The Watch Snob Challenge: Panerai

[Cru Jones]

not sure if you've seen it, but, someone claiming to be a publisher at askmen.com posted a thread on the other site:

Hello Panerai enthusiasts -- My name is James and I am publisher at AskMen; you likely know our site best from the Watch Snob, who has flayed your brand of choice endlessly. Recently, Panerai challenged the Snob to actually review one of their models, and he did. We published the final review today. I thought you would be interested to read it -- and I would be very interested to hear what you think of it. You can email me at jamesb@askmen.com. Here's the review:

http://www.askmen.com/fashion/mens-w...challenge.html

what do i think?

well, the snob is always good for a laugh. as far as the 388, if one is to believe the set up of the story (that OP sent the snob "the watch that it is most proud of, the timepiece that best represents the brand as it is today"), then i was a bit surprised by the choice, though it kind of makes sense to send a new radiomir with an in-house P.9000 movement. i also agreed with the snob that the movement showing through the display back is pretty poor looking.

[mborkow]

Panerai should have sent a 372!

[Vbmrk]

Originally Posted by mborkow

Panerai should have sent a 372!

+1
I love the 388, but it seems like it'd be a poor choice given the context.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by mborkow

Panerai should have sent a 372!

Originally Posted by Vbmrk

+1
I love the 388, but it seems like it'd be a poor choice given the context.

well, for many paneristi, the 372 is the best non-vintage model, but, i'm not sure it is "the timepiece that best represents the brand as it is today". after all, one could say the 372 is a homage by panerai of its own original vintage watches. the 388, on the other hand, is a modern piece (automatic, in-house, date, "black seal" text, non-ecru lume).

if modern, i would say the 233 is the "best", but, it's been around for awhile, so, maybe that's another reason why OP felt the need to go with something like the 388.

also, given the watch snob's history with panerai, OP might have been reluctant to send him a 47mm two-hand manual watch with plexi that costs almost $10k.

[DiverAsia]

Thanks for sharing. Interesting article.
Cheers!

[mfer]

My thoughts? The watch snob doesn't deserve a read. I have already wasted too much time reading his crap in the past.

Askmen dot come is a joke.

[lig]

Cru - nice posts

Personally I love reading his missives. As long as you don't take them seriously or personally it can be good fun.

That was an atypical piece for him to be sure. Way more serious than normal and almost repentant in tone.

I wore my 111F this weekend for the first time in a while and truly enjoyed it - regardless of the fact that the Snob would find it gauche. And yes - I do think that the decoration on the F series watches is more pleasing to the eye than the new in house pieces.

[tdmorley]

Actually, I like the look of the 9000 movement, with industrial brushed top plate and pearlaged (sp?) bottom plate

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by tdmorley

Actually, I like the look of the 9000 movement, with industrial brushed top plate and pearlaged (sp?) bottom plate

The top plate is a bit of a cop-out IMO. It would have been much more impressive if they did a true 3/4 plate like the Germans. THAT takes real craftsmanship.



Vs.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by tdmorley

Actually, I like the look of the 9000 movement, with industrial brushed top plate and pearlaged (sp?) bottom plate

I also don't see all the fuss about decorated movements...does the decoration make the movement more efficient or robust?

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by mborkow

Panerai should have sent a 372!

agreed

still an interesting read

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mborkow

I also don't see all the fuss about decorated movements...does the decoration make the movement more efficient or robust?

Actually it does serve a function. Bevelling helps remove machining edges and burs. Perlage is supposed to snag dust particles and keep them out of the movement.

[shnxx]

I agree about the hiding with large plate being unattractive... Even the Lange, I wasn't really into their manual winds thinner watches because of this.

[htc8p]

372 is a historic model. they gave the 388 as a modern "dress" watch. who cares what that snob thinks.

but at least he gave a more civil answer which is good PR for panerai.

bottomline panerai makes a good watch.

[Watchguy69]

Given the Snob's open disdain for the Luminor's crown protector, sending a Radiomir was a clear choice for Panerai. A clean face without a PR meter was also predictable. Since the Snob cares less about the brand's military history, and more about the watch's design and movement, a contemporary piece that doesn't break the bank was the logical choice for a review. I'm not a Snob fan, though I find his articles entertaining. I thought the review was fair, and as objective as he's ever been. As a Panerai owner, I couldn't expect more or less.

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by mfer

My thoughts? The watch snob doesn't deserve a read. I have already wasted too much time reading his crap in the past.

Askmen dot come is a joke.

I'll second that.