Probably good that Panerai doesn't sell an "FU" watch in the western world as we are probably going to take it as a signal of their amusement that we are putting up with their prices. No, Panerai doesn't even care too much about the English speaking world for the time being. Richemont, and other luxury watch groups have their sights securely set on (primarily) China, and other parts of Asia, given the fact that the only excitement in watch sales to be seen now is coming from those regions of the world. Each brand is vying for the attention and respect of the Chinese consumer - who is fundamentally a different animal than that the western consumer as I understand it. I hear tales of how Chinese consumers actually understand the mechanics of watches, know the values, and have keen eyes for details. Scary stuff for some watch retailers and some brands! Actually this is good. Not that people like us are without knowledge, but we aren't exactly the "typical" watch buyer here in the states (which is why each of you needs to educate at least one person a month on the pleasure of being into expensive little machines).

As much as I don't like being in a country where my beloved hobby and career isn't taken as seriously as it would if I lived in Europe or Hong Kong - I am happy that in places where watches are selling well, the consumers are forcing brands to put their best stuff on the table. Panerai never made a watch with a four-leaf clover on it, but they don't have a problem making one with the Chinese character "Fu" that means good luck, or good fortune. Probably the most important "positive" character in the Chinese language as I am told. Is this the best way of telling consumers in China that "Panerai really does care about you?" I am not sure. I think enough Panerai fans will enjoy the novelty, but history tells me that Chinese consumers like western things because they are western. Panerai is seen as an Italian brand, not a Chinese one. So why is there Chinese on the dial? It is entirely possible that this tactic works wonderfully for brand fans looking for a cool new limited edition piece - but how will it work in the long term. It is part of what I call "Asianification" of watch brands. Basically where a non-Asian brand focuses their designs, sizes, limited editions, etc... on the Asian market. The result is a total removal of the character and status that made the brands popular in the first place. If people in China want to buy watches made for the Chinese market, they have loads of local options. When they buy Panerai they want an Italian watch with an Italian or Swiss movement.

I think that having dedicated brand boutiques and marketing in a certain region is enough communication that a brand is "serious" about that region's people. China has a lot of attention from high-end watch brands. Those brands should focus on what they do best in their home countries and carry it over to China, not try new things there necessarily.

The watch in steel, is 44mm wide with a Swiss (base ETA) OP II movement that is manually wound. I think this might be a Unitas. It has 50 hours of power reserve, and Panerai has them all COSC Chronometer certified. Water resistant to 300 meters, the watch has a sapphire crystal and a subsidiary seconds dial. Pretty standard stuff for entry level Panerai watches - which is what this is. At 1,500 units in the limited edition of the piece, these aren't exactly super special in the scheme of Panerai watches. The whole allure here seems to be the whole "Panerai + Fu" aspect of the watch. You are basically talking about a simple Panerai with the Fu character on the dial as the 6 o'clock indicator. So while enough people in China will love the watch, I don't feel as though it communicates a sincere level of Panerai "connecting" with the Chinese people. Panerai and other European brands need to stick with what they are good at, and simply market it well in China. Changing their image too much with permanently take away from the brand's character, and ultimately damage sales in China, and the world over. Price for the Panerai Luminor Marina PAM366 China edition watch is reportedly about $4,400.

See Panerai watches on eBay here.

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PANERAI LUMINOR STAINLESS STEEL CHRONO DAYLIGHT BLACK DIAL $8,500.00 Time Remaining: 1h 38m Bid now

Panerai Luminor 1950 GMT 10 Day PAM 270 K Series 44mm Automatic Dive Watch $7,900.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 54m Bid now

Panerai Luminor Marina Pam 299 Automatic 44mm Steel Bracelet Complete Box Papers $6,200.00 Time Remaining: 3h 1m Buy It Now for only: $6,200.00 Buy It Now

Panerai Luminor Marina Pam 299 M Automatic 44mm Steel Watch New Style 1NR $3,800.00 (39 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 59m Bid now

