Discussion
Fernando shares his personal philosophy on watch collecting, emphasizing individual preference over brand hype and market trends, particularly in the context of Panerai. His post, written during SIHH, offers a refreshing perspective on finding a watch that truly fits one's wrist and lifestyle, rather than chasing perceived collectability or rarity.
And enjoying a cuppa outdoors in unusually fine and balmy weather (22 degrees Celsius); affording me quality time to digest, reflect and ponder the reactions and comments regarding some of the new pieces.
To be honest, I haven’t for a while been following Panerai too closely and thus have been out of touch with their model line-up and what is considered their desirable and their ‘hard to acquire models’. I can empathize with those that have felt let down or betrayed by the brand when similar looking pieces or LEs are re-issued, albeit in a slightly different format. But for everyone that has moved on when realizing the brand does not owe him/her anything, there are probably quite a few willing to take his/her place as a customer. As a business concern their aim is to generate maximum profits and treading on a few toes along the way is unavoidable I believe, in the grand scheme of things.
Although no longer an ardent follower of the brand, having had enough of the hype and brouhaha that generally typifies the watch instead of its intrinsic value; I happen to still enjoy wearing my one and only Pam. This 42mm (small for most Pam lovers) titanium Radiomir sits nicely on my wrist, is relatively thin and light with legible gold hands and a half decent movement. A perfect watch for me; almost bespoke to my own specifications in fact. I managed to find a watch I like irrespective of the general consensus and without concern whether it’s collectable or rare. I have already disposed of all my so-called collectable Pams without regret because they simple didn’t sit well on my wrist and spent more time in the box.
To put it simply, I am only loyal to a brand if they can give me what I want. If not, like any other fickle consumer, I will take my business elsewhere. We are inundated with choices nowadays and although the pot is getting bigger, with new markets establishing, competition is also a lot fiercer.
Enjoying my day, hope you are too. 
Sparing a thought to all those dedicated moderators and friends who are braving the winter chill in Geneva in order to enlighten and entertain us - thank you!
Cheers & thanks for looking.
Fernando
As an owner of the PAM338 titanium radiomir, what do you feel about the PAM512 Radiomir 1940 which is also 42mm and houses the same P.999 movement? Would you consider the below PAM512 "too redundant" compared to your PAM338? Or is this Panerai something you would consider adding to your collection to "diversify"? Cheers, Anthony
I most probably won't add a 512, even given its historical content. I've always liked the Radiomir line for its distinctive wired lugs and case shape. The brushed finish on the titanium case and the gold hands on the 338 really does it for me. To put it simply, I'm happy to be a one Pam guy. :) Cheers & have a great day! fernando
I like people that...pragmatically...accept reality. It has been my opinion, for a very long time, that if Panerai doesn't produce what one likes, he should go buy something else, instead of bithcing and moaning...against...the brand for now giving them the....time of the day :-) Bravo!! Sergio
Putting one's money where his mouth is a good motto IMO. Most brands will fight competitively to gain market share and to increase their bottom line. In order to do this they may want to cater to as many different tastes, size of pocketbook and cultural preferences as possible. In the end, we get diversity but also stuff we might find distasteful or not to our liking. We have to be selective and choose what we want, no? cheers fernando
I'm afraid Nicolas. Still spending a big part of the day dreaming/thinking about these damn little ticking machines - wasting time. :) Hope you had a great time in Geneva! cheers fernando
If money was not a concern, I would tell you that I found 5 watches which could be mine: 3 JLCs and 2 Lange. More realistically, I would say that 2013 makes me think about 2 watches, and both are JLCs. Best, Nicolas
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