I don't get it

[Stoner319]

Ok so I've always been a fan of Omega and Rolex. Here lately I have been looking more and more at Panerai. I never really had a chance to see them in person so I was really unsure just how much I would like them.

So this past weekend I was at KOP Mall and went to Tourneau who had a nice smaller selection of Panerai. I must say I am VERY impressed. I like them 100000000000times better in person.

What I really do not get is this. Is there some sort of guide or book or anything that clearly and easily lays out the differences in the models? I feel totally lost.

[apeogre]

Panerai has an app for the ipod which is kind of useful. The new website is pretty nice as well. The website will let you search for any of their watches by size or material or complication or case style. I'd probably start there. As far as I can tell, it's mostly just random numbers assigned to watches, with only a few patterns.

[kilyung]

It's not organized into any logical model nomenclature like Rolex. Stare at it long enough and you'll memorize them.

[S``]

If you see any Bronze ones... that's the 382... what you want to do is to pay retail (MSRP) and run out with it hahaha...

[Stoner319]

I feel a bit like its trying to memorize something like the phonebook except there is no particular order.

[Stoner319]

It is a little frustrating because some models have in house movements some don't some are auto some are manual etc etc etc etc.

[wingku]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's not organized into any logical model nomenclature like Rolex. Stare at it long enough and you'll memorize them.

Lol could not agree more. It's random as hell and makes no sense. But staring at them long enough and you will eventually remember the more popular models lol!

[Wristmaster]

Of course, the details and those lights at the showcase.. Panerai is the way!

[Cru Jones]

welcome to the madness....none of it makes "sense", but, eventually, you'll get it. learning is part of the fun.

[sugiharto]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's not organized into any logical model nomenclature like Rolex. Stare at it long enough and you'll memorize them.

[rockmastermike]

organize your search in 5 steps instead of memorizing dozens and dozens of reference numbers. In no certain order:

1) case type, Luminor, 1950, Radiomir, Sub look for pictures of each case type and when you decide on one...
2) SS or Ti - again search pictures and after you decide...
3) Sandwich dial or painted dial - yeah, yeah, google pictures of each and after you decide....
4) complications or not - second hand, date, PR or Base

after you find pictures of what you like and narrow down your options - then the ref nubers are fewer to manage. good luck with the hunt

[Z-Dweller]

Lots of good resources on the net. Check out Panerai Source (google it). I use it to check out basic details of the various references. Took me a little while but now I am comfortable with the Panerai line up - which lead to this beauty. Then you start thinking about straps! Beware.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Stoner319

Ok so I've always been a fan of Omega and Rolex. Here lately I have been looking more and more at Panerai. I never really had a chance to see them in person so I was really unsure just how much I would like them.

So this past weekend I was at KOP Mall and went to Tourneau who had a nice smaller selection of Panerai. I must say I am VERY impressed. I like them 100000000000times better in person.

What I really do not get is this. Is there some sort of guide or book or anything that clearly and easily lays out the differences in the models? I feel totally lost.

Just take your time and enjoy the hunt. It should be fun for you and not a chore! Good place to start is just the Panerai website. A lot of information there. Historics are manual, Contemporary are auto, Special are well, in their own category (remember it doesn't make sense) and Special Editions are one year runs only (not to say a Historic or Contemporary can't be a one year only run, again, remember.....it doesn't make sense!)


And I get your comments. I thought they looked like toy watches when viewing online. Then I tried one on....game over. Now, one Rolex and four Panerai later.....

[jvo300]

It takes time to gain the knowledge, but it's fun and ultimately will lead you to the right Panerai(s) for you. Thank goodness for Internet watch forums!

[ErikSzper]

Is amazing how such similar appearances can have such differences, loving my 351!

[Stoner319]

I do plan on studying and picking one up sometime soon. I was really impressed by them in person. Right now it just feels like trying to tell the difference between 100 shades of white. But I'm sure I'll get it or die trying ;)

[bugawako]

Start making a wish list! And it doesn't end there. The madness will start all over again when you discover straps for all occasions!

[Legno]

Originally Posted by bugawako

Start making a wish list! And it doesn't end there. The madness will start all over again when you discover straps for all occasions!

+1

My journey: Luminor -> Rad -> homages -> straps -> buckles

Sigh....

[B. Doggy]

You may go through a couple before you find your niche. As a whole, Panerai stays pretty close to their roots for most pieces though and that's a god thing. Have fun!