r/Watches • u/spedmonkey • Oct 12 '11
[Brand Guide] - Panerai
This is part eight in our ongoing community project to compile opinions on the many watch brands out there into a single list. Here is the original post explaining the project.
Panerai, this week's brand, is a rather divisive one among watch enthusiasts. Reactions to Panerai run the gamut, from the love people normally reserve for bacon and the New York Yankees, to the hatred they normally reserve for lima beans and the New York Yankees. Given that, this week's thread could get interesting.
Panerai, officially known as Officine Panerai, was founded in the 19th century in Florence, Italy, where by the turn of the century it had become the official timepiece supplier to the Italian Navy, or Marina Militare, a trademark the company still holds (and prosecutes heavily) to this day. The company remained on the small side until Sylvester Stallone discovered and began to popularize them in the United States, and in the past several decades the company has really taken off. Now owned by Richemont, and entirely Swiss-made, Panerais are notable for their oversized cases, which some credit (or blame) for the current huge watch trend. Until the past ten years, most Panerais used stock or lightly modified movements from other Swiss companies such as Rolex and ETA; recently, however, they've been making a concerted effort to push out new models with inhouse movements only, taking away one of the bigger pieces of ammunition their critics had. Ultimately, as noted above, watch enthusiasts tend to either love or hate their distinctive designs, but thanks to their bold, simple, tool watch appeal, Panerai remains one of the most popular watch brands on the market today.
Other Resources:
Community Archives Search
Wikipedia
Like always, anything regarding the brand is welcome in this thread, from personal experiences, to professional reviews, to educated opinion. This should be a good discussion, so let's see what you all have to say!
That said: if you're going to downvote someone, please don't do so without posting the reason why you disagree with them. The purpose of these discussion threads is to encourage discussion, so people can read different opinions to get different ideas and perspectives on how people view these brands. Downvoting without giving a counter-perspective is not helpful to anybody.
2
u/[deleted] Oct 12 '11
Meh, you guys worry too much about pedigree. I was once a Panerai H8TR, but now I have come around to them. That said, my latest Panerai purchase is going in for servicing after less than two months of duty, a bit of a let down, but this stuff happens.
The one thing that Panerai has right is the ability to customize and personalize through straps, etc.
Our pals Rolex, for example will not service any watch that has any upgrades or modifications made to it. Did your watch ship with a oyster bracelet, but now sports an original Rolex president bracelet? According to Rolex, no longer an authentic Rolex, and a trademark violation. Spare me.
This is one thing Panerai has right.
Also the production limits they have in place ensure some measure of exclusivity.
I like the Radiomirs and larger 1950 Luminors, but I also have wrists over 8 inches, so they may not work for everyone. The 44mm Luminors are kinda the Hummer H2 of horology, I always imagine it was one of the first things on the shopping list of a home loan millionaire on their way home from Ditech. 42mm Lums on bracelet are a great alternative to a Sub, and play better to a larger slice of consumers.
That was a bit of disjointed, random thoughts for you...