Are IWC and Panerai the new Breitling?
Discussion
When I was looking for a watch 11 years ago, I wanted something less flashy and obvious than a Rolex but similar quality. Somebody at work had a Watches of Switzerland catalogue and saw the Breitling Aerospace for the first time. It looked just right for me, understated (yes really) and exclusive (I’d never even heard of the brand before) and at the right price, so I bought one.
A couple of years ago, I found a watch magazine and found yet more manufacturers that I’d never heard of that were making some very nice watches, IWC and Panerai were two that caught my eye as something aspirational and different from the classics but still relatively understated.
These days Breitling seem to be worn by every bloke and his dog and have got a reputation for being a bit too bling. They’ve lost their exclusivity due to their popularity and are now suffering a backlash of opinion. Returning home on the tube the other night I spotted 3 Panerais and 2 IWCs without making an effort and I wondered whether these brands would suffer the same over exposure as Breitling have.
A couple of years ago, I found a watch magazine and found yet more manufacturers that I’d never heard of that were making some very nice watches, IWC and Panerai were two that caught my eye as something aspirational and different from the classics but still relatively understated.
These days Breitling seem to be worn by every bloke and his dog and have got a reputation for being a bit too bling. They’ve lost their exclusivity due to their popularity and are now suffering a backlash of opinion. Returning home on the tube the other night I spotted 3 Panerais and 2 IWCs without making an effort and I wondered whether these brands would suffer the same over exposure as Breitling have.
I'm not sure about you but I find that living in London skews my perspective on things like this. On the tube you'll see umpteen £3k+ watches, but in terms of the general population I think they are still relatively few and far between. Its the same for nice cars - I don't stop and stare at F360s or 430's these days as you see them every single day. Take the same car out of London and it would get much more attention.
Just an observation without answering your question!
I don't see many Breitlings compared to Rolex and Omega to be honest - I would still like a vintage navitimer.
Just an observation without answering your question!
I don't see many Breitlings compared to Rolex and Omega to be honest - I would still like a vintage navitimer.
maxf said:
I'm not sure about you but I find that living in London skews my perspective on things like this. On the tube you'll see umpteen £3k+ watches, but in terms of the general population I think they are still relatively few and far between.
I think you're spot on - I've seen very very few other people wearing a Panerai, and most of the time I am working in either Edinburgh or Aberdeen. IWC has been around over 100 years so I dont see them as a flash in the pan. Panerai were very fashionable a few years back but seem to have got over that and built credibility. Neither are footballers watches like Jacob and Co
In the end it has to be about the numbers. Cheapest IWC and Panerai is at least double that of the cheapest Breitling. Also most mid level jewelry shops in london sell Breitling usually alongside Omega, Tag and Rolex. IWC and Panerai dealers are much less common. IWC and Panerai will have to substantially change how they make and sell watches if they are ever going to suffer from over exposure.
I agree about the Navimeter, great watch (currently an IWC and Panerai owner)
In the end it has to be about the numbers. Cheapest IWC and Panerai is at least double that of the cheapest Breitling. Also most mid level jewelry shops in london sell Breitling usually alongside Omega, Tag and Rolex. IWC and Panerai dealers are much less common. IWC and Panerai will have to substantially change how they make and sell watches if they are ever going to suffer from over exposure.
I agree about the Navimeter, great watch (currently an IWC and Panerai owner)
IWC seem a bit too demure and restrained to become the new Breitling IMO. Stunning watches though - I had a Mk XV that I only kept for about 6 months before flogging it for pennies (along with a Seamaster GMT - with the anniversary medallion caseback) to fund a Zenith Rainbow Flyback. Gibbon.
Still, we live and learn...
Still, we live and learn...
Stitch said:
So are we saying that Brietling is passe or an uninspired choice?
What should the guy who has £4k or £5k to spend but wants a couple of watches buy given that, that kind of money might get either a Paneri or an IWC?
He should buy what he likes and stuff everyone elses opinion.What should the guy who has £4k or £5k to spend but wants a couple of watches buy given that, that kind of money might get either a Paneri or an IWC?
stovey said:
Stitch said:
So are we saying that Brietling is passe or an uninspired choice?
What should the guy who has £4k or £5k to spend but wants a couple of watches buy given that, that kind of money might get either a Paneri or an IWC?
WTF are Brietling and paneri?[/quoteWhat should the guy who has £4k or £5k to spend but wants a couple of watches buy given that, that kind of money might get either a Paneri or an IWC?
Easy. 'BREITLING' or 'PANERAI' with horological anorak/spellcheck disabled.....
You can't beat a classic Omega Sea Master or Breitling Navitimer for classic understated looks. If you need a flash esoteric watch to distinguish that you have "taste", then you clearly haven't any! I haven't worn a watch in over 5 years and love it. To me, watches are like those prisoner electronic ankle tags, always bound by time!
I used to have a beautiful old Breitling I bought nearly 15 years ago, but my old man coveted it so much i ended up giving it to him!
I used to have a beautiful old Breitling I bought nearly 15 years ago, but my old man coveted it so much i ended up giving it to him!
SkinnyBoy said:
You can't beat a classic Omega Sea Master or Breitling Navitimer for classic understated looks.
Each to their own, but I struggle to get "Breitling Navitimer" to fit with "understated looks". For me, the ridges round the case and the sheer quantity of numbers crammed onto the dial and round the bezel tend towards overstatement, if anything. Maybe there are other models of Navitimer that I haven't seen, though.But like I say, it's a good job we all like different things.
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