Brand new watch with no scratches? Mission impossible?

[r00t]

After ten years and many rolexes I wanted to return to Panerai. Love how 1389 looks and it super comfortable.

Right now I’m in Florida so I visited both Miami and Bal Harbor boutiques. Both have the watches, but only one piece per store. Problem is that, they are all scratched.

No big deal, let’s order brand new. But no. They can’t. Both boutiques told me that they only can order same display models from other boutiques and not manufacturer. A never have same issues with other brands, all my watches came virgin in transport boxes and all protective plastic.

Is there any way to buy brand new watch? What about panerai.com “e-boutique”? Do they use same scratched demo stock? What was your experience? Any trusted panerai gray dealers? Your advise will be much appreciated.

[The OG Beef]

Give Bob at the Naples, FL boutique a call. (239) 598-2221


all_in_the_pamily on IG

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[enjoythemusic]

Agree, call Bob in Naples. He's a great guy and straight-shooter. Got a PAM table clock and bracelet for the 01033 GMT from him... and he's been wonderful to work with.

Call Bob :)

[emtee]

Lol at a boutique even thinking it’s acceptable to sell a scratched multi thousand dollar timepiece to a customer

[r00t]

Thanks guys, will be in Naples tomorrow. Will check it out.

[r00t]

Originally Posted by emtee

Lol at a boutique even thinking it’s acceptable to sell a scratched multi thousand dollar timepiece to a customer

What I really don’t get is why not to keep 1-2 pcs of most popular models. You try on demo and then buy a new one.

Factory in hardly overloaded with orders. Pure production cost shouldn’t be more then a $1000.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by emtee

Lol at a boutique even thinking it’s acceptable to sell a scratched multi thousand dollar timepiece to a customer

Agreed.

[BMess]

I had this same experience at a northern New Jersey AD. I was going back and forth between the 689 and the 995. After about 30 minutes of trying them both on, I realized there was a noticeable scratch on the ceramic bezel between 6:00 and 7:00. The saleswoman brought the owner over to ask what he can do and he offered me $100 off the piece in passing without making eye contact with me. No offer to replace the bezel, no offer to order a new watch, he just mumbled "$100 off" as he walked away. Disgusting.

[r00t]

I usually have less scratches after half year of daily use then boutiques “new” watches. Disgusting.

It will be same scratched stock if I order online? Or they use “brand new” watches?

[martintyler]

Not disagreeing that they shouldn't have scratches on, but how do you think it should work?

These watches are produced in limited numbers, and you expect every boutique and AD to have one you can try on, and yet still have mint untouched ones to sell? What would happen to the ones that have been tried on?

I think some places will keep a plastic cover on the watch, i'm sure AP do that, but that means you can't really see the finish well. I'm not sure there is a perfect answer.

[PanosI]

Nothing to say here. Simply don't give your business to these "poor" professionals.

[dg88]

Cannot believe he would just mumble "$100" off and not even give you eye contact. Here in the UK we perceive Americans as being 'service service service' oriented so that surprises me...

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

I would just thank and leave the shop..

Originally Posted by dg88

Cannot believe he would just mumble "$100" off and not even give you eye contact. Here in the UK we perceive Americans as being 'service service service' oriented so that surprises me...

[dg88]

Originally Posted by DOUBLE 0 SE7EN

I would just thank and leave the shop..

Couldn't agree more mate. I wouldn't have entertained it...

[ManUtd]

I agree with the others, there is no way this is acceptable to me especially if the shop insults me with $100. Scratches are inevitable but only acceptable if I caused them. When I buy a watch as new, they better be free from all kinds of blemishes. That said, short of doing wrapping their watches like this I don't know how shops can prevent scratches while folks are trying them on.

[r00t]

Originally Posted by martintyler

Not disagreeing that they shouldn't have scratches on, but how do you think it should work?

These watches are produced in limited numbers, and you expect every boutique and AD to have one you can try on, and yet still have mint untouched ones to sell? What would happen to the ones that have been tried on?

I think some places will keep a plastic cover on the watch, i'm sure AP do that, but that means you can't really see the finish well. I'm not sure there is a perfect answer.

I think if you don't bother minor imperfections you can buy straight away from the display with some discount. But why not Panerai just keep some brand new stock on central location and ship it to the store overnight. In EU they ship directly from Switzerland and it takes few days if it's available of factory. It must be a choice.

Imagine if you come to Ferrari and you only can buy their test drive cars.