2nd PAM incoming (already!)

[Swaye]

Okay, so the 721 from a month ago wasn't enough.

I knew about the boutique 9 series blue dials because a good friend of mine, and fellow TRF poster VinceKSA, picked up a 932 many months ago in KSA. At the time he picked his up, there did not seem to be many from the series left anywhere, so it seemed a long shot for me to get one, but I loved that watch nonetheless.

I also had a strong affinity for the 945 and 946, at 45MM and with the GMT function. But with no boutiques nearby, and it being limited to 388 pieces and boutique only, I just assumed if I ever really wanted it I would have to pick it up on the secondary market one day. But it stuck in my mind. That dial!

Fast forward to yesterday, and I am in Doha on business, and doing my usual thing in a travel city - looking at watches. Hit up a Breguet AD, Vacheron (Overseas dual time in RG was surprisingly lovely) AD, the AP boutique (tried on a full RG ROO that weighed about as much as a small motorcycle), the Bulgari boutique (that Octa Finissimmo Chrono has shot up my list - AMAZING watch and almost the star of the day), and finally the Panerai Boutique. No expectations walking in at all, and honestly was hoping to get a look at a Sub in Carbotech (they had one, sweet watch!!!!).

Start talking to the sales rep and mention how I so loved the 9 series blue dials but I know it's a watch from 2018 and long since sold out (assumed). He smiled. "Come back to the VIP section with me." He had a brand new 945 and 946 sitting side by side next to all the gold PAMs!!!! I couldn't believe it. He gave me a story (no idea if true but he was convincing in his telling of it) that they had just received two 945's and the 946 within the last few days - says that the Panerai mothership had held them back from them because of import issues regarding the Qatari and GCC countries recent squabbles? Again, no idea if true (and how would they have piles of other watches but not these?), but I very much didn't care. I was just happy a watch I had lusted after for months on VinceKSAs wrist (well, from the same line anyway) was staring me in the face.

Negotiated a sweet 18% discount and got them to take a further 20 percent of a dark brown calf strap and walked out of there with a 945 at 10K USD no tax!

They switched the strap for me, gave me great coffee while we chatted watches, and told me to come back in a couple of days before I leave for a special gift? Can't wait! I have to tell you it was one of the more pleasant experiences I have had buying a watch anywhere. Panerai Doha rolls out the red carpet for you! I am not going to bash recent Rolex experiences around the world too much (because there have been a precious few good interactions), but wow did Panerai make a watch buying experience special. I've purchased over 50 watches in my decade plus of collecting, at everything from ADs to Boutiques to Trusted Sellers, and this was one of the finest experiences yet top to bottom. And the blue on this dial is the cherry on top!

Also, sorry to Bulgari, if this 945 hadn't been there I might have owned that Octa Chrono. That thing is amazing!

Here's some lousy photos TRF. Enjoy.

[ASW1]

Looks great, well done and congrats.

Sounds like the GMT feature will be well used.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

[Swaye]

Oh it will! I am a GMT kind of guy. I do need to whittle down my Rolex GMT collection a bit more though.

[1William]

Congratulations. Great looking watch.

[DLRIDES]

Congrats !

[Vince KSA]

Loved reading every sentance of that thread Mark.

What a fantastic watch. Having the 932 myself I just know how brilliant and special that blue dial is!

Plus knowing your love for GMTs I know you chose exactly the right watch for you, no compromises. That calf brown strap looks great too.

Wear it in good health my friend.

[emtee]

Lovely watch! Congratulations

[Cru Jones]

Congratulations! Beautiful dial.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Vince KSA

Loved reading every sentance of that thread Mark.

What a fantastic watch. Having the 932 myself I just know how brilliant and special that blue dial is!

Plus knowing your love for GMTs I know you chose exactly the right watch for you, no compromises. That calf brown strap looks great too.

Wear it in good health my friend.

Thanks buddy! You finding that 932 last year inspired this purchase!

[Frankzappa]

Congrats! But what was the "special gift"? Inquiring minds want know! 😀

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Frankzappa

Congrats! But what was the "special gift"? Inquiring minds want know! 😀

No idea yet! They are supposed to call me later this week. Hope whatever it is comes in before I leave the region.

[nick c]

Beautiful piece. Congratulations

[Swaye]

Update to the thread: I left Doha without ever getting a call for my "special gift." So I guess the 945 is all the gift I need!

[fullcourt]

awesome, congrats....

[Rolexavidfan]

Congrats on the 945! My pick was the 933 which is in the same family. Wear the watch in good health!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Yaz]

Big Congrats !
Although I love the 932, your 945 with GMT is absolutely amazing !
Well done !

[Watchcollections]

Great looking watch.

[TswaneNguni]

Yip,another 932 owner .Those blue dials are amazing .Congrats !

[Swaye]

Thanks all!

[juve]

Congratulations. Great watch.

[Camdamonium]

I personally am not the biggest Radiomir guy, but yours is one of the few that catches my attention! Love the blue dial and brown strap you put on it- the perfect contrast!