The Breitling Watch Source Forums

This sounds like a rah-rah session for Panerai... and what's with the Breitling bashing? Eta movement found in lower end watches? Navitimer dials are too busy? Why don't you start up PaneraiSource.com.

The crown protector is an excellent design? Are you kidding me? Historic?- yes. Excellent? Not even close. In my opinion it's quite hideous looking.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Please tell me you forgot the smilie there..



I'd say it was. Every water resistance problem we ever see on here is to do with the crown being operated/knocked whilst underwater, generally by accident. This removes that problem. And you can't argue with the quality of the craftmanship or the high calibre of the movements.

I'd take a 089 but thats about it for me, just something about that one watch for me. I think they're just a shade too pricey though, as soon as I start seriously looking at one, I always find something I prefer in the same price bracket. But then they do hold their value well.

_________________
Men are from Mars, women are from Hell.

Well, the title of the thread is "Panerai? What's the appeal?" so I think that people are just answering that question. As far as bashing Breitling, I don't think anyone is doing that, people here obviously like Breitlings, but are just voicing their opinions about what they like and don't like about both brands.
As far as my comment about the Navitimer dials, that's just my opinion, just like it's your opinion that the crown protector is hideous looking. Have a nice day.

_________________
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

That to me is a huge appeal to the brand. Perhaps it's because of the relatively young history of modern Panerai (brand was pretty much unknown, until of all people, Sylvester Stallone, provided the critical "catalyst" of a significant interest that re-launched Panerai), or because of the limited numbers of Pams sold each year (very clever marketing) -- I don't know the why, but the end result is that there is a tight-knit "brotherhood" feel to the group of Pam owners that's hard to describe.

For example, whereas GTG is rare in Breitling world, it is a norm in Panerai world. Everything from 5 guys who are already friends who happened to all own Pams, to city-specific GTG (I just attended my first GTG in Jakarta), all the way to once-a-year all-out GTG Main Event that brings Pam owners from all over the world. And remember, these are busy, successful individuals who could be bothered to take time off and spend serious money to fly in, book hotels, etc., all for an informal gathering celebrating their love for a watch!

The risti forum has as many OT (Off-Topic) posts than those about Panerai watches. Happy Birthday threads occur weekly. People are genuinely interested in each others' lives in a positive way -- as a norm, rather than the exception. Strangers regularly help other strangers, with the only common denominator being that they are a "risti" -- even across the globe. If you live in Spain and need to buy a magazine that's only available in HK, all you have to do is post "Can a HK Risti help?". A guy lost his wallet while travelling in a strange city, the local Risti loaned him money, etc with nothing more than a handshake. One guy posted how happy he was having sold his last Pam because doing so allowed him to pay for his daughter's education -- next day a stranger asked him to meet at a local Starbucks with a Pam loaner because he felt that "no one should be without a Pam". Didn't ask for a copy of D/L or Social or sign any contract.

Of course it's not all kumbaya all the time (a-holes everywhere), but for the most part, Pam owners seemed to be like-minded, genuine, down-to-earth individuals who like to live with an old-fashioned sense of morals and ethics code (that's prob not politically correct nowadays -- too "patsy"). If you want to get philosophical, it's as if Pam owners feel the need to rebel against the cold, indifferent, suspicious -- "I'm not a victim -- RRAARGGHH!!" attitude of mainstream, modern day, big-city interactions. Instead it seems Ristis chose to celebrate the positive and expect the good out of many, in a civilized, mature manner.

Lastly, the thing that appeals most to me is how this "risti" spirit seemed to transcend nations and racial prejudices -- regardless if you're American, British, Russian, a Jew living in the Holy Land, a Thai risti, a Pinnoy Risti, or Indo Risti (of which I belong to), none of that matters except for the "risti" bit! And truthfully, if this "risti" bit is not your thing, you're probably never gonna "get" Panerai.

Ok, time to get off the soap box (hey, you asked! ), and back to the watch:

Yes, I do agree that many looks the same (another smart marketing maybe?). I'm also the first to tell you history is not important to me (though I enjoy the various "pig"/submarine-themed designs associated with Panerais). But in the wild, I have to say a Pam is one of the most recognizable watch there is. I can spot someone wearing a Pam much faster and from much further away than someone sporting a Breitling or Rolex! And the straps!!! Oh boy, what a fun, fun, fun way to "change it up"! I've owned my one and only Pam less than 2 months, and already have close to 25 straps... . Finally, my first love IS Breitling after all, and maybe that's why for my first Pam I think I might have chosen the most un-Panerai Panerai out there...

_________________
a few Pams...

I assume most of this is directed at my post.

It's not a "rah rah" session for Panerai at all - its just that a lot of people here like them, so those people aren't going to say they don't like them just for some sort of forum solidarity.

