Fricks
1223
hello... You think anybody can afford less is more?
Oct 22, 2012,10:35 AM
I agree with you but hype on Panerai went down already since a couple of years. Don't take a reference forums and paneristis, check with dealers you know, they are a much better indicator. The zillion new models thrown to the market are supposed to pump it up. While what it does is melting the desirability and the power of the original design.
Panerai does many variations of the same models,... ala Hublot. While other brands have too many models you get lost in their catalogue. If you ask me, Panerai put the turbo at the wrong time, in the wrong direction. They could have done a "human" egiziano, they could have develop it in another way. Instead they are taking their customers for fools. Perfect example : The 398 and 399 special editions are a 422 without the crown protector and with huge premium. Who can justify the price and the logic behind it? i can't wait to hear it
Bottom line, its a rare privilege to have timeless models, such as Rolex and Patek have. All the others manufacture that made too many models, variations, LE's, boutique editions, etc.... are just desperately trying to survive. IMO, they are accelerating their slow death. Sooner or later people wake up, its a matter of time,...1st step, hype will go down, 2nd step, variations of metals, colors, details will flow on the market... and the trigger will be when the used watches market will be saturated, it will be the start of the end of the brand.
Brands think that they will control the prices by concentrating the distribution through their network, without discount, which is supposed to protect the prices on 2nd market.
I am pessimistic on this one. When desire is gone, you can try all you want, its a lost fight