Panerai's tie to the Italian navy / Bronzo vs. Carbotech

[ToneLok]

So let's be honest here. The Italian navy - and its commando forces - are an interesting choice for a marketing identity. I'm sure they're tough now and have really great people and all, but seriously...

But damned if I don't love these watches. As a tweener until my Patek 5726 comes in - and as a further enticement to get my AD to push me up the Nautilus list - I'm kicking around the ideas of a Bronzo and/or a Carbotech. AD doesn't normally carry the Bronzo but the N.A. Panerai Pres is coming through town for a marketing event and may have a few up his sleeve. Love the look of the Bronzo and as an anomaly for Panerai it may actually hold its used price close to retail or even a little above (even with the discrepancy between the aftermarket ask and the aftermarket get). Carbotech is super cool, modern materials, crazy lightweight, but pre-owned price drops like an Italian frogman sub put in water the minute you walk out the door.

Do I buy the Bronzo because it's kinda rad even though it's kinda cartoonish and shitbrownyellow or grab the Carbo because it's unapologetically and completely cartoonish, cool, and blue and I don't really need the money on the back end?

What say ye?

-ToneLok

[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by ToneLok

So let's be honest here. The Italian navy - and its commando forces - are an interesting choice for a marketing identity. I'm sure they're tough now and have really great people and all, but seriously...

But damned if I don't love these watches. As a tweener until my Patek 5726 comes in - and as a further enticement to get my AD to push me up the Nautilus list - I'm kicking around the ideas of a Bronzo and/or a Carbotech. AD doesn't normally carry the Bronzo but the N.A. Panerai Pres is coming through town for a marketing event and may have a few up his sleeve. Love the look of the Bronzo and as an anomaly for Panerai it may actually hold its used price close to retail or even a little above (even with the discrepancy between the aftermarket ask and the aftermarket get). Carbotech is super cool, modern materials, crazy lightweight, but pre-owned price drops like an Italian frogman sub put in water the minute you walk out the door.

Do I buy the Bronzo because it's kinda rad even though it's kinda cartoonish and shitbrownyellow or grab the Carbo because it's unapologetically and completely cartoonish, cool, and blue and I don't really need the money on the back end?

What say ye?

-ToneLok

The new Bronzo doesn't do it for me, but the original 382 is a killer! Carbotech is awesome too. Two very different watches, but unique in their own way.

[1William]

Both are very cool but I would go with the Bronzo if you can get it. There are a lot of options on the market for black ceramic but the Bronzo is a rare bird.

[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by 1William

Both are very cool but I would go with the Bronzo if you can get it. There are a lot of options on the market for black ceramic but the Bronzo is a rare bird.

Carbotech isn't ceramic though. It's a completely different material based on carbon fiber:

https://www.panerai.com/it/en/know-h...materials.html

[Ravager135]

Cool materials. I see them as a novelty and not a staple in a collection. I despise Panerai's current marketing strategy.

[mach330]

I really love the carbotech. So light and unique and can be worn with anything. I would only buy used tho for that.

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[kauebm]

Get the bronzo and trade it for a green (or blue) dial bronzo on the market.

The carbotech will get slaughtered on resale.

Those things being said, it doesn't sound like you want either very much, so I would get neither.

[ToneLok]

Thanks for the feedback. I have to say the idea that they're both maybe fun extra watches is pretty sound, though the new Carbotech seems to be moving at $12.5K used/gray here vs 17.5+ tax from the AD, so not a particularly sound investment. I wish they'd done a really cool, truly blue dial bronzo this time....

[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by ToneLok

Thanks for the feedback. I have to say the idea that they're both maybe fun extra watches is pretty sound, though the new Carbotech seems to be moving at $12.5K used/gray here vs 17.5+ tax from the AD, so not a particularly sound investment. I wish they'd done a really cool, truly blue dial bronzo this time....

Panerai is rarely a sound investment, so if you're bothered by value retention, I'd suggest you buy a used piece.

[erik asher]

I like how you put down both watches and then ask for an opinion. Stick with your Nautilis. I love when I hear people talk about Panerai’s drop in value and bad investment potential in one sentence; but then in the next sentence they act like money doesn’t matter. If money doesn’t matter to you, who cares? If it does, then maybe you shouldn’t act like it doesn’t.

[SeikoBake]

Both are solid pieces. My personal preference is the bronzo as each piece will develop its own unique patina over time

[1William]

My new Panerai 1616. A fun watch and getting a lot of wrist time.

[Trailboss516]

Carbotech is a very cool watch. I tried on one of the originals when they were first released and was impressed with the material and light weight nature of the watch.

[Mystro]

No one has anything like a Carbotech. AP has their forged carbon but it isn’t nearly as refined as Carbotech. If your looking for the ultimate “big black watch” then the Carbotech is the rock star. The Bronzo is a completely different look and image with a more throwback look and feel.

To me you are asking to choose from total opposite ends of the spectrum like, do I get a Ferrari LaFerrari or a Roll Royce Phantom?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by erik asher

I like how you put down both watches and then ask for an opinion. Stick with your Nautilis. I love when I hear people talk about Panerai’s drop in value and bad investment potential in one sentence; but then in the next sentence they act like money doesn’t matter. If money doesn’t matter to you, who cares? If it does, then maybe you shouldn’t act like it doesn’t.

Amen. Strange thread indeed.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Amen. Strange thread indeed.

Seriously why can people buy a watch because they love it not because of the value/resale. LOL

[SeikoBake]

Originally Posted by 1William

My new Panerai 1616. A fun watch and getting a lot of wrist time.

Great. I’m a fan of this one

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by 1William

My new Panerai 1616. A fun watch and getting a lot of wrist time.

sure!

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[nick c]

Love my 382. What a beast.


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[drgoro]

I had the choice between the two. Went carbotech first, may still get the bronzo. But not importantly , I thought so highly of the carbotech it became my first panerai in years

[drgoro]

Where did you source a blue strap? Do you have a leather strap and where did you find it?

Originally Posted by rambo99

sure!

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[matt009au]

Carbotech for me, I love those solid lume indices.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by drgoro

Where did you source a blue strap? Do you have a leather strap and where did you find it?

i bought it at a local boutique.