IWC, Panerai?

[Chris Stott]

I've got a Rolex DJ that I haven't worn for at least 10 years. I got a quote off Watchfinder, and have been considering px'ing it (plus putting another £1k or so in) against an IWC Pilots or a Panerai Luminor... so around £3.5-4k (could go higher if there's more value).

Any feedback/thoughts

Currently have a Daytona, which will stay... just fancy something to rotate it with.

[sidicks]

Chris Stott said:

I've got a Rolex DJ that I haven't worn for at least 10 years. I got a quote off Watchfinder, and have been considering px'ing it (plus putting another £1k or so in) against an IWC Pilots or a Panerai Luminor... so around £3.5-4k (could go higher if there's more value).

Any feedback/thoughts

Currently have a Daytona, which will stay... just fancy something to rotate it with.

For me personally it would be almost any IWC over a Panerai, but I know they have a strong reputation and are very popular.
As an alternative what about the Longiness Master Collection?

[dimots]

Presuming you want something with a modicum of cachet I would go for the Panerai because IWC seems to have become a bit of a mall brand recently.

[h0b0]

dimots said:

Presuming you want something with a modicum of cachet I would go for the Panerai because IWC seems to have become a bit of a mall brand recently.

I would suggest the opposite to this. Perhaps Dim couldn’t find an IWC dealer that takes bitcoin

One observation, my local mall has a Omega and Carier boutiques. There’s also a Swatch owned store with all their higher end brands including Omega. Rolex are represented in an authorized dealer with the most selection I’ve seen. Breitling and Bell and Ross are at a small place with permanent sale signs out.

IWC and Panerai are not there.

P.s. when faced with the same choice I went for IWC but that was based on the perception of my customers. I wanted a daily and a Panerai create a poor response from my clients.

[dimots]

Well to each their own. I have nothing against IWC in general, I have one in the dash of my Mercedes and it's fine, but I find that they are becoming more mainstream each year. IWC no longer has much to distinguish it from the competition. I appreciate the OP is talking about the Pilot model which stands out in the IWC range, but it is still very similar to any other pilot's watch.

Panerai in contrast, have only asserted their iconoclastic approach and built a strong identity for themselves with unwavering commitment to their own style and doing their own thing. I wouldn't choose a Panerai for myself, but I like what they do.

Assuming you like both, I would go for Panerai because they are cutting their own path and producing luxury watches with more passion and individuality than IWC.

Opinions may vary

[Ed T]

IWC for me. Much prefer the watches and the brand.

[jshell]

I like some IWC and gear Gawd I've tried to like Panerai, but I can't. Swithered over a ceramic PAM 508 recently and took the wife to see it - flat NO!

[Chris Stott]

Hmmmm, didn't realise the brands themselves were as polarising as they seem to be! Obviously as I asked the question I personally like both styles... but the relatively restrained ones.

These are the ones I'm considering (Pam will require a bit more of a cash top up)...

PAM351


IWC 377701

[dimots]

Both classic. Try them on and make your choice!

[fistenburger]

I'm on my 2nd Panerai Luminor now, so i'll obviously say that they're great.
I had a PAM00088 GMT from new and then p-x'd it for a nearly new 312 from Swiss Watch Company about 3 years ago.

They are BIG watches though, so i'm also looking at something I can wear for more formal occasions given that the Panerai is my daily watch. As it happens I really like the IWC Portuguese and think they look very classy.

So - thumbs up for both !

[MOBB]

I wanted either a Panerai Luminor or a IWC Portuguese

Tried both on and chose the Panerai but it was very close indeed, both are very nice watches

[Zigster]

I've got a PAM 352 (like the PAM 351 but with a titanium bracelet rather than a leather strap) so I'm obviously biased in favour of that.

I did actually start looking at IWC as I'd wanted one since I was a teenager, but was drawn to the Panerai because they are so much more distinctive, whereas the IWC are fairly regular looking watches. That's not necessarily a bad thing and I do still quite fancy an IWC for when the Panerai is too much of a statement. At the moment I have a few other watches I wear when the PAM is too much (a Baume and Mercier, a RWC 1938a, a JDM Seiko, plus a few others) so will have to wait until my next "big" birthday to treat myself.

So I would say go for the Panerai.

[VH02 AML]

I have both a Panerai Luminor 111 and IWC Pilot Chrono 3717. I have to say that over the last 5 years the PAM has had far more wrist time.

It feels very special (even though it doesn’t have the in house movement and sometimes snubbed by the officianados), but also wears a bit more casual (depending on strap). I have it on a nicely aging JV strap and it looks fantastic.

I use the IWC for more formal occasions, but wish I had bought it with the bracelet rather than the thin leather strap which it came with.

Of both, it is the IWC that I am thinking of selling to fund a new purchase. I would put this down to lack of use and a perception of the IWC becoming more common/high street.

Go and try them both and then let us know your thoughts. It will be interesting to hear your feedback.

[andy tims]

For me, IWC lost their way design wise a few years ago and Paneria have a little bit of an image problem, but they do seem to hold their value pretty well if you buy pre-owned.

[gred]

My 312 is a real favourite, don't wear it as often as I'd like, mainly because my wife likes to have a raspberry coloured strap (courtesy of Toshi) on it and wears it herself and forgets to change it back to the black or brown croc.

[Nick928]

I’d argue that Breitling, Rolex and Omega are becoming far more shopping mall brands than the IWC or Pan.
Been looking for an IWC (Portuguese) recently and none of the usual mall suspects, even the AD, keep them for window stock. Breitling, Rolex and Omega on the other hand are in every window.

[dimots]

Nick928 said:

I’d argue that Breitling, Rolex and Omega are becoming far more shopping mall brands than the IWC or Pan.
Been looking for an IWC (Portuguese) recently and none of the usual mall suspects, even the AD, keep them for window stock. Breitling, Rolex and Omega on the other hand are in every window.

Where are you? Watches of Switzerland near me had loads of IWC ready to sell there and then (including Portuguesier) but no interesting Rolex or Panerai in stock. Just one example I can think of recently.

[sidicks]

Nick928 said:

I’d argue that Breitling, Rolex and Omega are becoming far more shopping mall brands than the IWC or Pan.
Been looking for an IWC (Portuguese) recently and none of the usual mall suspects, even the AD, keep them for window stock. Breitling, Rolex and Omega on the other hand are in every window.

If you want an IWC, just contact Dom H @ Hackett Watches.

[Nick928]

dimots said:

Nick928 said:

I’d argue that Breitling, Rolex and Omega are becoming far more shopping mall brands than the IWC or Pan.
Been looking for an IWC (Portuguese) recently and none of the usual mall suspects, even the AD, keep them for window stock. Breitling, Rolex and Omega on the other hand are in every window.

Where are you? Watches of Switzerland near me had loads of IWC ready to sell there and then (including Portuguesier) but no interesting Rolex or Panerai in stock. Just one example I can think of recently.

Bristol, anyone suggest somewhere local.
Thanks for the suggestion of Hackett.

[richardsheen]

I just bought a Panerai Carbotech submersible 1950. PAM 616.

Panerai had a definite identity, history and are experimenting with different materials to produce some interesting products. Always a variation on a theme but a theme with heritage.