Look what happen to my friend

[ROLEX4EvEr]

I was at the local mall with my wife getting some gifts for a friends birthday this weekend and while she was shopping I walked into a nearby jewelry/watch store. They are not authorized on any brand but they do have a huge selection of watches and diamonds. I was dressed casually and while two salespeople were helping a lady finalize a sale there was was standing behind the counter with his arms crossed. He noticed me but didn't flinch or move. I was wearing shorts, a T-shirt, a $25,000 watch and ironically a white Panerai baseball cap. I walked over to the "high-end" showcase of the store to find a mix of Rolex Datejusts with aftermarket diamond bezels, some older style two tone Subs and a PAM51. Next to the 51 was a 171 but something didn't look right. The date was too big and the minute markers were too long. The bracelet was still wrapped in plastic.

About ten minutes later one of the salesmen that was helping the lady came over to me. The guy with his arms crossed was still behind the counter day dreaming. I asked to see the "black Panerai" and as he took it out he was telling me it is a special edition just in from Italy. I nodded and took it from his hand. First thing I noticed was the bracelet was not steel and titanium and was very thin. It said Luminor Power Reserve on the dial and had the power reserve indicator. On the side of the case was a helium vale like the Sea-Dweller and the back was a display back with an ETA engraved Panerai all across. There was no Production letter or number but there was a date of 2005 stamped in the back and a BB serial code. I pulled out the crown and there was only one setting and it was to set the hands. Nothing for the date. My suspicion was confirmed. I asked for the price and the guy grabbed it from my hand and looked at the tag and said $7,500.

I told him I'd like to buy it but just wanted to see the warranty card and box. He said no problem and went in the back. 10 minutes later he came out and said he can't find it because his boss showed it to someone but they will get it for me so not to worry. I told him that I mean no disrespect but how do I know this watch is genuine? His reply was that they have been there for years and everything is genuine. I told him I believe it was fake and he started laughing and said he will bet me anything it's not. I said OK, I will buy out your entire inventory right now if you can prove to me it is real but if you can't, I get the watch for free. He got on his cell phone for a few minutes, came back and took the watch from me and said his boss said it was not for sale, but only a display model. He then proceeded to put it under the showcase and walked away from me.

Moral of the story is those who always think they will get scammed buying online and swear by brick and mortal need to take a good look at this. These bastards were selling a $30 fake for $7,500 right out of a multi-million dollar store in a major shopping mall right here in NYC. I am besides myself!