Authenticating a PAM in San Francisco

[mborkow]

I'm about to purchase my first Panerai from a seller who has excellent references here on the forum but I would still like to have the watch authenticated during the return period. Where in San Francisco would I be able to authenticate the watch I am buying? The local AD is Shreve; would I just take the watch there? With a Rolex they'd take the back off the watch to verify the movement...but this watch has an exhibition case anyway so the movement is already exposed...thoughts?
Thanks!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mborkow

I'm about to purchase my first Panerai from a seller who has excellent references here on the forum but I would still like to have the watch authenticated during the return period. Where in San Francisco would I be able to authenticate the watch I am buying? The local AD is Shreve; would I just take the watch there? With a Rolex they'd take the back of the watch...but this watch has an exhibition case anyway so the movement is already exposed...thoughts?
Thanks!

Well seeing you can see the movement and its from a seller who has excellent references cannot see any point.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well seeing you can see the movement and its from a seller who has excellent references cannot see any point.

I agree, but I'm a little paranoid ;-)

[kilyung]

Shreve should be able to authenticate it without issue.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Shreve should be able to authenticate it without issue.

Do I just walk in and ask them to authenticate the watch? How much do they charge for the authentication?

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mborkow

Do I just walk in and ask them to authenticate the watch? How much do they charge for the authentication?

I'd ask them for a written valuation for insurance purposes. You are getting it insured right? Generally runs about $50-$100.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'd ask them for a written valuation for insurance purposes.

Brilliant!

Originally Posted by kilyung

You are getting it insured right?

Yes, all my watches are insured.

BTW, I am purchasing the watch from dra144. From what I can tell, they seem to have an excellent reputation on this board.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mborkow

BTW, I am purchasing the watch from dra144. From what I can tell, he seems to have an excellent reputation on this board.

David & Alan have been around a while. Always heard good things about them.

[Awesome Jim]

Careful!


At least in Canada, most appraisals for insurance are estimates to replace the watch with a genuine current version most similar to it and are done without opening the watch. If you want to have authentication, be up front about it. It will be a bit more but will actually be what you are after. J

[Glenn422]

Can you snap a photo and post it here?

Btw, if you're buying it from Alan (Dra144) i wouldn't worry at all. I've heard only good things about them.

[badgtho]

Given the sapphire caseback I can't see that there would be any question.
What makes you uncomfortable?

[mborkow]

Actually, I decided against the appraisal...if all they are going to do is open the case and look at the movement, well, it's got a display back already so, as PADI said, what's the point?

However, I would be happy to post a few pics of the watch! It's my first Panerai and I am really taken with it...I've been eyeing them for years and always thought I'd get a Radiomir but the 372 seemed to combine the best of both watch cases (crown guard and curves) and I love the look of the domed plexi. I never thought I'd buy a watch that didn't have seconds (or date even), but with this watch hours and minutes seem sufficient...and most of the time I am looking at it I don't even know what time it is :-)

[mborkow]

http://pam372.s3.amazonaws.com/face.JPG

http://pam372.s3.amazonaws.com/movement.JPG

http://pam372.s3.amazonaws.com/movement.JPG

[kilyung]

You're good. That's legit (I'd know as I've been considering getting a 372/422 myself). Great macros!

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

You're good. That's legit (I'd know as I've been considering getting a 372/422 myself).

Yeah...the watch seemed pretty good; that's one of the reasons I didn't bother with the appraisal: the detail is amazing and when I look at fake PAMs you can usually see right away the movement is different.

Originally Posted by kilyung

Great macros!

They are the first I've ever taken...I'm surprised my camera shot the close-ups as well as it did. Look out Jocke ;-)

[kilyung]

If you're going to get into straps (inevitable as a Panerai owner), you'll want to invest in a good set of screwdrivers and/or purchase springbars.

[kilyung]

Take some glamour shots and post it in my 372/422 Pic Contest thread!

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

If you're going to get into straps (inevitable as a Panerai owner), you'll want to invest in a good set of screwdrivers and/or purchase springbars.

I'm already a Panatime customer...I didn't want to have to change the buckle when I changed straps so I bought a buckle from them. It's nice...but not nearly as sharp as OEM (but the price is an order of magnitude smaller!)

[mfer]

FYI, i wouldn't use spring bars. I think you could damage the screw threads on the case.

[CharlieSheen]

Originally Posted by mborkow

Brilliant!



Yes, all my watches are insured.

BTW, I am purchasing the watch from dra144. From what I can tell, they seem to have an excellent reputation on this board.

David & Allen are top notch - they wont do you wrong! Ive done business with them before

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by mfer

FYI, i wouldn't use spring bars. I think you could damage the screw threads on the case.

For better or worse, I always like the look of screwed pins more than springs so I don't plan on changing the spring bars. Each AM I review all the screws to make sure they are seated correctly (I do this on all my watches) but I might put a drop of blue loctite on the threads to keep them secure.