Appeal of Panerai? - Page 5

^ Nice choice :-)

For me Pan's are like Knoll furniture; amazing as exercising and implementing simplicity and function, amazing in a book or on a billboard, but not something I could incorporate into my day to day life.

I once knew an older gent who would describe such "designed" items as "incompatible with wiping my arse". That is, if you couldn't look at it while using the bathroom, then he couldn't own it. (Metaphorically of course, there are many items that simply wouldn't fit in a bathroom. A car or horse for example.)

Thanks!

I really do think people love them or hate them.  At first I didn't see the appeal, but the more you look at them, the more you appreciate a simple yet unique design.  I don't think Panerai is for everyone and I think on some people it can look a little gaudy, but if the watch consumer feels satisfied with his/her purchase, then let them rejoice.  For my initial foray into Panerai, I went "base is ace."  (112)

 

 

I know this is the fashion now, but those giant watches (and I'm aware that there are larger ones) look, to my mind, ridiculous on medium - smaller wrists.

DBln and I are of the same opinion on this matter - right down to the particular watch

Nice piece Goodman!

 

Romafan, I somewhat agree with you.  My wrist is around 7.5 and I don't think I'd go larger than a 44mm.  My brother was an early adopter in the Panerai movement and I didn't understand his infatuation...until I tried one on.  I have four pieces, a new Exp II Polar, a JLC Dualtime, an Omega SMP Chrono and the 112.  I get the most compliments on the 112.  Would I wear it with a suit?  Probably not.  Will I wear it on casual Fridays and throughout the weekend?  Most definitely.  

The 42mm 1940 Radiomirs shown this year are an interesting development, the thinnest PAMs ever... I wonder if the proportions that make the Panerai design so unique will work at a smaller scale? Or do these watches look best at their biggest?

Once again we're of the same mind. I've tried on the 47mm Pams (Luminors and Rads) and I just found them too big. A colleague of mine wears a 38mm Omega and I find that way to small. While the 112 is a big watch - its simplicity tones down the size. It's akin to pairing say a Prince of Wales suit with a solid shirt and simple tie vs a bold gingham shirt and large paisley tie. Worn the first way you look great. Worn the other you look clownish. Having said that, if you've got big arms 47mm might be perfect or, if you think it's cool or just love the California dial, wear a 47mm watch. What do I care.