John-E-Mac
1410
Your point is noted and your disappointment is understood. However,..
Apr 09, 2022,12:05 PM
…there was an industry trend for watch companies outside the Swatch group to create or source replacements to their ETA powered watches. Swatch had been warning people that they would not sell ebauches to others after a certain date.
Most of Panerai watches where based on ETA 6497 or 7750 movements. They had to protect their business. Making watches without movements is not a solid business plan.
Additionally, Panerai’s popularity was sky-high and had caught the attention of the Rep manufacturers. Cases and movements where simple in design and targets of reproduction. In fact, some reps got so scary, that people wouldn’t buy a used Panerai without boxes and papers.
Panerai was also raising prices. This generated an argument that you are spending way too much money for a “decorated” movement that you could buy for under $100. Panerai probably thought they needed to bring more value to their watches to match the rising prices.
Lastly, Panerai wanted to grow up into a complete manufacturing house. Can’t do that while using a competitor’s movements.
Hindsight is 20/20.
Remember, there are plenty of wonderful 6497 powered Panerai watches on the secondary market. But there and forget the rest.
Sincerely,
John