emcquillan
3178
This trend is inevitable
In all businesses. However, for the high end of the market in any business I don't see online purchases thriving unless it's a commodity. A small percentage of sales agreed. First, people believe and trust in people. Secondly, the high end market doesn't necessarily need to be pampered but does need a tactile experience.
Look, I've had enough buyer's remorse in the past buying watches at AD's after trying them on so I couldn't even imagine the online experience. I've learned only to move on what I truly love after I've done my research and it ticks all the boxes. I wouldn't buy a Bespoke or Kiton suit online anymore than I'd buy a watch and especially a new watch I've never seen in person. There are already service issues in the industry so to go online won't improve it or reduce pricing IMHO.
I'll buy a book, T-shirt, Fitbit, toys for my kids or any low cost and low risk product online, but to spend $7,200 let alone $50k on a luxury watch without the tactile experience and service to back it up seems like a leap. The brands who become the most successful at direct online sales will dimish their prestige over the long term. Also, online buyers go back to the well for reliable products through a single source for those products. Watch collectors are an unusual group many of whom collect many different types of watches from many different brands both new and vintage. I think this model requires bricks and mortar with people and choice.
Full disclosure, I don't know anything about anything other than my business.... and Bordeaux. Both took years of daily practice 
Panerai's 1st limited edition sold exclusively online through Panerai.com - the PAM731 Luminor Submersible
Panerai is releasing a 100-piece limited edition sold exclusively online at its website - the 44mm PAM731 Luminor Submersible . 44mm automatic Luminor Submersible polished stainless steel case with brushed bezel. Water resistant to 300m with a dark navy b...
I think e commerce cannot never replace brick and mortar
Nice watch but I won't get it. With regard to the middleman, how do you deliver the luxury experience without a brick and mortar store? Do not see how you can buy a luxury watch online and feel the experience you get from current brick and mortar. Perhaps...
Really good point.....
.....and one that they may live to regret. By going down this path, you are almost sending a message that "luxury" service is not part of the plan.
good point and I add that Panerai
watches are tool watches. Not luxury ones. Back to their DNA. This one, to catch newbies, and they have to lower much more their e-price ;-)) Smaller box is a good point in term of volume storage and expedition fees. My 2 cents, Cheers, Patrickh
'Luxury experience'
I'm not sure to what extent that 'luxury experience' really exists. It's something mentioned time and time again but I don't ever recall any experience in a watch boutique or AD that would ever have any influence on my purchase. My point being maybe Riche...
Che sara', sara'......
These days, e-commerce is as much part as the distribution network as authorised agents, wholly owned boutiques and franchised ones. Personally I believe that you must be present on the 3 different scenarios just to keep up with your customer's trend. The...
It's about time the Swiss brands started selling directly online
This thing called the "internet" has been around since 1993 and "e-commerce" followed soon after. Heck, I just checked my account and I've been an Amazon customer since 1999. This watch forum and others, and all the other watch blogs are online. Who still...
Armani Haute Couture....Emporio Armani....Armani Exchange.
Same maison, very...VERY...V E R Y..different demographic targets
Not a good thing, in my opinion. For a simple reason: A watch remains a luxury purchase.
The human feeling is important in the luxury world. Panerai, and all watch brands, should definitely take care of that. Best, Nicolas
I understand your point of view but....
times change, my friend. For the new. forward-looking-live-in-the-present-time clientele, the boutique "touch", is completely anachronistic. As Reintitan wrote, nowadays all sorts of luxury items are easily available "on line".
Well, I ordered it today...
Had to call their USA office as noted to do so. Lovely salesperson who took my order and was able to answer all questions. She indicated they were close to all being sold today. Delivery middle of July....not bad. Dave
Big Congrats, Dave. 100 pieces LE is very old school for Panerai.
And a 30 day return policy? You can't go wrong. As I posted above, the watch itself looks very attractive. Maybe only better in titanium, but a steel PAM at 44mm is never wrong. About buying without seeing, I have bought most of my watches like that, so r...
Well, the watch itself looks very cool to me.
I would definitely wear it. As for the sales practice, not sure I like that end of it.
This trend is inevitable
In all businesses. However, for the high end of the market in any business I don't see online purchases thriving unless it's a commodity. A small percentage of sales agreed. First, people believe and trust in people. Secondly, the high end market doesn't ...
I had similar concerns...
I asked Panerai questions around some of these concerns when I ordered this piece since sight unseen. They have a 30 day return policy on the online order and of course the same warranty and service period/outlets. The order confirmation repeated this in ...
Please do share your experience
when it arrives and how you enjoy the watch. I suppose service variation, if any, will be learned over time. This was probably a smart watch and price point for Panerai to test the water. Kindest regards,
I agree
... i would never buy a watch without seeing it 'live' and actually waering it to feel, see, experience before buying it. The trend is indeed inevitable but for some things ... brick n mortar works. I can't imagine the process or issues if the watch gets ...
Panerai 731
Nice post I bought one yesterday Over the one as I don't live in the US and this is a US addition only. I arranged to pick it up at the boutique in NY so will have the salon experience also. Iqbal
Just another sales channel, if done right
A lot of the commenters in this thread seem to be treating this like a foray into purely online sales. I don't see that at all. This is just another sales channel for watch companies, one that offers solid benefits for the sellers, if not the buyers. If d...
I am thinking you are right John...
Or at least I have ordered the piece hoping this is the case. The phone ordering process was easy, polite and informed. I asked quite a few questions which gave me piece of mind. The Panerai network of AD's and Boutiques is still as accessible for service...
Congrats in advance on getting this piece!
I can understand how dealers would be concerned, though I view the offer as akin to a boutique-only LE, which have become increasingly common in recent years. But yet another sales channel that circumvents the non-boutique AD channels would concern me if ...