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM140 PAM 140 18k Gold Ingot MINT Complete RARE $20,529.50 Time Remaining: 5h 18m Buy It Now for only: $20,529.50 Buy It Now

Panerai Luminor Marina Pam 50 Automatic 40mm Watch on Steel Bracelet $4,750.00 Time Remaining: 6h 16m Buy It Now for only: $4,750.00 Buy It Now

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Comparing the watch releases of SIHH 2010 and Baselworld 2010, I would have to say that for the most part I was more impressed with the releases at SIHH, and it was a significantly smaller show. Why that is I am not sure, but here is another one of the good things that I spotted. This isn't just another Panerai watch, but rather the PAM339 in a special ceramic case. While it doesn't surprise me to see Panerai going ceramic, it just sort of happened without notice.

Panerai doesn't even call their material ceramic really, but rather "Composite." Why? Not sure, there must be some sneaky marketing decision. One of the reasons likely has to do with the fact that Panerai uses a different type of ceramic. It is very light, and stated to be much harder than standard ceramics. The hardness is a little bit harder that standard zirconia ceramics, and way harder than steel. In terms of weight, Panerai Composite weighs less than titanium, and just a bit more than aluminum. In fact, the material is said to be a ceramic based on aluminum - but much harder. In reality while wearing the watch, the lightness makes itself clear. The watch doesn't feel like it weights much at all, the opposite of the standard Panerai watch feel. At 47mm wide, the PAM339 Radiomir Composite Marina Militare 8 Giorni (8 Day) watch isn't small, and again, it is very light.

In images of the watch the first thing you are likely to notice is the color brown. The watch case, dial, and strap are all brown. They look like aged leather, and the look is pretty good I must admit. The vintage style leather strap is cool and feels high quality with its medium brown tone and contrast stitching. Don't forget the matching brown, Panerai style buckle. According the Panerai, the color of the stitching was meant to match the color of the SuperLumiNova on the watch dial - a little detail that you'd probably need pointed out to you to notice, but the effect works in the watch's aesthetic favor.

Popular these days with ceramic is non glossy finish. The Chanel J12 watches of the world got the industry a bit exhausted with ever shiny ceramic. Plus, it doesn't always look good for men. So these days more and more ceramic is stealthy looking. Panerai calls the finish matte, which it is. The deep brown case in the subtle tone helps keep the 47mm wide size compact looking enough, and the traditional style Panerai case is benefited from the vintage feel of the piece. As high-tech as the watch is, it still feels like a throwback model. Also, the case is water resistant to 100 meters.

The matte brown dial of the watch matches the case. Under the sapphire crustal, the dial is pretty Panerai familiar. inset hour markers in SuperLumiNova lume, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o'clock. The "8 Giorni Brevatto" text on the dial adjacent to the sub-seconds dial is taken directly from some historic Panerai models. Don't forget that in the watch world, 2010 is the unofficial "year of tradition." The dial is nice in brown with the tan colored accents. Attractive, and quite stereotypically Panerai. It won't excite you, but it also won't let you down.

Panerai has placed one of its newer in-house made Calibre P.2002/7 manually wound movements in the watch. Although I would have preferred an automatic or at least a power reserve indicator, the movement does have a power reserve length of about 8 days. That is pretty nice, but without a power reserve indicator, you never know how much power you have in it. So you just end up fidgeting with the crown all the time to wind it. Then again, without even a date, if the movement runs out, resetting it isn't a big deal.

For Panerai collectors the PAM339 will feel like a good investment. It looks really cool, is done in a cool material, has an in-house made movement, and is a limited edition (of 1,000 1,500 pieces). Though the watch does cost about $15,000. If the budget is up your alley, and you want a fresh feeling Panerai with a classic look - this should make for an excellent choice.

See Panerai watches on eBay here.

