The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[TheFoo]



Why wouldn't you get a few. You don't need to change them often, but it would be nice to have more than one color. Maybe even a seasonal change.

'Spensive!

I'm interested in the tank models as well, but am a little confused with all the options. Which is the one where the back is gold and the crystal is real, not synthetic? How does everyone feel about the real deal version versus the steel back.

The one I'm thinking of getting has a gold back and a real sapphire cabochon. The less expensive Tank Solo XL appears very similar but does not have those things.

 

[TheFoo]



brown or black on the strap, whichever one your Portuguese doesn't have

The Portuguese is on a burgundy strap.

 

[Betelgeuse]



The Portuguese is on a burgundy strap.

Pics of the Portuguese, Foo!

 

[TheFoo]



Pics of the Portuguese, Foo!

It's in Schauffhausen for a check-up.

 

[TheWraith]

Black or navy strap for the Tank, I think.

 

[Tried and True]

I see that there are some old Speedys lurking around here. Here's mine bought new many moons ago.

 

[Tried and True]



I don't get Panerais at all. Zero appeal to me.

Ditto.

 

[TheWraith]

^ Nice to see there's a few of us here

 

[TheFoo]



Ditto.

For why?

From a purely design-focused perspective, the Panerai design is a Bauhaus triumph. The dial layout is one of the most perfect in all watchdom. The characteristic locking crownguard and large case size are perfectly inline with historical examples and justified by functionality. You cannot say the same about 99% of all other giant watches.

 

[TheWraith]

I can't speak for Tried and True, but it's not a design that appeals to my personal aesthetic.

 

[TheFoo]



I can't speak for Tried and True, but it's not a design that appeals to my personal aesthetic.

Fair enough--it is not exactly a compromising design and therefore will be necessarily divisive.

That said, I do find the common criticisms to be misplaced. Yes, the design happens to be fashionable and trendy. However, unlike most fads, there is real substance and merit to it. The need to serve a function came first, then the design, then many decades later, the fashionability.

 

[cyc wid it]



For why?

From a purely design-focused perspective, the Panerai design is a Bauhaus triumph. The dial layout is one of the most perfect in all watchdom. The characteristic locking crownguard and large case size are perfectly inline with historical examples and justified by functionality. You cannot say the same about 99% of all other giant watches.

Not sure if serious.

 

[mimo]

Foo, I'm sure you will end up with either or both of those, and more, but one piece of advice from an inveterate tyre-kicker: try them on. I've been very surprised by how different Panerais feel on the wrist, and I'm sympathetic to the idea that sometimes a massive watch is more wearable than you might think: the 47mm Radiomir 323 felt very easy to live with - if you like the style. Maybe you'll find the same with this one. Personally I would like a second hand (or subdial), but I agree that this is a quintessence of the original Panerai design: big, minimalist and with the famous crown guard. Although I like the Radiomir more.

But the Cartier especially might be a trickier one than it looks: for example, a friend of mine has a big fat Santos. It feels enormous for me. Yet I played around with a Tank Anglaise the other day in an airport, which is just as tall, but sat so much better with me. Case shapes and case backs are just so different in feel. So yeah, knock yourself out and there's no doubt you will go with your personal style and damn the rest - quite right too. But don't spend thousands on something you've never held in your hand, however good the pics are.

 

[suaviter]

Thanks, my friend! I know we have a little different tastes and that you're not a big fan of what's coming, but I really appreciate your insight and support (enabling) along the way! It's gonna be a looooong 2 weeks! LOL

Hublot?

Congrats TC - stoked to see the new arrival - and the one that Mrs. TC will be getting shortly .... ha.

 

[TheFoo]



Not sure if serious.

Absolutely serious. Are you familiar with Panerai history?

Foo, I'm sure you will end up with either or both of those, and more, but one piece of advice from an inveterate tyre-kicker: try them on.  I've been very surprised by how different Panerais feel on the wrist, and I'm sympathetic to the idea that sometimes a massive watch is more wearable than you might think: the 47mm Radiomir 323 felt very easy to live with - if you like the style.  Maybe you'll find the same with this one.  Personally I would like a second hand (or subdial), but I agree that this is a quintessence of the original Panerai design: big, minimalist and with the famous crown guard.  Although I like the Radiomir more.

But the Cartier especially might be a trickier one than it looks: for example, a friend of mine has a big fat Santos.  It feels enormous for me.  Yet I played around with a Tank Anglaise the other day in an airport, which is just as tall, but sat so much better with me.  Case shapes and case backs are just so different in feel.  So yeah, knock yourself out and there's no doubt you will go with your personal style and damn the rest - quite right too.  But don't spend thousands on something you've never held in your hand, however good the pics are.

This is so reasonable that I am now a little concerned.

All I can say is that I used to wear a Big Pilot, which cannot be much different from the 327, no?