... your watches at present look the same to me.

[A971]

If you’ve got the wrist for a Panerai, go for it.
Mix it up some.

[brandrea]

No one does blue dials like Panerai ... not even Rolex.

[dualcarb]

I’d say add and not sell one of your watches to buy another. But if one really has to go, and out of the two that you mentioned...I’d sell the BLNR

[brandrea]

Some blue dial pics for inspiration from an older brother from 2016 boutique edition

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[Mastergreenhand]

I’d sell off everything not a Rolex and add the Pam.

[ajas]

Rolex and Pam is the way to go

[rootbeer7]

Before considering anything, go and try it on (when we can). Panerai May surprise you. I’d always wanted a Radiomir, but couldn’t find one that felt comfortable. Ended up with a 44mm Luminor, 390 and then 233.

[1William]

I am a long standing fan of Panerai and think that there is a watch in the line-up that will work for you. Panerai is notorious for issuing a LE/SE Edition of a watch an then issuing another non limited piece soon after and cutting the value of the other piece. I would not get rid of a Rolex for a Panerai. Plain and simple the Panerai, even in the preowned market, will take a significant hit at resale. You will lose 30-40%, if you buy new, off the NIB value unless you sell a hot model while it is hot. Keep the Rolex watches and if you need the funds then sell the other watches in your collection as they can be replaced at fair market value. Bad time to sell. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

I’d sell off everything not a Rolex and add the Pam.

This. Rolex and Pam. Upgrade the collection and now you have two strong pieces to build on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

This. Rolex and Pam. Upgrade the collection and now you have strong pieces to build on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NK212]

Interesting insights. I know a lot say sell everything other than Rolex but there is life beyond the Crown, although i appreciate this is Rolex forum! However we are all watch lovers otherwise we wouldn't be here.

Bremont - love them or hate them I have a connection with them. I'd consider selling the MBIII but I got such a huge discount on it due to AD error that I smile every time I wear it for that reason alone. Plus it's so different to the rest and i love a white dial.
Tudor BB58 - possibly my favorite of all to wear. You know when a watch just 'fits' as if it was designed for you? On a nice nato it's perfect and it's my weekend watch.
The Oris is not worth selling on the used market. It's pretty, supports a good cause and it a perfect holiday beater.

I do want to try one on but obviously everywhere is closed right now and the 1144 is very limited. Is available via eBoutique for now.

Anyone have any insights on the Panerai vs Rolex experience? About the ltd vs non ltd, as far as I know (please correct me) the Mediterraneo series which is what drew me in in the first place, are only available as limited boutique editions.

[jaychief]

Yes panerai are cool... Ive had a few down the years. the only problem is when they go wrong they go wrong on epic scale !!!

[ASW1]

Originally Posted by NK212

Interesting insights. I know a lot say sell everything other than Rolex but there is life beyond the Crown, although i appreciate this is Rolex forum! However we are all watch lovers otherwise we wouldn't be here.

......



Anyone have any insights on the Panerai vs Rolex experience? About the ltd vs non ltd, as far as I know (please correct me) the Mediterraneo series which is what drew me in in the first place, are only available as limited boutique editions.

I sold all my Rolex and now only have Panerai. Rolex is so ubiquitous it just got to the point that they just seemed so boring and conformist.

Very happy to only wear Panerai these days. It's not about 'investment' it's about a hobby and love of timepieces. You might find this thread and interesting journey

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...=1#post5365914

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by ASW1

I sold all my Rolex and now only have Panerai. Rolex is so ubiquitous it just got to the point that they just seemed so boring and conformist.

Very happy to only wear Panerai these days. It's not about 'investment' it's about a hobby and love of timepieces. You might find this thread and interesting journey

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...=1#post5365914

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

I’m exactly the same. I have a Pam 233, a Tritium Omega Speedmaster for the vintage vibe and an Omega Seamaster 300mc, plus a rare Gshock collaboration piece. Each one I enjoy wearing for different reasons. The Panerai is my daily.

[emtee]

I would wait until you can go and try a few on. Blind buying a Panerai having never tried any could end up being a very costly mistake. With a brand like Panerai with so many similar models with subtle differences you’ll likely go in thinking you know which one you want and end up falling for another.

But I definitely support the idea of selling some of your other watches to fund the purchase if you find one you love. Would probably sell the sub if it was me.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

I’d sell off everything not a Rolex and add the Pam.

This

[vman]

Right now it is a great time to by Panerai, especially pre-owned. The market for the brand has cooled off and collecting Panerai may become fun again.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by vman

Right now it is a great time to by Panerai, especially pre-owned. The market for the brand has cooled off and collecting Panerai may become fun again.

I agree completely. All the speculators and Instagram kids have moved on, now is a great time to explore the brand.

New prices are ridiculous, and some models are best avoided (Due, Due, and Due to give 3 examples), but with a bit or research the secondary market can be a gold mine.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by Cryten

I agree completely. All the speculators and Instagram kids have moved on, now is a great time to explore the brand.

New prices are ridiculous, and some models are best avoided (Due, Due, and Due to give 3 examples), but with a bit or research the secondary market can be a gold mine.

Why avoid the Due models?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by Heff

Why avoid the Due models?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They look like a Panerai, but they're made to a budget.....a very low one.

They're best avoided.

[donas]

When I got my 111, it immediately became my most worn watch. I've got several Rolexes, Brietling, Omega, etc but the Panerai is the frequent flier. So, what you don't know about Panerai is it'll steal the show, lol.

[zion_rasta]

I’d keep the sub and Batman and sell the rest. Get a 233 or a 1321. Start there.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by ajas

Rolex and Pam is the way to go

^^This^^^. Rolex is the conservative look and Panerai is the bold stylish look. They compliment them self better than any two brands in my experience.

[Little machines]

Panerai making the right moves !The mediteraneo series and the slightly older 690 are some of the most beautiful blue dials on the market . This is a certainty they will not depreciate as fast in the used market . Good luck !!

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

I’d sell off everything not a Rolex and add the Pam.

Agree!
(I'd even jettison the Tudors)

[ASW1]

Originally Posted by Little machines

Panerai making the right moves !The mediteraneo series and the slightly older 690 are some of the most beautiful blue dials on the market . This is a certainty they will not depreciate as fast in the used market . Good luck !!

Agreed :)

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk