Dilema! Panerai vs Rolex

[Skydrag]

Both are great watches, but if for me, I will go for rolex then Pam , just my 2cents.
Rolex is like a watch icon, world recognize , collectible and high resale value

[Bert Lee]

I never even look at Rolex.. Straight went for panerai. Never have looked back since then. After hvng Panerai, I always walked past Rolex.

[Timeless]

Congrats for the sub, I can sense that the Pam's bug is growing in your mind tremendously.. 

[farhanbh100]

something i learn while posted in Instanbul,

better regret buying than regret not buying...

nyehehehe....

[ckoh]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.   

[swleong]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

really?

[contender]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

 


http://www.askmen.com/fashion/mens-watches_500/586_best-watch-brands-watch-snob.html

Comments from the article

"Then there are watches that only the uneducated and simpleminded believe to be luxury watches. This distinction goes to Hublot and Panerai, of course. Anyone who buys these watches is a fool, and both companies will shut their doors before I turn 40 — you can count on that. "

"Then there is the mighty Rolex. Would I put Rolex up with Patek or A Lange & Sohne? Not for a second. But, do I consider it a very important step above IWC, Zenith and even Vacheron? Most certainly. The reason is this: People care about Rolex; nobody really cares about those other brands."

" but in 20 years, your Rolex will be worth something — and everything else will be scrap metal."

[grifterfmj]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

you must be joking right? actually both brands have a little intertwined history, love them both

[kygan711]

Panerai- For people who likes simplicity and uncluttered designs.
Rolex- For people who wants instant recognition and maybe proven reliability.... heritage.....etc

So long the world have got more of this people both watches will be sought after.
In modern societies and developed nations, more people will be more appreciate of art and design will mean bigger growth of people who look for simplicity and good design. So Panerai won't die.

For me, after a few watches I finally discovered I like simple and uncluttered designs. So panerai all the way and no other watch brand more mainly due to design concept instead of brand related criteria. if there was other watchs with this same design concept i may consider them too and there are some in the market now. Well that me so everyone is different and thats what makes the world interesting.

[Everdying]

Panerai- For people who likes simplicity and uncluttered designs.
Rolex- For people who wants instant recognition and maybe proven reliability.... heritage.....etc

simplicity and uncluttered design?
rolex explorer I

[contender]

Hi Watch Snob,

Can you list your ratings for high-end watch brands from best to worst? I'm guessing Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Sohne would be best, but I’m curious about the rest of the list and where you would rank Rolex.

Thanks,
Robert

This is a loaded question and one that deserves a lengthy answer. I cannot — and will not — give you a shortsighted, quick response, because I know it will be taken out of context, which will just mean more plebeian, misinformed, angry, and borderline racist e-mails from you (I’m looking at you, Panerai guy).

The “best” is a relative term. Patek Philippe is the best mainstream watch company in terms of lasting value, history and tradition. A. Lange & Sohne is the best newer watch company in the same vein as Patek, that isn’t Patek. Armin Strom ain’t bad either.

Thomas Prescher and Greubel Forsey are the best makers of tourbillons in the world. Urwerk and MB&F are the best makers of mechanical art. FP Journe and Philippe Dufour are the best “Masters of the Universe” timepieces that won’t get you knifed because no one knows what they are, or that they cost more than a Tribeca loft.

There are plenty of brands that most people consider “high-end” that, while I respect, simply aren’t superlative in any way: IWC, Vacheron, Piaget, and Zenith all make nice watches, but they are meaningless.

Then there are watches that only the uneducated and simpleminded believe to be luxury watches. This distinction goes to Hublot and Panerai, of course. Anyone who buys these watches is a fool, and both companies will shut their doors before I turn 40 — you can count on that.

Then there is the mighty Rolex. Would I put Rolex up with Patek or A Lange & Sohne? Not for a second. But, do I consider it a very important step above IWC, Zenith and even Vacheron? Most certainly. The reason is this: People care about Rolex; nobody really cares about those other brands. There are dedicated forums to Rolex, get-togethers, books, you name it. When was the last time you saw a Vacheron event or a book about IWC that people actually bought? Sure, their movement may be in slightly better shape than your average Rolex (debatable, surely), but in 20 years, your Rolex will be worth something — and everything else will be scrap metal.

[somdej]

Watch Snob's article that you quoted, i think its been around 3-4 years. i am not sure how old is he now but i think he will reaches 40 soon and Panerai and hublot have no sign of shutting door, on the contra, i saw more people are wearing it proubly.

but of cos, watch loving is always biases.

[kygan711]

Like what some say the market is big enough for everyone. And every brand have their niche and speciality.
So long their feature and branding have got a following they won't go down.

Brands and companies are synonymous if they fail to innovate and remain relevant they will die. So this is a sure tell tale sign to give you an indication if the brand will die.

