Originally Posted by ASW1
I get your dilemma. I was a Rolex fanboy for decades and at one point had 12 SS sports models. Only a year back I had 9 but that's now down to just 1 'keeper', a Hulk I've had for 8 years.
Many years ago I had a PAM24 Submersible, but this only lasted a few days. I thought it was too big, too shiny and I hated the rotar wobble of the Valjoux movement.
Every now and then I would still hanker for one, the 233 in particular - for some reason.
A couple of years ago I picked up a 233 and it snowballed. In that time I've owned 233, 346, 425, 389, 368, 932, 687, 932, 911, 913, 654 (I think that's it), and still own 7 of them, albeit that I'm offloading 3 to fund a house move.
Since the Panerai arrived the Rolexes literally never got/get worn and I sold 8 of them.
So why Panerai:
The history is every bit as interesting as Rolex. Heritage, marketing plus some scandal.
The strap changing is addictive and changes the look hugely.
The London Boutique team are stars - on first name terms with them all and you can always pop in for a drink and chat, not just about watches.
The quality of the watches (all inhouse movements) IMO is every bit as good as others in that price point.
It's very rare to ever see anyone else wearing a Panerai (Rolex are so so ubiquitous).
In particular I love (on various models):
The presence on the wrist - if you're wearing a watch, then wear a watch... Bold and proud.
The domed crystals.
8 day movements.
Easy change strap mechanism.
Titanium cases.
Power reserve indicators.
The easy change hour hand (jumps for timezones).
Sandwich dials.
The case architecture.
As for value, yes Rolex tend to hold/increase, but if you want an investment put your money into your pension or an ISA, if you want to ENJOY a hobby follow your heart.
Personally I don't get on with the "Bettarini' case models, they lack the curves/interest of the 1950, 1940 and other Rads.
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