What Rolex owners think of Panerai?

[Mezz72]

Used to like PAM too but it's becoming just a fashion thing like wat the bros here mentioned.
Personal opinion.

[dennistwc]

Tell him.. Pam service cost is on par to Rolex.. Thn he ll start condemn Pam..
I own 2 Rolexes and 2 pams...but quite upset on the 318 incident.. And also due to so many variation so I stop buying Pam and divert into other brands

[dragonforce]

PAM watches are generally too big for my wrist, not really to my liking. But i won't rule out the possibility of purchasing 1 in the future if i ever have enough budget for 1.

But my boss loves his PAM, much more than his rolex. he condemned his rolex (passed down sub from his relative) cause he was quoted $600 for servicing/repair.

[Matty]

No offence to all PAM owners out there, but imho PAMs r like the "Swatch" watches if u all noe wat i mean, except for the pseudo wannabe branded image they r trying (ahem...very hard) to market to the masses?

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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)?

[kohym]

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

[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

[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.

[achan]

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

[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..

[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