Rolex

Journe1304
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Ooooo that’s loaded!

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I’m very biased toward the 111. Aside from the sentimental value of my specific one, my personal taste is more suited for the 111. Rolex is Rolex, and I feel their reputation is richly deserved. Panerai is Panerai, and I feel that their reputation is perhaps undeserved. Watch snobs like to dog Panerai because of the former use of ETA movements (and resulting lack of value when price is factored), association with Stallone and other ‘unrefined’ ambassadors, obnoxiously large case size, ownership by Richemont, etc.

Even though I don’t think any of the above is a legitimate reason to hate an entire brand, I can understand why it doesn’t suit some people’s taste. I just happen to not really care about any of the above. ETA makes a solid movement. I don’t dislike Panerai for Stallone any more than I like Rolex because of Federer; brand ambassadors have a legitimate place in marketing, but it’s not enough to drive/squash a purchase for me. The case size fits my wrist and overall look just fine; I can say without ego that I think most people would look at me and think the 111 suits me well when I’m dressed casually or dressed like a scrub while taking care of my baby son. The ownership by Richemont doesn’t bother me because I didn’t buy the 111 for a unique work of art; I have an FP Journe to fill that purpose. I bought the 111 to be a middle-of-the-road bulletproof beater, and if anything the ‘corporate/conglomerate’ thing helps with that effort because there are ADs everywhere and there’s a service center in the U.S.

So for me, I think the Explorer II is the more finely made, sophisticatedly marketed, unique watch. But I just like the 111 more, period. I think that’s how all watch purchases should be made. What are your thoughts?