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PANERAI STAINLESS STEEL RADIOMIR $7,500.00 Time Remaining: 1h 40m Bid now

Mens Panerai Pam 287 Radiomir Black Seal Full Box And Papers $5,295.00 Time Remaining: 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $5,295.00 Buy It Now

Panerai PAM 292 K Radiomir Ceramic Black Seal Watch $6,750.00 Time Remaining: 6h 33m Bid now

NEW Panerai PAM 376 Radiomir 3 Days Oro Bianco 47mm $25,740.00 Time Remaining: 14h 51m Buy It Now for only: $25,740.00 Buy It Now

Panerai Officine Radiomir 42mm Automatic Mens Watch PAM00184 Free Shipping $7,400.00 Time Remaining: 21h 54m Buy It Now for only: $7,400.00 Buy It Now

NEW Panerai PAM 292 Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic 45mm $8,230.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 39m Buy It Now for only: $8,230.00 Buy It Now

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In the world of limited edition Panerai watches there are cool ones and boring ones. This is one of the really cool ones. I also love that they all (limited to 100 pieces) sold out within one hour of being released. This is the Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM 358, and was specially made for the Parisian high-end watch store Chronopassion. The PAM 358 is a pretty crazy watch. Water resistant to 2500 meters (over 8,000 feet), the watch is shaped like a diving vessel with a large rounded bottom. It is known as a "destro" model, or lefty model, because the crown is on the left side of the watch. It is really thick as well - even by Panerai standard. The case is 47mm wide in titanium with a special rotating diver's bezel that is in steel. This is one of the most coveted, ultimate Panerai dive watches out there.

For more pics, you can check out this post on WatchUSeek where a lucky member shows off his PAM 358. There you can see the interesting chunky curves of this PAM-beast, with its titanium 1950 style case and built in helium escape valve. Dial is pretty standard with the typical Pamerai sub watch look. I think the inner bezel with the diver's scale is an interesting touch. Hands are too stubby though. Does someone actually like stubby hands? Or am I one of the few people who notice these things? Still legible though. Inside the watch is a Swiss Valjoux 7750 automatic movement that has been modified and turned around. The chronograph has been removed, and flipping the watch movement around placed the subsidiary seconds dial on the right side of the case, and the crown on the right. Came on a light brown leather strap. Chronopassion made a good choice with this special piece. These are very hard to find, and with just 100 around, you are lucky to ever get one. There is one now on James List for just under $15,000.

See this Panerai PAM 358 limited edition watch available on James List here.

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Easily my favorite new Panerai of SIHH 2010 is an unexpected model. The brand that made it a point to "hide" the tourbillon complication on their first tourbillon watch has now made an about face. This is the first skeletonized Panerai watch that I know of, and does not let down. It is actually the same movement from their normal tourbillon watch but skeletonized. This is in contrast to what some makers do by making a watch movement specially designed to be skeletonized. Good that the watch movement leneded itself nicel to the "open" treatment. The watch is really stunning and exactly what you would expect from a Panerai watch if it was skeletonized.  Called the Radiomir Tourbillon GMT Ceramica 48mm Lo Scientziato PAM348 (PAM 348), this piece is truly unique in the brand's current watch line. Most of the other new models of 2010 are minor variations on existing models to differ broaden an established brand feel, but retain its strict identity.

The 48mm wide case is in a dark brownsih color matches to a vintage looking leather strap. The presentation of colors has a pleasant retro feel to it. As you can tell by the "Ceramica" name, the watch is not in metal but ceramic. Though it is a special type of ceramic that Panerai has developed. It is made from zirconium oxide which apparently is similar to or related to aluminum. The finish would be called satin or bead-blasted and the weight of the case is incredibly light. The rear of the case around the sapphire caseback window is in titanium. For a tall 48mm wide watch it sits pretty well. You have a classic turnip style Panerai crown in metal. The crystal of course is sapphire and the case is water resistant to 100 meters.

