Pam88 movement noise

[mikelprz]

Probably this has been asked before..

Purchased a Pam88 in 2004. When i first purchased the watch, i never heard any noise from the watch. Once in a while, i would feel the movement, but other than that, i really never heard the movement rotor. Now, all of sudden, in 2011, I hear it, big time. It sounds like a marble is in my watch haha

Is this something normal?

Just wondering if movements change after they get older??
It still keeps great time..and was serviced in 2007.

Sometimes i can't stand it.. I want to open the case and see what that noise is..

Any ideas, comments, or suggestions?? Please feel free..
Thanks

[mikelprz]

Actually, if i shake the watch.. it sounds like a marble is bouncing inside the case. If i shake the watch to the side, it sounds like a marble is rolling in it.
Normally, wouldn't think it's strange, but all of sudden.. now it is making this noise.
Does it need a service??

[witch watch]

It's the classic 7750 'Wobble' that you are hearing. Relax it's very much normal for that movement

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by witch watch

It's the classic 7750 'Wobble' that you are hearing. Relax it's very much normal for that movement

that's what i was thinking, but, why would the "wobble" show up years later?

[witch watch]

Basically the 7750 only winds in one direction and this puts the resistance on the winding train in that direction but as the opposite side does not wind the rotar free spins in that direction faster and this is what you are hearing.

[witch watch]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

that's what i was thinking, but, why would the "wobble" show up years later?

....Is a good question. Perhaps now that the movement has settled in it is now more noticeable as it has been said it is normally harder to notice the wobble in watches of over 42mm.

[B. Doggy]

It doesn't sound normal to me, especially if it just showed up now.

[mike]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

It doesn't sound normal to me, especially if it just showed up now.

Yeah,...after seven years might be time for a service. Wobble is one thing, but the discription makes me wonder.

[dalip]

I would suggest you have it looked at. As has already been pointed out it seems unusual for it to start now in the way you describe.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by witch watch

It's the classic 7750 'Wobble' that you are hearing. Relax it's very much normal for that movement

X2, When I tried on a 161 (uses the same movement) I could hear and feel the rotor, and the watch had just been serviced by Panerai (It was a 2007 model)

[mfer]

Time for service.

[mikelprz]

Thanks for your imput guys.. i think i will have it looked at just to be on the safe side.

[canwatchco]

Mikel, I have found that the screws that hold the movement in place can come loose and cause the kind of noise you are referring to. I noticed it on one of my watches not long after it was serviced. I brought it to the watchmaker, he opened it up, tightened the screws and sent me home happy. Hopefully that is all that is wrong.

[mikelprz]

Thanks for the info canwatchco..

It has been keeping good time, however the other morning i woke up and it was completely stopped. I reset the time and wound it back up, and is back keeping time for the past 2 days.. Haven't experienced that since prior to the last time is was serviced back in 07. Anyway, once i get a chance, i will take it in for service.
I'm away on a business trip and won't be able to drop for service until Aug. Hope it hangs in there until then.

[DCgator]

Wow, glad I read this thread. Have a Pam 88 too and I would've been upset if I heard my watch sound that way. Good info to know. Thanks!

[Shade]

Doesn't sound normal to me, it would make the same sound from the first day you purchased it until the day you decide to sell it. Or the day it's broken. :)

[mikelprz]

Well,, finally was able to place my Pam88 in for service.
Dropped it off at Pendulum Service Center, Bangkok ( AD and service center for Panerai in Asia).
Initial diagnosis: It has something to do with the rotor. A screw has loosened itself. They suspect from an impact to the watch. mmm that is possible, since i use my watch for outdoor activity.
Service center will fix this problem and do an overhaul of the watch.

Anyway, watch should be fixed in 10 days

[texex91]

Wow, that's not bad 10 days.

[johnbeth]

service time!

[dddrees]

Good catch, I imagine a screw loose like that could cause some real damage to the movement if not caught soon enough.

Glad to hear your getting it taken care of and it sounds like it won't take very long at all. Cool.

[mikelprz]

Can't wait to get it back. I hope everything turns out fine and my watch will be back on my wrist keeping time.

I'm also getting a new OEM alligator strap for it too. Have it sitting on hold for me at a local AD.

Met the watch tech, and she seems pretty detail oriented. She told me, she can fix it no problem.

[Timber Loftis]

Having been used to Rolex, which has a very smooth and hard-to-notice winding unless it's *service time!*, the uni-directional winding and wobble of the Pams (and many other watch brands like IWC) threw me off at first. It's good to see you found the source of the problem, but as a general rule many watches are going to be "noisier" than Rollies due to this.

[mikelprz]

Yea,. I still prefer my Subdate. It has never given me problems. My Pam, on the other hand, is another story. Second time since i've owned it.. that i have had to put it in for service due to the movement stopping. I sold this exact PAM88 back in 2009, then my wife found it early this year and bought it back hahaha (long story) but it was amazing to find my watch. So, it will definitely going to stay with me from here on out. Just wish it was easier to deal with, like my 16610.

I will keep the forum updated on this service center in Bangkok.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by mikelprz

Met the watch tech, and she seems pretty detail oriented. She told me, she can fix it no problem.

Sounds like they are on it--and you'll have back in new condition
Let us know (and if you can sneak any pics if you're at service center that would be great too).

[mikelprz]

My Pam88 is fixed

Had it back for several days now.. and so far, so good.
It's nice to have my watch back on my wrist

So.. Pendulum service center did the work. They have an authorized service center in Maneeya Building.. with access right from the Chit Lom BTS stop.

Attachment 221477

Attachment 221478

Plus, i was able to wear my watch at the Bangkok watch fair.

Awesome, awesome

[mikelprz]

oops here are the other 2 pics.

[dddrees]

Glad to hear you got it back, and it sounds like they have addressed the problem.