Panerai: The Era of Simple, Essential Watches

sergio · 2015-08-19T04:27:15Z

Sergio explores the 'simple Panerais' of the past, reflecting on the brand's original design philosophy and the shift from essential time-tellers.

sergio

WPS member · Officine Panerai forum

24 replies7959 views7 photos

Sergio shares a nostalgic tribute to the 'simple Panerais' of yesteryear, focusing on models that prioritized essential time-telling and robust, basic movements. He reflects on a time before the brand's acquisition by the Vendome Group, pondering the path Panerai might have taken under Italian stewardship and lamenting the shift towards more complex designs.

There were Panerais that didn't have all the "bells & whistles" that today's buyers..insist..upon to even consider buying one. Panerais that where created to tell time and do it in the simplest, most direct way possible: an essential terse and highly visible dial and a basic sturdy movement. The choice of UNITAS-ETA movements, was not a consequence of a sophisticated marketing strategy (cheap movement, high financial returns) but because of Rolex' refusal to supply their movements (which had equipped the majority of the wartime and vintage watches) as well as other "celebrated" movements manufacturers at the time. This is my humble tribute to those distant times when, if you wanted a Panerai, you just bought what THEY had offered you

It is indeed unfortunate that, the planning and financing of the "watches division" happened in an haphazard sort of way and led to the sale of the division to the Vendome Group. I would have like to have seen where, the "Italians" would have brought the brand. Would they, also, have created something like this, I wonder

Or like this?

Let me put it to you this way. I'm glad I got to know Panerai when they were still making "them simple ones"

Cheers

Key Points from the Discussion

Some collectors express a preference for Panerai's basic, big, and bold models, finding the current complexity of the brand overwhelming.
The discussion highlights a distinction between 'Italian' Panerai models and later 'Swiss' iterations, with some collectors expressing a strong preference for the former's original design philosophy.
The original simple, painted time-only Panerais are considered the essence of the brand by some, who have since lost interest in the brand's current direction.
Despite the shift, some current production Panerai pieces, like the PAM 372 or 'Mamma Mia,' are still considered exciting and uphold the legend's return.
The 'old ways' of Panerai are described as simple, handsome, and pure, representing the best of the brand's heritage.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Aug 19, 2015

once upon in Italy ;) Simple Handsome Pure .... the best way...old ways.... :) Cheers D

ik2000

Aug 19, 2015

No, the Italians wouldn't have even dare to design what you showed. The original simple, painted time only PAMs.... this is the essence of the brand.... As an ex-owner, and someone who doesn't care too much for the brand anymore... I would love a PAM 36 or 40.

AnthonyTsai

Aug 19, 2015

Or what what about Swatch Group? I wonder how a Panerai would look today! Cheers, Anthony

streetphotographer

Aug 19, 2015

...but is that PAM123 also in your collection? While a nice watch in it's own right, the 123 doesn't seem to fit your personal Panerai ethos.

amanico

Aug 19, 2015

Well, there are still some exciting pieces, in the current production, like the 372 or the latest Mamma Mia. But living the return of the legend like we did, that was something, my friend. Best, Nicolas

sergio

Aug 20, 2015

which came to a screeching halt, when I discovered models like the 239 and 358 which I wouldn't buy at gun point. I stil have 9 destros, which sooner or later I'll get around to..get read of :) Cheers

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Panerai: The Era of Simple, Essential Watches

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