Unlike most skeletonized watches the dial is really easy to read. Panerai made sure that all the necessary markers are there and with bright lume applied to them. As such, there is no real part of the skeletonization that makes it difficult to read. You can tell from the images of the watch that I am wearing that it is a good looking timepiece with lots of utility. Note that is a pre-production model that I handled a lot so there are lots of finger smudges on the front and rear of the watch.

Panerai did an impressive job with their Ceramic compound, but an even more impressive job with their work on the dial making the PAM 348 a really cool looking timepiece. You might not know this, but Panerai has a special form of single axis tourbillon that spins on a diagonal axis each 30 seconds that makes it much more fun to watch. Inside the watch is the in-house made Panerai P.2005/S movement. It is manually wound with a 6 day power reserve (power reserve indicator is located on the rear of the watch). Let's talk functions now. Of course there is the time, but there are also two subsidiary dials (again the power reserve indicator on the back of the watch as well). The main hands are also accompanied by the GMT hand. It is easy to read, but I would have liked Panerai to include a dedicated scale for the GMT hours around the bezel or flange of the watch. The left subsidiary dial is for the small seconds and well as a little dot that moves around the dial each 30 seconds - this indicates the movement of the tourbillon. The right subsidiary dial is an AM/PM indicator, which is essentially a synchronized 24 hour hand for the main time. All useful functions, with the neat little tourbillon dot thrown in the mix. By the way, that dot was originally added because the original watch with the caliber P.2005 movement did not have an exposed tourbillon on the dial so Panerai wanted to remind you that it was there.

The Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon GMT Ceramica 48mm Lo Scientziato watch is gonna be an expensive watch and part of a limited edition of just 30 pieces. No doubt that with Panerai's popularity around the world, it will easy sell each of those quickly. I expect more skeletonized watches from the brand in time, but likely all limited editions and it is not inherently part of the brand's personality. Price if I recall correctly was about 109,000 euros.

See Panerai watches on eBay here.

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PANERAI STAINLESS STEEL RADIOMIR $7,500.00 Time Remaining: 1h 40m Bid now

Mens Panerai Pam 287 Radiomir Black Seal Full Box And Papers $5,295.00 Time Remaining: 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $5,295.00 Buy It Now

Panerai PAM 292 K Radiomir Ceramic Black Seal Watch $6,750.00 Time Remaining: 6h 33m Bid now

NEW Panerai PAM 376 Radiomir 3 Days Oro Bianco 47mm $25,740.00 Time Remaining: 14h 51m Buy It Now for only: $25,740.00 Buy It Now

Panerai Officine Radiomir 42mm Automatic Mens Watch PAM00184 Free Shipping $7,400.00 Time Remaining: 21h 54m Buy It Now for only: $7,400.00 Buy It Now

NEW Panerai PAM 292 Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic 45mm $8,230.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 39m Buy It Now for only: $8,230.00 Buy It Now

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Like many Panerai diving watches, the PAM305 is made of titanium, and is a lofty 47mm wide. I like the clean look of the design and the dial. The rotating diver's bezel has been seen before on other submersible models. The same complaint exists here, which is the lack of minute marks after 15 minutes. Despite this functional issue, the bezel looks nice. For me, the face of the watch is adequately styled to be a diving watch and a Panerai, though many Panerai watches faces often look a bare -as though something important was missing. Here it is the minute markers, but adding them would make it less of a Panerai. Look at the "1950" in the name, and you realize this is one of those classic homage watches. That makes it possible to forgive a few design quirks right? Oh, and is it just me, or do hands look misplaced? Like another set of Panerai hands out of the parts bin might have been a better choice. I know these are the standard hands for the submersible series, but still.

I actually like this watch more than most Panerai watches. It has got that chunky underwater theme that I like, an in-house made automatic movement, and a cool sorta retro theme (it is a historic watch homage). It also has a rubber diving strap that doesn't look too dorky. I'd happily wear it. Retail price is going to be just shy of $10,000. Pretty steep, but I imagine actual street price to be in the $7k-8k range.

