What are thoughts on Panerai watches?

i prefer their sandwiches

quote:

---

because I like the crown guard.

---

$$???

They are large watches both face diameter and lug to lug. I cant wear one because my wrist is too small and the lugs would hang over. Some of their lower priced models are not waterproof, so something to look out for. I wish they made smaller face versions, because they have a really cool history originally building their watches to supply the Italian Navy and divers. The have great detail in them and is something different as far as luxury without being just another Rolex. The everyday person wont recognize it like they will a rolex, but watch people know the brand and it is highly respected.

I like them but not enough to purchase one for myself. I'll stick with Rolex tool watches.

Way too fricking big for my wrist, but they do have some decent looking watches. I’m not a huge fan of the one posted though.

Well obviously they are big and that is probably the first thing a casual observer notices - I have two Panerai references, neither of which are anything special in the Panerai line - one a Luminor Marina Auto (PAM 00164) and one Radiomir (PAM 00183 Black Seal). The 00164 is set apart by the fact that it has a brushed case and polished bezel and is an automatic movement. I also had a 00048 (40 mm Luminor auto) 00111 and 00116 which have both since moved on to other homes, the 116 is a Luminor Base titanium w/ tobacco dial - one of few watches that I've traded or sold that I actually miss. Truth is I rarely wear either one of the two that I have, but don't plan on sending them anywhere. The case diameter of the Radiomir is bigger than the Luminor (45 vs 44 mm) but it is not as thick and the cushion case wears smaller than the blocky Luminor. Were I to buy something new, I would strongly consider the Radiomir 42 mm series. The 40 mm Luminors are typically the least desirable of the Panerai range. I started on Panerai around 2003, and the last one I bought was the Black seal which was around 2007. To me these fit into the category of collection watches and get very little wrist time, but I still think they are great looking pieces.

quote:

---

i prefer their sandwiches

---

Definitely, the sandwich dials are the most appealing to me of the Panerai dials.

They're very easy to fake and they made too many special editions. The brand is in major trouble.