The Journey

[Dan2010]

Lately, I have been thinking about my watch journey and how I got to where I am today. I've been active in the watch world for about 10 years now and its been quite a fun journey. Been to a handful of watch GTGs over the years and have made some really good friends. My first nice watch I purchased on my honeymoon; a two tone Tag Heure Link Chronograph. Two years later purchased a Rolex 14060M to celebrate the birth of my daughter. After that it was off to the races and I have had over 100 watches since then. Thankfully I became friends with the DavidSWs and JustRolexes of the world and got to have fun with watches at rock bottom prices. I've even had the privilege of being around guys with vintage watches that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For awhile now I have really enjoyed Panerai. It's a watch brand that I always come back to. I have come to the conclusion that they are some of the best designed watches ever made. As I look at the 372 on my wrist right now, I feel it is as near a perfect watch as there will ever be for me. I like my watches bigger not because of any trend but rather I am a big guy. Big watches look normal on me. I like simple watches as well. Panerai hits all the buttons for me.

I know that Panerai is not as hot as it was a few years ago. I know some of that is because collectors are upset about too many special additions and watch flippers can't make as much money anymore but I am not bothered by any of that. I just really enjoy the watches. I like to keep it simple and not get "caught up". And honestly, I kinda enjoy Panerai not being the "it" kid in town. I don't want it to be like a Submariner that everyone in town has. And I love the Submariner. In a recent article about Frederic Dreyer of Panerai, he explained that Mr. Rupert's nightmare was "to go to a cocktail party and see everyone wearing a Panerai". I agree.

So what is the point of this? Well, I guess just to say I love Panerai and I enjoy the company more than any other brand, faults and all.