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PANERAI TITANIUM SUBMERSIBLE WATCH $4,899.00 Time Remaining: 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $6,000.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Officine Panerai Mens Luminor Submersible PAM 24 G $5,295.00 Time Remaining: 2h 22m Buy It Now for only: $5,895.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Panerai Pam 243 Luminor Submersible 1000m BNIB 44mm $8,795.00 Time Remaining: 3h 9m Buy It Now for only: $8,795.00 Buy It Now

PANERAI LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE PAM 87 H 44 MM WATCH $6,500.00 Time Remaining: 6h 35m Bid now

PANERAI LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE REGATTA PAM 199 G WATCH $6,000.00 Time Remaining: 6h 36m Bid now

Panerai PAM 87 Submersible $7,450.00 Time Remaining: 7h 12m Buy It Now for only: $7,450.00 Buy It Now

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French painter Philippe Burlet knows his way around a brush as well as cars and watches. Burlet's medium of choice is watercolors, which he uses to aptly recreate the essence of sport racing and the watch loving spirit. Although relatively obscure in the United States, Burlet is a favorite among European motor sports enthusiasts, who often commission work from the talented painter.

Burlet was not always an artist, but lived a life around automobiles. Somewhere in the mix he developed an eye for watches and seemingly became fascinated by their connection to fine cars. Burlet has a penchant for painting Ferrari cars both new and old. Though he does of course recreate other automobiles in watercolor as well.

His art featuring watches portrays them in a larger than life manner, appearing bigger than their accompanying cars. This interesting practice serves to emphasize the shape and function of the watches as opposed to their status as timepieces only. This type of work can only come from someone with a deep appreciation and understanding for the mechanical make up of his artistic subjects.

Burlet almost exclusively paints images relating to automobile and motorcycle sports, along with watches. While his art style is not meant to be photo realistic, it can be described as "preservationist," meaning that his work preserves each and every detail of what he is painting, yet adding his own artistic style.

The work is perfectly suited for anyone who enjoys the style and has a passion for racing or watches, as Burlet's work is available for purchase. You can visit his French/English language site here, or his United States based site here, to learn more about available originals or prints.

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The dial itself shows the metallic blue that people go crazy over. It is a great color, and when done right makes for a beautiful watch. The Sinn 203 Arktis was one of the first to use such a blue dial, and since then a few have displayed it. I am not sure why the watch is known as the "Daylight." I am guessing that since blue faced models are often arctic themed, the name refers to the fact that such polar locations of the Earth experience far more daylight, especially in the summer. The little touches are also nice, like the matching colored date window disc, and the easy to read chronograph seconds hand.

Inside is a Panerai caliber OPXII automatic chronograph movement. It isn't in-house made though. Gladly the movement is a certified Chronometer, but Panerai has neglected to mention this on the face. This is a positive or negative trait depending on whom you ask (some people do or don't like lots of text on the face). From a design standpoint, the tri-compax chronograph layout and overall face design is no nonsense. So practical and utilitarian, you might forget it is a Panerai. That isn't to say it isn't nice, but this is of the most function oriented Panerai watches I have ever seen. The 44mm wide case is standard Panerai size, and the titanium used to make the case and bracelet ensures light weight even though the hefty package. The Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight Titanium is an excellent watch for the conservative watch lover who values function and is drawn by the Panerai name.

See Panerai watches on eBay here.

