The Panerai Source Forums

This is a link to Paneristi.com for a very 'interesting' sale...

Comments?

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Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

So... What's so special about these straps? What were the original price?

You could buy a new watch for these prices!

Since I have taken a liking to Panerai watches, I have found a lot of things, including this type of overpriced strap, to be very intimidating. Personally, I don't have a lot of money, and I really have to think long and hard about what I buy. So far, I have really enjoyed my experiences with Breitling watches. I have always felt, both in the forums, and in my personal experiences as a watch owner, very "at home" and comfortable with the whole experience of owning and discussing Breitling watches.
Perhaps it is just my perception, but I am beginning to feel that I am not in the "league" of Panerai owners, and that perhaps I should stop persuing this product. The same feeling came to mind, when I paid a visit to our only Panerai AD here in Vancouver. Apart from the fine people on this forum, who are basically the same types as on Breitlingsource, I find the whole stigma attached to owning a Panerai watch to be putting me off more and more. I am beginning to feel that if I do get one of these watches, that the pleasure of owning it will be more than offset by the pretense attached to the watch.
It is kind of like trying to purchase an item from a shop where you feel that the standard of service is not up to par. I refuse to buy a product from anybody, regardless of how much I want that product, if I feel the service and the aftersales experience is not what it should be. I have often passed on an items that I found very desirable simply because I do not like to give these people my business. Unfortunately, this is how I am beginning to feel about the whole Panerai experience.
The good part is, that I do feel very welcome on this forum, but it has so far been the only positive experience I have had during my involvement with the Panerai product.
I am sorry to be so long-winded in my response, but comments were asked for, and this is exactly how I feel.
Cheers,
Carl

At last! Someone sane!! I so totally agree with what you have written - I wish I'd written it myself....

I was drawn into the world of Panerai simply because my Breitling AD here in Toulouse wears a Panerai (He is a Panerai AD too...) and I liked the look of it.

It was only after buying my first that I discovered the 'snobbery' and the pretence that you mentioned above - and it really does make one question ones motives sometimes.

I treat the .com forum as a marvellous place to watch the fighting, but sadly little else. The French Paneristi forum is basically a strap forum, and the Italian ones I've seen are sad too...

What is it that creates this particular atmosphere? I don't get this feeling on the Rolex fora and certainly never from Breitling Source...

I like the look of the watch, and buying different models, for me, is the 'evolution' of my taste in the marque - but it's for me, and only me. I'm so selfish I don't consider anyone else in the equation - not the .com, not even Panerai Source!

I think you're right in what you say, and I would have reacted like you if I had not met my AD who really does take care of me as he should, in my opinion.

I hope this situation doesn't put you off the ultimate purchase of a Panerai - but even I am realistic to know that Panerai are not the only people who make nice watches...but perhaps they think they are!!

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Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

Totally agree, I bought my first panerai in 2000 for a discounted price.1600 gbp from an ad, a pam 26 pvd destro no 107/200

I sold it when I needed some cash and it went on the 'bay for around 2500....boy was I pleased, but then the brand 'took off' ... the footballers and nouveau-riche started buying up the stock at AD's and panerai responded with the silly gold models, diamond models and worst of all, the ferrari models.

Now the range is too big, the prices too high and the rarity artificially enhanced......take the pam26 re-issue being listed on the 'bay right now for over 12,000 gbp.......madness but some dope will pay it!

this doesn't detract from the fact that they make Nice Big Quality watches with a certain style, the in-house stuff has some real innovation ie triple barrels etc and is superbly executed.

The aftermarket strap business has gotten silly with far too many high priced poor examples out there.

Despite all my ramblings, to me the simple design is still a real winner, I love the sandwich dials and I really miss my 26.....so I ordered a 219, I found that when I wear the watch on my Left wrist and lean on a desk or similar, the crownguard dug into my hand so the destro is much more comfy!....pissed I had to pay an extra 300 pounds for effectively nothing tho and that the cost of the watch is 250% higher than the first one I bought.

will I own lots, no.....I like to many other styles, will I sell the 219....No, won't make that mistake again, Will i enjoy the classic simplicity and not care what anyone thinks ..YES MOST DEFINATELY

in summation, there are 2 types of Paneristi imho....watch lovers and commodity tarts....thankfully here on PS, we are the former.

phew, don't often work up a head of steam like that!

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John

Past:- SA, B1, Emergency, Speedy Moon, Pam 26, Daytona, Sub, Tiger, Zenith Elite etc
Current:- Navi World, SO, Sea Dweller, Pam 219, Suunto Core etc


Coral Club Founding Father

I was drawn to the brand be accident and default by way of failing eyesight. A grey UK dealer once put an IWC Pilot in front of me and a Panerai, which i knew of then but not much. I concluded the IWC was better value for money and 'nice'. I never forgot though the absolute simplicity of that Panerai. Some time on with eyesight getting worse i traded the IWC for a PAM 25, not the most logical of Panerai’s offerings but it worked.

I now have several more of them. I like every one of them for different reasons and can't imagine i would part with them for another brand. I seem also to be evolving the small collection towards the simpler looking offerings by way of 112's. Some realignment to turn two into one, a 233 most likely, is an attractive option at the moment.

I was initially caught up in the hype of this years new models, but as time goes on i'm questioning more and more why i should buy one. I'm not wealthy and we all know one watch is enough but indulging ones self is fun, if it doesn't cause hardship to others. So, i agree the aura surrounding the brand is OTT in some circles and i don't really participate in 'that other place'. I'm not anal or rich enough

All Panerai, like other brands seem to be overpriced, in particular the 2009 releases. The earlier observation about strap prices is very valid. An alligator in the UK is currently £250 with most of the others, calf, Riva etc at £120. For what they are, it's a joke frankly. But if you want the watch, it’s part of the deal. I don't like personally the big chunky straps. Being right handed and wearing my watch on that wrist i find it impossible to comfortably write anything beyond the occasional cheque I think the giant oversize buckles are clown like.

So to end my gentle rant, i like the general simplicity of the brand and will remain 'loyal' until such time as a better option presents itself, though price wise, i think i'm on my limit, I will look at the new models when they arrive but suspect i won't be a buyer at the price point they've now reached. Richemont Group have enough of my hard earned already

After my hesitation to write all my comments last night, thanks to you guys I am now glad that I did! It seems that we are like-minded in the pursuit of Panerai watches: we will try to ignore the arrogance and pretense, and carry on and get the watches we like regardless, and for all the right reasons. Just as I do with Breitlingsource.com, Paneraisource.com is going to be my main Panerai domain. Sometimes we all get carried away by how others react and the traits they display, but we have to remember in the end why we all want what we do.
I have to say that Panerai did send me a beautiful catalogue, when I requested it on their website. I, too, am struck by the utter beauty of the simplicity, especially the basic models. I will continue to go about my purchase when the time comes, and will thoroughly enjoy the experience of owning the watch. PAM210 is my favourite, the Radiomir with sandwich dial and hour and minute hands only. The PAM000, PAM112 and PAM176 are on my short list as well. In all likelihood, I will only ever have one Panerai. I really prefer to experience one with the sandwich dial.
I was looking at a website last night, a dealer who buys new and used watches, called Watch U Want. They also do trades, and I saw a Panerai which really interests me. Do any of you know about this site? I am interested in selling my Breitling AS Blacksteel and my Steelfish to finance a Panerai, new or used.
Thanks to you folks, I have got my enthusiasm for the Panerai back again.
Cheers,
Carl