Trip to Italy-Watch report

[Estaban]

Got back yesterday. Had a great time. Had a bit of time to watch hunt and here's what I found:

Panerai-Out of favor. Didn't see anyone wearing one (except one American tourist).

Was treated with respect by jewelers while wearing my 196 and here's what I tried on:

Anonimo: Panerai style watch that comes from ex-Panerai designers. Sharp. Cool crown guard mech. Reasonably priced

Hublot Big Bang: Big joke. Ugly and overpriced for a ss watch.

Omega Planet Ocean: Got to get a gen of the 45mm since I sold my gen SMP. Gorgeous and reasonably priced.

AP Royal Oaks: Didn't like them one bit. I know they're nice watches, but they feel like they lack substance. I tried on a brand new model with a Calibre movement.

IWC Spitfire: Great face

My two favorite watches by far:

Frank Muller Conquistador-White gold, curved crystal, black rubber strap scented with vanilla (I'm not kidding). Fit my wrist like a glove. Gorgeous

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grand Reveil- Pink gold. WOW. If money was no object it would be the watch for me. $30,000 retail.

[bkatbamna]

Good report. Personally, I'd get a JLC reverso manual before I bought any Rolex or Panerai.

[dadog13]

seems like you have a great time in italy!

i was in Bologna a week ago...seen nice watches but haven't had time to try any...

seen a lot of jewlery stores with nice watches...

and saw a guy wearing a PAM...i couldn't stare at it so i don't know what model it was!

[porschespeedster]

the reverso is my dream watch.

[ryaku]

Spero ti sia divertito in Italia.

Edited April 1, 2006 by ryaku

[eunomians]

Vorrei una birra!

[Willith]

Nice report! I agree there are many brands that are overpriced in my eyes too, but at least some of them make their own movements, that's respectable. I would love to have the JLC too, beautiful watch, but it's too dressy for me. Which PO did you try on, the new chrono? I have one of these myself (gen) and I love that watch, nice and heavy feeling to it. I want to get the chrono, but I'm afraid of the pricing when it first comes out.

[bruce79]

Did you happen to check out any of the open air markets? Any straps being offered?

[ryaku]

Vorrei una birra!

Mi dispiace, si serve solo vino qui.

[Estaban]

I even tried to find the famed Mario Paci. I would have liked to get some more of his straps direct from the source. Without a doubt my favorite straps. He is supposedly in Florence.

[tutima]

Got back yesterday. Had a great time. Had a bit of time to watch hunt and here's what I found:

Panerai-Out of favor. Didn't see anyone wearing one (except one American tourist).

Was treated with respect by jewelers while wearing my 196 and here's what I tried on:

Anonimo: Panerai style watch that comes from ex-Panerai designers. Sharp. Cool crown guard mech. Reasonably priced

Hublot Big Bang: Big joke. Ugly and overpriced for a ss watch.

Omega Planet Ocean: Got to get a gen of the 45mm since I sold my gen SMP. Gorgeous and reasonably priced.

AP Royal Oaks: Didn't like them one bit. I know they're nice watches, but they feel like they lack substance. I tried on a brand new model with a Calibre movement.

IWC Spitfire: Great face

My two favorite watches by far:

Frank Muller Conquistador-White gold, curved crystal, black rubber strap scented with vanilla (I'm not kidding). Fit my wrist like a glove. Gorgeous

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grand Reveil- Pink gold. WOW. If money was no object it would be the watch for me. $30,000 retail.

I was there last summer and all the Pannies I saw was from the street venders.

Cheers,