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PANERAI LUMINOR STAINLESS STEEL CHRONO DAYLIGHT BLACK DIAL $8,500.00 Time Remaining: 1h 38m Bid now

RARE PANERAI PAM 317 Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT CERAMIC NIB $21,700.00 Time Remaining: 14h 27m Bid now

PANERAI PAM 356 LUMINOR CHRONO DAYLIGHT PAM356 NEW $8,495.00 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $8,495.00 Buy It Now

Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight PAM 00196 $1,627.19 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 23h 52m Bid now

NEW PANERAI PAM 225 LUMINOR SLYTECH SUB CHRONO LIMITED EDITION 47MM BNIB $17,900.00 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 38m Buy It Now for only: $17,900.00 Buy It Now

Officine Panerai PAM 215 Luminor Chrono LE SS Watch $9,995.00 Time Remaining: 7d 2h 35m Buy It Now for only: $9,995.00 Buy It Now

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If you have a good sense of humor, like to laugh at Hollywood, and want to see some actually very impressive special effects (not to mention makeup) go see the movie Tropic Thunder. While it contains some controversial joking around (people will find issue with almost anything these days), it has a great cast, and some very good acting. Honestly, this is an excellent role for Jack Black. Seriously, see the movie and tell me that Jack Black doesn't play his character very well. Not to mention Robert Downey Junior and of course Tom Cruise.

Speaking of Cruise, his character in the movie is Les Grossman. A satire (and reality) of certain Hollywood execs and Tom Cruise himself, who is as many know, in addition to being an actor, is also a Hollywood exec as co-owner of United Artists Pictures. You can read elsewhere about the ridiculous amount of makeup and body padding (and massive amounts of faux body hair) he wears, but the most noticeable part of his wardrobe is the large Panerai watch on his wrist. Cruise is not the largest man, and the PAM on his wrist looks enormous (it is 44mm wide which is big but not huge), and pretty bad-ass to be honest. Certainly a watch fit for the role. Like Sylvester Stallone, I would guess that this Panerai is from Tom's personal collection as opposed to being furnished by Panerai. Mainly because if I have correctly spotted the model, it is no longer being made and Tom Cruise is a known watch lover often with other large watches such as an IWC.

In Tropic Thunder, Cruise wears what is obviously a Panerai, but not a typical model. It is the Panerai PAM 63 GMT Luminor. It is one of the few Panerai watches I know that lacks a subdial, as most (but not all) Panerai models typically place at least the seconds hand in a subdial. This particular PAM 63 GMT has a jet black face (obsidian shiny with a gentle horizontal line texture) a highly polished steel case. The dial has a good deal of markings on it, which might be considered cluttered in Panerai terms, as the standard look of Panerai faces is spartan to say the least. The GMT hand has a dedicated set of numerals around the out dial from 1 to 24. I really like this, as it adds to the legibility of the GMT function, but the smaller size of the GMT arrow ensures it does not get into the way. You also have a date window with an upside down magnifier lens, and a large seconds hands. The hour hands are in Panerai's modern style with only the tips and edges visible, a really nice technical look. As the Luminor name attests, the superluminova applied all over the watch is thick and bright when it needs to be. In the movie, Cruise wears one with a glossy polished black leather or possibly crocodile (more often with a glossy finish) strap, but the watch can sometimes be found with a brown strap or steel bracelet.

The PAM 63 GMT is no longer being made. An updated model is the PAM 88 (which does have a subdial). Though you can still get PAM 63 watches from time to time. There was a limited edition PAM 63C model, but to be honest, I am not sure how it differed from the standard PAM 63 model. The prices I have seen for a Panerai PAM 63 GMT are in the $6,000 - $8,000 range. This is by far the nicest watch I noticed in the movie. Other watches displayed look to be sell interesting or vintage style military watches (I think I saw a Marathon in there a few times). You'll like the movie, I promise. And if you don't well at least you get to see Tom Cruise in a (somewhat) fat suit with a bald head.

See Panerai GMT watches on eBay here.

