Funny you mention this. I thought the same as you but when I bought my first Panerai one year ago or so I felt in love with it the day I received the watch. This PAM 104
Then after a while I thought let's change the look of this one and get myself another strap. I bought this strap from TWD and it changed the watch completely
Now I've got another Panerai, the 111. It might look the same but it's definitely not It's on a strap from the well known Mr. Donerix.
Now, one year later, I already got two Panerai watches and I'm searching for number three. When I look back, I didn't like Panerai that much but after the first one the love for this watch become bigger and bigger. I'm wearing the 104 at this moment when I typ this!
But I think you have Rolex-guys, Panerai-guys, Hublot-guys, AP-guys and so on. But I think once you'll try the Panerai, you will love this watch in your collection.
The moral of this story, just buy one and see if you like it. I'm almost sure you will wear it with love