Is Panerai the new Rolex?

[gen]

Undoubtedly, both watches are marketing sucesses, and the public just can't get enough of both brands (gen's or rep's).

Here's an interesting article about these 2:

hXXp://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/10/ ... php?page=1

I especially like this quote straight from the horse's mouth:

"We produce enough to satisfy between 50 and 60 percent of the market," Bonati says. "If you continue to feed the stomach, it will refuse."

Knowing this, we still can't seem to resist the allure. Ahhh...... the heart is truly stronger than the brain.

 

[Sylar]

Nice article. Well see how Paneria meets their deadline to make all of their own movements in 3 years.

 

[babola]

Doubt it... 8)

 

[takashi]

I would really doubt so...

 

[thehorse]

It will take a much longer time before Panerai comes close to Rolex...

 

[Novesh]

@thehorse, your right about that.

Mainly because of the size, people do not like it, they are still thinking "traditional" and all that jazz.

Overall though, I somehow doubt Panerai will be as popular.

 

[gen]

Just another observation:

PAM's may not be as WIDELY popluar now as Rolex's are, but for sure, their retail prices are fast catching up and may soon be overtaking Rolex prices.

Some comparisons for you to consider:

16610 SS Submariner with Date 5,175.00
14060M SS Submariner No Date USD 4,525.00
114270 SS Explorer USD 4,250.00

PAM 104 USD 4,900.00
PAM 111 USD 4,400.00
PAM 005 USD 3,650.00

Remember, Rolex retail prices can be discounted (up to 15% if you're lucky), while PAM's are NEVER discounted. Go figure. :shock:

 

[JOEJOEJOE]

Panerai watches are produced in much limited quantities though...

My theory is... anyone with money can buy Rolex (modern models), but majority of people with money haven't even heard of the name - Panerai...

** I am not dissing Rolex, as I own some myself (with Chrome Hearts bands though) and like them a lot ^^ **

I really like PAM due to the fact that most don't recognize it... if everyone can afford and wear it, I think it'll be a bit less attractive ... to me anyway.

Joe

 

[thacrownprince]

I agree. I personally like Panerai because the watches are less mainstream. Unless you drive a car worth over 30k, if you have a Rolex everyone is going to assume it is replica. Not many people would really assume a Panerai is a replica because it is less mainstream.

 

[hooligan]

Panerai watches are produced in much limited quantities though...

My theory is... anyone with money can buy Rolex (modern models), but majority of people with money haven't even heard of the name - Panerai...

** I am not dissing Rolex, as I own some myself (with Chrome Hearts bands though) and like them a lot ^^ **

I really like PAM due to the fact that most don't recognize it... if everyone can afford and wear it, I think it'll be a bit less attractive ... to me anyway.

Joe

That's starting to change as Panerai gains popularity, though, Joe. Watches that were made in batches of 500 a few years ago are now being produced in runs of 1000 or 2000. The name of the game for both Rolex and Panerai is to produce at a level that is *just* under the level of demand. That way they keep supply/demand tipped in their favor, while maximizing profit at the same time.

Believe me, if Panerai keeps gaining popularity, they size of the production runs will keep growing...

Rolex is THE MOST recognized luxury watch brand and is an almost an icon of "the good life". Panerai has a long, long way to go before it approaches the level of success of Rolex. Heck, Panerai was an unknown to the vast majority of people everywhere (including Italy) until the early 90s. The prices were much more mid-tier at that time, too. Panerai is the new kid on the luxury timepiece block for sure. Time will tell if they have the lasting power of the others...

tcp -- no one will assume your PAM is a rep becuase no one knows what Panerai is! :wink: Might as well say Timex on the dial for 99% of the people out there.

 

[jdavis]

Rolex has years more experience and success in the marketing end than all others. As stated by others, it is the world standard in luxry time pieces to the majority of the population. There have been many challenger to the throne but few have made the impression of Panerai . Panerai is a new player in the field and gained favor as the result of their adoption by the Hollywood types in the past decade or so. It has become the anti-Rolex watch for those "in-the-know" that can afford such. The simplicity of the Panerai design is it's appeal because it says quality and style without being garish or "bling". If Panerai's marketing is able to keep this image alive and remain somewhat exclusive, it will survive and prosper.
Olthewise, it will become another fad that will find itself one among many luxury brands. Oddly, Rolex appears to have strayed from it's proven path of success with it's new designs. The traditional designs of the Rolex models are timeless and classic just as the Panerai lines are.
Recently, I was with a group of men who were admiring a Rolex YM worn by one of them. I was wearing a Pam and one man turned to me and said that he could buy ten or twenty cheaper watches like he and I were wearing and still have money left rather than buy the Rolex :lol: . The guy didn't have a clue as to what a Panerai is. This is not an uncommon reaction which many Pam owners relish. However, it is gratifying to be acknowledged by the fellowship of other owners.

 

[Hambone]

The allure of the Panerai watch is unlike any other in recent history. There is a combination of artful design, simplicity , and elegance, not to mention the precision quality movements that have grabbed the watch buying public. It seems unlikely that this will change, and that the demand will grow many fold. It will take time to catch up to the status of Rolex, but I think that in the world of luxury watches, Panerai has made a name for itself in a relatively short time frame that allows it to stand along side Rolex and the other recognized luxury watch brands.