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Panerai PAM63C PAM 63C GMT RARE 44mm Luminor Marina Box and Papers $5,999.99 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 53m Bid now

Panerai Luminor GMT 44mm PAM 63 C Circa 2000 RARE $7,499.00 Time Remaining: 9d 21h 44m Buy It Now for only: $7,499.00 Buy It Now

2 GENUINE TUBES FOR PANERAI GMT LUMINOR FERRARI 45MM WATCH $3.75 Time Remaining: 12d 5h 36m Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Buy It Now

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Panerai Luminor Watch Collection Book Marina Pam GMT Cal P3000 9000 vintage $89.99 Time Remaining: 13d 58m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now

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Lawyers

Myself being in this group I felt it prudent to mention first. Lawyers comes in all varieties but one thing all lawyers (should) have in common is a distinct attention to detail. We also value items of inherent value, and reliability. Accuracy is another characteristic that lawyers value, and coincidentally enough, these are the same values that many watch makers attempt to imbue their watches with (at least from a marketing standpoint). There is also the showmanship of being an attorney, and regardless of an attorney's area of practice, it is important for them to make a stand. For this reason an attorney needs a high quality timepiece that communicates purpose and strength when seen by observers. Good brands for the successful attorney are Rolex, Roger Dubuis, Piaget, Sinn, Breguet, A. Lange  Sohne, Franck Muller and many others.

I can easily say that many attorney's I have met either have a nice watch, are interested in watch making, or are plain watch fanatics. Lawyers tend to covet well know brands, but that does not encompass every watch a lawyer may like. There are even those lawyers who prefer very low end watches, especially when meeting with client or speaking to a jury in order to allow them to better blend in and appeal to the lay person. Overall you'll be hard pressed to find a lawyer that doesn't wear a watch, or have idle interest in the one(s) they have.

Banking & Finance Professionals

Whether you deal with lots of money or the buying and selling of investments, you need to have a grasp on minutiae and the big picture. With watches it is the same way. Each tiny element of a good watch must be built with perfection, and the overall result must be appealing and functional. Of great importance to all people who deal with money is signifying success and the ability to earn wealth. For these reasons an individual in finance needs to communicate qualities about themselves through items such as watches. Further, investors and alike tend to be collectors as well, and enjoy the acquisition of rare and interesting timepieces. You will thus find that many such people have nice and elaborate watches handpicked from their travels, or recommended to them by colleagues. You'll find high level finance people and bankers with a Rolex (see pre-owned Rolex watches), Frank Muller, Chopard, Panerai, Girard Perregaux, Mont Blanc, and other high quality watches with known names.

IT Professionals

The more senior level you go in the IT world, the most you'll find watch lovers. Especially those who have been doing it long enough. There seems to be a connection between programming well and well performing watches. IT professionals and software developers are a bit more classic in their tastes, although you'll find the occasion person in this field who enjoys the truly avant garde watches out there. For those who like sitting at a computer for much of the day work on the latest technology, it might seem a small contradiction that they like little machines on their wrists that tell time when a mere glance at the screen will suffice. Regardless, even though programmers often remove their watches during long typing sessions they enjoy the distinct utilitarian elements of "tool" watches. Focusing on function rather than looks. IT pros tend to like classic well built utility watches, and the best ones coming out today. Typically preferred watches include Tag Heuer, Omega, Breitling, Fortis, Sinn, Ball, IWC, and others that conjure up the idea of flawless function and reliability.

Photographers

While not the largest segment, many photographers are ideal watch lovers. Equally obsessed with both aesthetics and technology, a photographer must have an eye for looks and the ability to work with accurate, yet delicate equipment. With all this case for camera equipment, a photographer wants to know that their watch will never be something they have to worry about, and is very legible. Being used to spend a lot on high quality cameras and lenses, most photographers understand that when it comes to machines, you often get what you pay for. The idea photographer watch is supremely reliable and legible in all conditions. Like IT people, photographer tend to focus on utility over style, but the difference is that photographers will actually rely on it more. Most photographer watches are no nonsense in looks with features that help with their everyday photographing needs. These functions tend to be a power reserve, chronograph, and large legible face. Among all their equipment, photographers know their watch will likely stay with them the longest or at the least, won't grow obsolete.