As for the ETA thing - well the base movements for all Breitlings except the B01 ARE of ETA/Valjoux manufacture. Just like all Panerai movements except their Manifattura range. And numerous other high-end brands like IWC, Omega etc. Not a criticism at all, just a statement of fact. And another fact is that most lower level brands use exactly the same movements albeit in a less modified form. The point I was making was that while you think spending 8k on a Panerai is a waste of money, plenty of other people may feel the same about buying a watch with an ETA based movement.....that's all. Hope that clarifies my point.

And with regards to whether the crown protector on Panerais is an excellent design or not, well you're completely entitled to your opinion. As we all are.

PS - Admin already has PaneraiSource up and running.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Wow I better get myself a Panerai so I can join the cult... I mean club. Sounds like Panerai watches bring the world together, lets all hold hands and sing. KUMBAYA my lord KUMBAYA.

Quick question...do Panerai watches cure illnesses also? Because I now have a stomach ache from reading this and I think I may have to vomit....maybe a Pam could help....or a fellow Pam lover who happens to be a doc can help.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Oh stop being so childish, some one likes something you don't, get over it

_________________
Certified watch nut.

Nothing to get over... I just think the love fest is hysterical, it's actually very entertaining. The world's problems could be solved if everyone had a Panerai. Would love to hear more stories...especially the one about the Pam owner who fell overboard on a cruise ship and all the other "risti's" jumped in to save him. They're a courageous group those Pam owners; the stories are heart warming.

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I hesitate to post further as mfserge has already demonstrated how much he enjoys attacking my position on anything, but.......

This is (generally) a forum of watch lovers, not exclusively Breitling lovers, so it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that there is widespread appreciation for Panerai - they are fine watches. Their look, as has been noted, can be polarising, but so what.

In terms of the community, well clearly some people see that as part of the watch owning experience - what's wrong with that? If that's how people choose to spend their time, and they get a sense of camaraderie out of it then it's not up to me, or anyone else to pass judgment.

I think that a little more respect for people with differing views is appropriate, some of these opinions are starting to sound bigoted.

It's getting petulant and emabarassing if you ask me. I'm not a Pam fan, but that doesn't make my opinion mean sh*t to anyone but me.

I can't tolerate the Yankees. I don't find it necessary to make fun of their fans. (OK, occasionally but only in private. )

_________________
SHARKMAN

OK this thread's taken a turn for the childish now. I thought for a minute we were all generally mature adults here - my mistake.

Never mind, I guess I've learnt who not to bother entering into conversation with in future.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Roff - at last we agree on something. Neither of us would like to own a Panerai and the snobbish element to pam owners....you just happened to put it more politely.

As for attacking their fans... I'm mearly commenting on how silly some of the statements are about their so called "tightly knit fan community" and how Panerai owners transcend racial prejudices.

I think there is a major difference between attacking someone and laughing about the sillyness. The way I view it is that some Panerai owners think their **** doesn't stink and they view themselves on a higher level by saying that they have a sense of morals and ethic code. WHAT is that all about?? This has turned into a bashing of Panerai owners and thats not fair; we all have different likes and dislikes...but at the beginning of the day we all put our pants on one leg at a time. I dislike the watch but now I'm starting to dislike the attitude of their owners. I'm sure they can't all share this same pompous attitude.....or do they?

_________________
"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

I'm not a massive fan of Panerai but take a look at the first image in the following thread!

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... CB8Q9QEwAA

IMO that is great example of how something so simple can yet be so beautifull. A stunning looking watch and maybe someday I may be lucky enough to have one.

ps I can't understand how this thread has gone so downhill I thought the OP asked a very straightforward and simple question. Questions like this for me keep the forum talking and generate different ideas to talk about!!

Have a goodnight, cheers

_________________

Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

Indeed.

_________________
SHARKMAN

Welp, mfserge, all I can say is your abrasive personality is as mainstream as it gets, and kindda exactly underscore my point on how it's so uncool to try to be generally nice nowadays. 'Cause then either you're a patsy, or you're a pompous hollier-than-thou do-gooder, am I right?

Hey, at least I did started by saying it's hard to explain. I'm a brand new owner, and those are just my opinions. But I went and became an owner EXACTLY after reading those good samaritans Risti stories. It touches me just like Oprah brought tears to my eyes when she gave everyone in the audience a car. Maybe many will only focus on the fact that she did it on national TV just to boost her ratings, but to me that does not detract from the good she did to all those people in her audience. Hard to see where the harm and crime was in wanting to do good?

As far as racial prejudice goes, I'm guessing you've never experienced it? I'm Indonesian and on most eBay auctions you will read "Will ship to everywhere except Indonesia and Africa". When I was looking for a second Ling, I contacted a B-1 seller at TZ and we came close to a price. Once I told him I'm from Indonesia, the watch was suddenly "already sold". So, yes, to me it was important to belong to a group that transcends racial prejudices regardless how silly it seemed to others.

At the end though mfserge, we are all in Breitlingsource ONLY because we like Breitlings. Which means that other than , no one cares! So do carry on with your rage against my pompous ass, the stupid Panerai crown guard, Pams in general and all other Panerai owners -- it certainly is entertaining!

_________________
a few Pams...