dreamer8
1515
My thoughts
Nov 12, 2011,04:36 AM
I would not categorise Panerai as just a fashion brand. Their big watches have led the way for every brand to increase the sizes of their watches.They are IMHO not an overnight sensation doomed to decline as many had predicted. Bruno correctly mentioned all their inhouse movements. Yes, I have viewed the video on how machines do all the finishing like geneva stripes, but so do a lot of high end brands. Many use CNC machines to finish almost to completed stage , with final hand finishing, including tourbillon parts.
In order to increase sales new movements with more complications were developed.For many, these complicated panerais are attractive. I have a WIS friend who counts a PP platinum 3970,the complete set of PP 5070 ( one in each metal ) , Greubel Forsey double tourbillon , 2 Roger Dubuis tourbillons , ALS 1815, Dato, Double split and others to name just a few have in his collection a panerai Titanium tourbillon GMT , SE 2008 of 150 pieces with chocolate dial. He enjoys the watch. Personally , I have realised that the strength and attraction for me and many paneristis are the simple time only panerais, with different dials and hands. I like chronographs , but have recently sold my 196 and 213 to free up funds for a 390 and 372 . The attraction for me are the dials with different variation of sandwich, painted or engraved and paint filled , the fonts and hands, and no other watch brand offers so many leather strap variations to completely change the look of the watch. I guess it is heresy for me to say like the attraction of many vintage rolex are the different variation of their dials( gilt,matt, etc ) . The movement is not highly finished and no one talks about the pedestrian movement inside.
I tend to be a rebel in my taste and I enjoy my pannies as much as my pateks and yes ,I bought a Hublot Big Bang in late 2005 and enjoyed it very much even if it had a 7750 based chrono movement.
I offer some explanations for the 318 caper, and am not an apologist for Panerai.From what i have read from many sources ( eg. here on puristpro and different forums )
the 318 was sold at a lower price than the base and it is an SE and was probably rushed ( 150 pieces ) to be in time for opening of NY Boutique.
The movement mentioned was the OP XIXI not OP 11., so no misrepresentation on purpose. However, in the panerai cataloque of SE 's from 1997-
2010, the 318 information states the OP 11 . This is clearly a mistake ( not IMHO done to mislead ) .The catalogue was printed in 2010.
With benefit of hindsight, Panerai will never do this again.IMHO, when the dust finally settles, this episode in panerais history ( infamous it may be ) will be documented in books and will be largely forgotten and forgiven.
OP have offered to replace these movements .
In my observation, Panerai is very unique in its following by people of many backgrounds across the world and the friendship this brand engenders in people. IT IS MORE THAN A WATCH.
Sorry for my rambling and thank you if you have read this far.
Cheers,dreamer
This message has been edited by dreamer8 on 2011-11-12 04:38:51 This message has been edited by dreamer8 on 2011-11-12 04:52:12