I dont think Panerai will die because i can see many signs of them growing in strength from their new innovative materials used for their watches, very strong niche with their simple design which is not matched by any other brand closely, the crazy strap changing culture embedded and the GTG which are extended worldwide. Some of this are priceless and cannot be copied overnight and not to mention takes a long time to build.

[chrisyen]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

Panerai has history, the brand like to tell story.... But the few hundred pieces ever made
Can nvr match rolex that millions over millions..... But rolex is a brand that tell nothing!
They always the most mystery brand in Basel all the yrs.
despite receipt from Rolex to panerai being found, rolex never admit they made military watches.

Not sure they keep the tradition, no disclosure of military stuff... Or they do not want to associate themselves with the loosing side.

Panerai certainly marketed their product brilliantly... They made a lot now, they sell well. Belief me, it's available, only matter of price! Demand is high, retailer turn over is super fast!

Panerai certainly the most successful watch brand in recent yrs...

[ssss]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

Panerai has history, the brand like to tell story....

Including the infamous PAM318

[tonykpk]

Many brand just come and go but Lolek is here to stay for good whether you like it or not.

[kygan711]

just using my experience when I wanted to buy my first panerai, it was like buying a house in Bandar utama. So many buyers queing to see

[kygan711]

Relating back to my recent experience when buying a Panerai watch, hot models are snapped up even before it reaches the shop showcase forcing you to buy without seeing or testing the watch once you get the facebook announcements of new watch arrival.

One helluva buying experience.

[gucciposh]

Hi Explorer

Your name is already Explorer a well known icon of Rolex. A close association to Rolex.

Just pull the trigger and regret later or perhaps you will never regret at all.

I have never had a Panerai. My reason I have a small wrist.

 

My reason just as good as yours! 

[CKL1213]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex

facepalm

[watzisname]

I think you should buy a watch that you like and can wear well. I find it abit weird guys with 6" wrist trying to wear a 47mm watch. Go boutiques and try it on your wrist. Take your time and choose

[1to12]

Think soon he'll start another thread on which pam... the poison is strong... and you just gotta scratch the itch!! 

[nasa]

panerai has more story and history to tell then rolex, and also due to  it limitation, u can get any rolex any time u want, but  panerai is not.

Why is it whenever the word Panerai is mentioned it always goes "sideways" no matter how harmless the actual topic seems to be..Wondering where's that "Condor" now..He should be able spice up this conversation to another level!! 

Btw, congratz on yr new purchase though...I can see the poison already smearing through yr brain..

[STeeLPrOpheT]

Rolex to mass, panerai in terms is 'more boutique'. Do take time to research n survey before buying

[Lazarus7247]

Hi Watch Snob,

Can you list your ratings for high-end watch brands from best to worst? I'm guessing Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Sohne would be best, but I’m curious about the rest of the list and where you would rank Rolex.

Thanks,
Robert

This is a loaded question and one that deserves a lengthy answer. I cannot — and will not — give you a shortsighted, quick response, because I know it will be taken out of context, which will just mean more plebeian, misinformed, angry, and borderline racist e-mails from you (I’m looking at you, Panerai guy).

The “best” is a relative term. Patek Philippe is the best mainstream watch company in terms of lasting value, history and tradition. A. Lange & Sohne is the best newer watch company in the same vein as Patek, that isn’t Patek. Armin Strom ain’t bad either.

Thomas Prescher and Greubel Forsey are the best makers of tourbillons in the world. Urwerk and MB&F are the best makers of mechanical art. FP Journe and Philippe Dufour are the best “Masters of the Universe” timepieces that won’t get you knifed because no one knows what they are, or that they cost more than a Tribeca loft.

There are plenty of brands that most people consider “high-end” that, while I respect, simply aren’t superlative in any way: IWC, Vacheron, Piaget, and Zenith all make nice watches, but they are meaningless.

Then there are watches that only the uneducated and simpleminded believe to be luxury watches. This distinction goes to Hublot and Panerai, of course. Anyone who buys these watches is a fool, and both companies will shut their doors before I turn 40 — you can count on that.

Then there is the mighty Rolex. Would I put Rolex up with Patek or A Lange & Sohne? Not for a second. But, do I consider it a very important step above IWC, Zenith and even Vacheron? Most certainly. The reason is this: People care about Rolex; nobody really cares about those other brands. There are dedicated forums to Rolex, get-togethers, books, you name it. When was the last time you saw a Vacheron event or a book about IWC that people actually bought? Sure, their movement may be in slightly better shape than your average Rolex (debatable, surely), but in 20 years, your Rolex will be worth something — and everything else will be scrap metal.

Lol I enjoy reading this article. Sorry Pam fans but my decision will probably be rolex albeit abit boring.