What Rolex owners think of Panerai?

[Dar Teo]

I think it depends on you buying to wear or just a collector. It does have a very unique look. I use to own a base model.
But it looks too huge on my small wrist, maybe i am shrinking with age.

[Ian Limm]

No offense to Panerai owners but I don't like the design, looks too much like a fashion watch.

If you compare the design with Pateks and Rolex, you will know what I mean.

You will more interesting fashionable steel watches going at $49.90 on USA ebay, some watches there are more exciting ,some are more unique, some are bigger than my wall clock and fixed with bright colored straps too.

....then again I may be the wrong guy to give a view on Pans cos I am still in luv with the gold watch that Rolex produced back in 1956 (way before any of us were born) and it still looks the same today with only the slightest modifications.

[alantannottam]

Given a choice (to purchase a Rolex or Panerai), i will definitely go for Rolex.

Like what I had posted in the PAM forum (http://www.sg-roc.com/threads/104086...8PAM-203-21%29), i will not spend $100k for a simple looking STEEL PAM. ** me not a PAM fan, and dun own any **

Instead, i will save myself a big chunk of $$ and buy a simple PAM lookalike, like Dievas vintage models. Its not a replica or fake and it can quench my PAM thirst if i really itch for one in future .

[david.tan]

i love pam design no doubt, but its truly a fashion design watch, sold mine and got rolex instead

if only pam watch are not that over price...

[lefty]

I loved Panerais once. Until they came up with some 100+ to 200+different models in the market which made me think "marketing bull5h1t"

subdial, no subdial, date, no date, 3days movement, 8days, 10days, auto, manual, ceramic case, dlc, pvd, stainless steel, titanium, composite, destro, black face, white, blue, brown, antracite, waffle, tuxedo yada yada.

I mean seriously, how many variations do you need for each single template model range?

Buy a t-dial best. At least they cant make that anymore. hahahaha

[Felix]

Am pretty much drugged on vintage Rollies, however if you trace back to 1930's, Panerai & Rolex were partners in achieving watches for MODs (Ministry Of Defence) in Italy, Pams & Rolexes are the only 2 brands I'll collect..

[achan]

well i am one of those who have both who have their own signature design and character.
GMT2 coke and Pam 111

[kenn18]

Panerail uses the watch to sell expensive leather straps.. even bundle the DIY tools so that the buyers buy even more of the expensive straps! Panerai got noticed after Stallone bought some personalised "Daylight" models to give away.. and Richemont bought over and milked the brand further with marketing megabucks. Better stick to Rolex, if there's a choice.

[chronomat01le]

I do love PAMs for their unique case design which stands out.
think PAM are more like the new fashion statement whilst
Rolex will always be the timeless classic that will never go out of style...

Rolex never go out of style because they are never in style....a

[kohym]

if u want variety, why not? get an iconic piece, just one will do, unless u are a die-hard fan.

[kenn18]

if u want variety, why not? get an iconic piece, just one will do, unless u are a die-hard fan.

What would that one Pam be, without spending too much? Pam 088 (GMT), 024 (Sub), or 236 (Daylight Chrono - the watch that Stallone made famous)?

[Ah Dar]

I had many Pam from the past & i sold most of it away after times as i start to feel PAM are really fashion watches & you get to see many young men & ladies wearing it.. it become so common that it don't feel special anymore. Used to love it due to the trademark crown. But after the design lost its shine for me, i sold them off. But i still keep all my rolex once i bought them.

Anyway, i am not Anti Pam. Now i just kept PAM 90 & PAM 321 due to the Dial design.

[caleb]

Heard too many horror stories about Pam for me to seriously consider one. Personally, I think Pam prices are too inflated. They are aesthetically pleasing no doubt but for the price they are commanding, I could get another watch that is as aesthetically pleasant with a quality in-house movement rather than a generic ETA.

[jrywong]

im a big fan of pams too ... different looks but very nice imo ... and if u are looking for brand recognition, Pams are easily identifiable too.

[skydweller_sg]

If this thread is posted in a Panerai forum, the Panerai will get more votes and vice versa

i am on neither side, i like both brands, for each has its own unique iconic design that is classic and timeless
both are characterized by maturity and an enduring appeal
notice that most rolex and panerai new models do not deviate too far from its vintage

that being said, i used to shun away from panerai because they were largely using ETA movement as their base calibers
even though Panerai modify and decorate these as 'OP' movements, they are still hybrids

in recent years, with the introduction of their very own inhouse P2,P9,P3 movements, i begin to take an interest in the brand
especially with the 1950 case and sandwich dial - the bold and masculine Luminor design first introduced in the 50s still looks modern and conventional. A unique feature about Panerai is its ability to appear dressy and casual via strap changes - put a black gator strap with white stitch for the dressy look; swap this with a tan ammo strap and you instantly transform it into a rugged looking watch

the inhouse movements, though not COSC certified, are very accurate
i am not sure about the horror stories reported so far, but my 320 which houses the P9001 cal, still keeps time well within COSC requirements (running +2seconds per day)
more importantly, the inhouse movement is featured-packed with interesting complications: quick second reset, 3days power reserve, dual GMT time and power reserve indicator, not forgetting it is water-resistant to 300m, making this a diving watch as well

i hope Panerai can one day replace all the OP cal with their own inhouse movement - just like rolex replaced Zenith with its own chronograph movement for the daytona. it may be risky, but the efforts will pay off in the long term. afterall, only true watch makers who design and produce its own inhouse movement could be taken seriously, rather than just any haute-hologerie-wannabe