I want to start this off by saying I greatly admire Panerai. In a fairly short period (Modern Panerai we are talking about) they have gone from a celebrity's conversation piece to one of the most admired and followed brands out there. I have owned one and truly loved it. Nothing but love for Panerai. But...
When I think about what Panerai was back in 2003 when I had my "Serie B", it was a bit more about the watch. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but hear me out on this one. Before the many different "Special", "Super Special" "Unbelievably Unique" special editions, etc. You could pretty well spot a Panerai from a distance. The flip-lock crown, the unbelievable lume, the story behind it. Yes, there were a few options, and either Radiomir or Luminor. But essentially, what really moved you was the watch itself. Really hard to come by, and something you hung on to once you had it. It was an emotional connection.
And then Panerai started to grow. And growth is important and good. It is nice to have options, it is great to see Panerai making its own calibers, and it is truly an important global brand. But it doesn't feel the same to me.
Enter Meridian. In speaking with Richard Baldwin who is one of the owners, it is clear that Meridian have a pretty singular vision - the cases, dials, hands - pretty much EVERYTHING with the exception of the movement is made in the UK. And my understanding is that's the way it's going to stay. The movement, while a Swiss hand winding movement, is extensively decorated by Meridian, one at a time, in their workshop in the UK. I had asked if a different dial color was possible and was politely told no. I can have any color I like, so long as it's black or white. In other words, Meridian has clearly stated - "This is us".
To be clear, I am in no way trying to make a comparison about quality, brand strength, etc. I am talking about feelings, about emotion - about the feeling that something gives you. And I think that on this basis, I anticipate some truly devoted Meridian followers.
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| Courtesy of Meridian |
And then Panerai started to grow. And growth is important and good. It is nice to have options, it is great to see Panerai making its own calibers, and it is truly an important global brand. But it doesn't feel the same to me.
Enter Meridian. In speaking with Richard Baldwin who is one of the owners, it is clear that Meridian have a pretty singular vision - the cases, dials, hands - pretty much EVERYTHING with the exception of the movement is made in the UK. And my understanding is that's the way it's going to stay. The movement, while a Swiss hand winding movement, is extensively decorated by Meridian, one at a time, in their workshop in the UK. I had asked if a different dial color was possible and was politely told no. I can have any color I like, so long as it's black or white. In other words, Meridian has clearly stated - "This is us".
To be clear, I am in no way trying to make a comparison about quality, brand strength, etc. I am talking about feelings, about emotion - about the feeling that something gives you. And I think that on this basis, I anticipate some truly devoted Meridian followers.
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