Author Topic: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.  (Read 10742 times)

Offline m.z

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Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« on: February 05, 2012, 01:02:11 PM »
The other day during CNY shopping in Pavillion, I came across this Xxxxx selling some unique looking non-swiss watches, open concept watch shop same floor with Quicksilver and Chatime Bubble tea store. Browsing through the store i came across this brand name Anonimo which i have read as where before, they are by the group of watchmaker who used to produce the old tough Panerai worn by Italian Navy worn in the movies who brought fame towards Panerai.

Anyone of you heard of it or have an opinion about it?
« Last Edit: February 05, 2012, 03:59:10 PM by ck77 »

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2012, 09:54:36 PM »
Good watch, big bold Italian design... With Swiss heart
But they r not pam...
Lovely kodiak water resistant leather strap

Offline jefnando

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2012, 06:06:12 AM »
 I find their watches unique but too expensive. They have very special stiff leather strap that can withstand 24h in salt water. Their name means no name, they took over panerai plant to produce watch abs chose that name so that people wouldn't associate them with panerai.

Otherwise, they make good watches with good reviews
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Offline Ted baker

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2012, 12:44:57 PM »
Heard of this brand before, the design just like panerai...and according to some source the designer was panerai designer, I'm a fan of panerai...yes agree, is too expensive for the brand.

But like a few design of anonimo, bronze model and few from militaire design.
Some people like this brand....cheers ;D

Offline joskovic

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2012, 12:57:13 PM »
nvr heard of the brand b4. but they look great! any idea whats the price range like?

Offline Ryen

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2012, 12:44:23 AM »
I was visited their AD.
I think Anonimo is not the Origins of Panerai.
It is just the same designer and it's Panerai younger brother.
Panerai since 1860
Anonimo since 1997

RM7k+ is the cheapest 1...means the basic 3 hands with daydate.
Price might up to RM20k.

Offline joskovic

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2012, 08:18:08 AM »
RM7k+ is the cheapest 1...means the basic 3 hands with daydate.
Price might up to RM20k.

wow... dats one expensive watch  :o

Offline m.z

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #7 on: February 19, 2012, 12:32:45 PM »
Thanks for all the feedback bros. However, I further my research through it, in fact they are actually by the original watch case maker, the Ambuchi Family, for the old Panerai used to be manufactured in Florence, Italy from year 1860 til 1990. Mid 1990's Panerai was took over by Vendôme Luxury Group by Richmont. Everything was brought to swiss leaving a hand full of staffs including the Ambuchi Family and all the assets that were used to made the Panerai in the Florence factory. Later the few years, the staffs regrouped and form Anonimo(Anonymous in English) , named this way. One of the reason is just like bro Jefnando said, to not wanting people to associate them with Panerai. So in a way, they are related to Panerai, and now, even more since the ex CEO of Panerai, Dino Zei from 1973 til approximately 1997-1999 is providing support for Anonimo.

Entry range is 7k+ automatic movement, if it goes higher then its depending on the finishing, normal SS shiny/brush finishing, Drass finishing or Alloy bronze finishing. From the price in that shop their Alloy Bronze priced approximately 15k with the basic complication.

Speaking of Alloy Bronze, Anonimo took the lead over Panerai using Alloy Bronze grade UNI5275, started 2006, while Panerai just started recent years and still having some problem around people complaining about green stains, probably moss or something on the Bronze case and it will cost you more than 50k for a piece of it.

Not trying to be bias, but i kind of fall for it after doing a few research about this Italian wonder. Above are a little bit of info which i found out from the research. Currently eyeing on the Dino Zei line, San Marco at the price of 27k after discounted :D. It is pricey but for the complication, Drass finishing, Auto Sorpod base ETA movement, hour, minute, second, with 24hours GMT indicator, 6 days count down function and also a power reserve. Water resist up to 20 ATM. I think its quite reasonable for such a price.  8)

 :Cheers:
« Last Edit: February 19, 2012, 03:01:10 PM by m.z »

Offline jacky8888

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2012, 07:04:12 PM »
Dino zei is a good choice,......
I heard somewhere Tom Cruise is wearing one.....
But too pricey if u ask me....
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Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2012, 07:10:29 PM »
Dino zei is a good choice,......
I heard somewhere Tom Cruise is wearing one.....
But too pricey if u ask me....

I understand the very model is available in Malaysia, but don't know which outlet.

Offline Ryen

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2012, 04:01:02 PM »
The watches are now in 1U, there is an AD going with it...but there are very limited pieces...
May order from the AD by 30% down payment and the process is about 1-2 months shipping from Italy and all the documentary.

Offline patryn33

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2012, 05:38:41 PM »
m.z finally got to the bottom is Anonimo history.
their resale value is weak, get from grey and expect over 50% off.

Offline m.z

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2012, 10:29:05 AM »
m.z finally got to the bottom is Anonimo history.
their resale value is weak, get from grey and expect over 50% off.

50% OFF?  :o WHERE? would love to check it out!

Offline m.z

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2012, 10:43:39 AM »
Anyway, is understandable that the resale value is weak. But i'm sure all brands started from 0. This brand is still young, and i can see that there's some potential within this brand. They may be lack of publicity but that doesn't mean that the watch ain't good. Someday, we'll see them rise.

However, its not too pricey for the complications set in it ;). A basic Pam is about this price. If you are to compare without its fame, which will you go for?

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2012, 12:23:21 PM »
My another Italian design watch on the wrist today


Offline terrenceterrence

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2012, 01:43:13 PM »
had experience handling Anonimos when Cortina had it sale.

not impressed with the price point in terms of what they are offering. finishing looks ordinary and crude from the display caseback. I would always say.. nobody finishes a ETA like Omega for the same price bracket.

Looks like they just slap the movement into the case the moment it comes out from the truck. dial finishing is quite ordinary. for the price point, a Sinn or Damasko offers a better value and not to mention cost less too.
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Offline JPSP

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2012, 07:46:52 PM »
Anyway, is understandable that the resale value is weak. But i'm sure all brands started from 0. This brand is still young, and i can see that there's some potential within this brand. They may be lack of publicity but that doesn't mean that the watch ain't good. Someday, we'll see them rise.

However, its not too pricey for the complications set in it ;). A basic Pam is about this price. If you are to compare without its fame, which will you go for?

Owned anonimo briefly 2-4 years ago then took a big hit when I sold it. Purely my own view, it's not worth paying for this brand. Can't remember the heritage but I recall same Pam designer/team and manufactured in florence. while some people associate it with Pam (maybe also because of the cushion shaped case) and think it may have potential, I honestly think brand won't last long. There was a hype when the brand was first introduced then it just went quiet.  I'm not sure why Pam is so successful (maybe because they're owned by a rich company with enough marketing dollars to firepower its status and now they're capable to produce inhouse movements) but other brands with Italian heritage had either wound up (ECW being 1) or struggling (U-boat and Anonimo). we don't see any more innovation, technical breakthrough or even interesting designs from these brands since their introduction anymore. Also, the after sales service sux making it frustrating to own the watch for the price point one pays for.

Maybe as a tool watch but if one hopes that it may be like Pam in years to come....I highly doubt so.

Don't flame me yeah?!
« Last Edit: February 22, 2012, 07:58:18 PM by JPSP »

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Italian watches and the Origins of Panerai.
« Reply #17 on: February 23, 2012, 10:26:12 AM »
Pam is most successful
Aninimo have their fans

I love Italian designed watches... Do not expect on technology break through from them
Love the big raw bold rugged style
N best is, u can always change strap n they look good

So anonimo n ennebi.... No need to trace their root...
It's all about u like the design?