Will Panerai become mainstream?

[ral]

The way I see it is that Panerai is not doing it the same way Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and other companies have done it. No retrograde hand movements or open dials displaying the tourbillon.

But they are creating "complications" which are more in line with what a Panerai buyer would like. Examples are the eight day movement, one button chronographs, dual time watches with a 12-hour hand rather than a 24 hour hand.

The eight day movement would interest a particular kind of person in the same way a retrograde movement would. For the rest of the world who uses a watch simply as a tool, they would think who cares.

At the very least they are targeting the same market. A potential Patek Philippe Ref. 5159 buyer is more likely to buy a PAM 306, than someone interested in a Rolex Daytona or Masterpiece.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by ral

But they are creating "complications" which are more in line with what a Panerai buyer would like.

On this, I would agree. And most Patek & Vacheron buyers won't fall into this demographic.

[Steven79]

Panerai is just too expensive. I owned a 164 and it was a great watch.. but jeeze 5K for a eta movement is pricey!

In house mov't pannies are wayyy $$$$!

[brainbizz]

To me Panerai will never be mainstream. To limited production. I initially thought the Tourbillons were a waste with no front open dial; however, once I saw one in person it looked perfect. It would ruin the historical looks of the watch IMHO. I was very impressed and now cannot decide on the Tourbillon or Ferrari with the Minerva mvnt.

[Jeff Joan]

I think Panerai watches are unique looking. My wife doesn't understand my attraction to the watch. I hope they never become mainstream. I like owning something that has some history and is only know by watch lovers.

[ral]

I initially thought the Tourbillons were a waste with no front open dial; however, once I saw one in person it looked perfect.

Yes, Panerai develop it own unique way of displaying a Tourbillon movement.



If Panerai were going mainstream, they would simply stick to automatic movements. Complications do not really appeal to the mainstream buyer.

[paypalbid]

i have seeing a lot of rich gay guys wearing PAM. Must be a phase cause pretty soon they will tell each other "that is sooo last year"

[brainbizz]

Wtf?

[vman]

I hope they do not become mainstream. I have seen only a few PAMs in the richy-rich infested San Francisco Bay area. The beauty of having one is that nobody asks you "Is that real?" Not too many people know the brand and let's keep it that way :)

[leopardprey]

The Panerai Tourbillion is awesome, if I had an extra $100,000 I would get one in a hearbeat.

Paypalbid, you don't have a clue as to what you are talking about. Insult me or one of my mates to our face by calling us a "rich gay guy" for wearing a Panerai, and it would not go over very well. Definately not a "Queer" watch. First time I encountered a Panerai, was a Team Mate wearing one on a combat operation in Najaf in 2004.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by paypalbid

i have seeing a lot of rich gay guys wearing PAM. Must be a phase cause pretty soon they will tell each other "that is sooo last year"

>>>

[mfer]

Another one on the ignore list!