Chefs

You might not initially take chefs for watch lovers, but you'd be under estimating a class of people who spend a great deal of time working with reliable tools and having a keen sense of taste. In the fast paced kitchen environment timing is everything, and you need a good watch to help. Further still, chefs enjoy a sense of stateliness and pomp, so just as plating is important, so is the presentation time on their wrists. A good chefs watch almost always have a chronograph or at least rotating bezel for measuring the time. A rattrapante (double stopwatch) can also be useful. Like other hands on professionals, chefs need reliable and accurate watches that look good when needed. Also, because every good chef elevates themselves by standing apart, you will often seen less known or avant garde brands on a chef's wrist.

Pilots

Of course pilots need a good watch. Most modern watches have at least a few elements on them that stemmed from a feature initially designed for a pilot or airplane. Many of these features involved legibility, accuracy, and long power reserves. Some pilot watches offer very complex features such as the slide rule on Breitling and other watches. Most pilots rely on instruments in their planes, so much of these features don't get used. Regardless, it is nice to have a second timezone, or ability to switch between timezones easily. Out of all these professionals, pilots really need legible watches the most. Whether they are in low light or fast fast scenarios, a quick glance should be enough to register the time. With constant reliance on planes, pilots need to pick a machine that they can trust with their lives. A watch with faulty mechanicals or which is unreliable simply won't pass muster. Because of that, any watch they enjoys popularity among pilots must have done something right. Brands you'll often see in the sky are Breitling, Rolex, Glycine, Sinn, IWC, Citizen, and again, many others.

When mentioning the watches that these professionals use I was only able to mention a handful of brands. Lucky for us there are literally 100s of watch brands out there, from the mass produced to the high limited, and the very affordable, to the ultra decadent. If you are placed within one of these professions, consider you own love for watches, and feel free to inquire with the next professional you encounter as to the watches they prefer and always keep checking out wrists.

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I am pretty happy that the new Rambo movie was as watch-centric as it was. Through the intensely blood-bathed action fest are numerous shots of watches on the characters' wrists. Sylvester Stallone's John Rambo adorns an interesting Panerai watch. It has been a Hollywood tradition for sometime that popular movie characters have a watch fitting their nature and status. We know of the James Bond Omegas and the Terminator has an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak specially made for Schwarzenegger that is worn proudly. Rambo prefers the popular and stylish vintage looks of Italian Panerai watches.

It is a well known fact that "Sly" Stallone is a big Panerai fan. Rumored to own hundreds of the cult-loved watches, Panerai has even made custom models just for Stallone. One such model has Stallone's autograph engraved on the back and the moniker "SLYTECH" on the face. Watch companies are wonderful in that regard; if you have enough leverage and money, they will make any manner of custom model for you. Actually, Stallone is credited by many as the instigator of Panerai popularity in Hollywood today. You can't buy better publicity if you are a watch maker.

Rambo's Panerai is not just any model, and is likely a custom or very rare piece. The pictures here are as close as I can get to exactly what the Rambo model looks like. Rambo's Panerai is a PVD Luminor Marina Militare. A very spartan look, though richly fitting of the Panerai tradition. PVD watches are black, which is favored among the military for a good reason. Most steel watches are polished or shiny to some degree. To retain stealth, a soldier's watch must not reflect any light while hiding in the brush, or elsewhere. Thus the reason for the black PVD finish is to keep Rambo hidden while he stalks the bad guys. I wonder why he does not have a PVD knife as well? Rambo's watch has a black strap, not brown. Likely a canvas or rubber strap, but possibly leather as well.

[ad#text-med-rect] Panerai watches are considered large, but not excessively. The cases are 44mm in diameter, which is a fitting size for any action hero. The prices for Panerai watches is another matter as they are very highly sought after collectibles. Expect Panerai watches to fetch between $4,000 and $15,000 (if not more) depending on the model and its exclusivity.

See Panerai watches on eBay here.

See Panerai watches on Amazon here.

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