Panerai Vs. Seiko

The main dispute among the fans of classic action movies – who is cooler Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone – is now reflected in the world of watches.

The iron Arni’s choice fell on a flagman steadily taking over the oversea market, Japanese Seiko. The diver watch indexed H558-5009 was fitted with combined calibre Seiko Combo Analog-Digital Cal.H558 and looked ultra modern. The gigantic 46 mm case made it noticeable even on the huge wrist of the former Mr. Olympia. And it was a time when 39 mm were the actual limit for men watches.


In his turn Stallone didn’t give in to advertising baits (and a lot of money they imply). He chose a product of Italian brand Panerai, which was little-known at the time. Starting from 1993 the company tried to fight its way to the market by adapting its products, which were earlier designed only for military divers. Sylvester liked Panerai so much that he even released a few models of SLYTECH line.

Needless to say, the appearance of an unusual watch on the wrist of the favorite actor didn’t gone unnoticed. So much so that Vendome Group purchased the brand in the following year. Everyone knows the further fate of Panerai. Today it is one of the most prestigious watch brands.
As for Seiko, its watches are still sold in millions being at the cutting edge of technological advancement and choosing mass market rather than the status of watches for chosen ones.