sergio
[Panerai Moderator]
5431
Once upon the time...
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
Once upon the time...
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 ...
Good old time...
once upon in Italy ;) Simple Handsome Pure .... the best way...old ways.... :) Cheers D
You hit the nail on the head Sergio....
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 o...
That's a great question Sergio. What if LVMH bought Panerai instead of Vendome?
Or what what about Swatch Group? I wonder how a Panerai would look today! Cheers, Anthony
Incredible of Pre-V pieces
...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.
I started a "destro" collection, way back when...
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
Pre A, Pre Vendomes... that was the good old time.
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
I agree 100% with the existance of nice models....
in the Panerai production. Also the "destro" brother of the 372 (557) is a very nice model. I just wanted to expose some "newbies" to the Golden Era and the implications of a different ownership of the brand...hahahaha Ciao amico mio
I was not so lucky as you to start early but I still got lucky with a few good ones.
Today I am lost with too much complexity. Some basic models in the collection. Big Bold and Basic. Bill Pam 203 Panerai Pam 232 Panerai PAM 127 and Paneria PAM 217 Panerai PAM 372 ...
Other than the 203....
...unfortunately I arrived late for that one (prices got way to crazy for my taste) I have the others (127-217-249-373 etc) but they DON'T count, since they are all SWISS "stuff"... :-) hahahaha Ciao
You are too hard on me.
Swiss but still basic old school. I also have 390 and 372 as a Couple. The 000 is also in the collection i need to check what else is hiding in the collection. I hope you approve. Bill
The idea of the topic was...Italian....not "basic".
What the Swiss did with the brand, is in everyone's face. I was reminiscing about...italian...models and what the..Italians..would have done with the brand :-) I'm not..knocking down..your "swiss" pieces, only disqualifiying them (as I do with mine, which...
Forgot to add another one. Panerai Pam 190
I love the fact that the face is clean (8 Days - but no fang). The winding is such a please. I hope you approve. Bill Panerai PAM 190 Eight days reserve ...
Hard to argue against simplicity. Panerai 000 base
cool board simple great value. Winner all around. But yes Swiss. Panerai Pam 000 ...
Que bella.
Very classy Unfortunately only have this on on for water action. Live shot. Bill ...
Those Pre-V
Are a thing of beauty!! Thank for posting those. I always love seeing pics of them would love to try one on one day! I have a 106 which I love and also a 505 that is just amazing!!! ...
All great examples.
Panerai is not a one size fits all but they are real wrist full. I love them. Bill