Panerai watch users please help.

roughneckrob

roughneckrob

Joined
Jul 3, 2009
Messages
1,213
Hey folks, I am in the market for a Panerai base or marina model. I am however having trouble finding a dealer who I can trust on the internet. In December I bought a brand new Rolex Submariner from and AD for $8400 Canadian but I am begining to think that I like the Panerai better. I am considering trading the Rolex in on one but I am very nervous about sending the submariner through the mail to an unknown individual. Can someone please help me out and if you have both a Panerai and a Rolex Sub and you think I am nuts for considering a trade please chime in.
 
For the reputable dealers, consider checking the Better Business Bureau before you buy anything. bbb.org. They have compiled reviews of many businesses, responses, complaints, and known issues. This is a great place to start and I have had many good experiences using the BBB.

Second, the gold standard is buying a Panerai through an authorized dealer. I know you are trying to save some cash. So did I (i have two pam's, both bought on the gray market). If I could take it back, i would, just for the peace of mind. If the model you want is contemporary, and the base and marinas are, your best bet is seriously through an AD. It's tough too -- there aren't too any AD's around. Tourneau is a very common AD for panerai although they get a bad rep from many watch enthusiasts. It depends on the model you want. if you are after a discontinued model or rare model, you may have to go through gray market. First, you need to decide exactly which model you want and what you are willing to pay, so start there.

I really am putting in a strong vote for an AD. I understand there aren't any AD's that are near Alberta. The closest ones I'm seeing are like... toronto? ontario? That's far. You are well off having some patience, doing some searches, and saving your purchase for when you're on your next trip (if ever).

Third, you are not nuts one way or another in terms of your trade. It depends on the condition of your Submariner, the model of the Panerai, and what you are needing to sure up the deal. Decide which watch speaks to you the most. This is about personal preference. I have Rolex's and Panerai's and sometimes I still can't decide which I prefer more.


I don't know any online dealers that are reputable, to be honest. I had a better-than-lukewarm experience with essential-watches.com. I had a semi-crappy experience with interwatches.com.

The other problem is you don't know where your watch has been. You don't know how many owners, if it's been modified, etc. These companies somehow seem to get their hands on new or used or pre-owned watches and have their internal watchmakers polish up the cases to make it seem LNIB. The biggest fear of course is getting a counterfeit -- and some of the counterfeits out there are very convincing.


Good luck, hope you find what you're looking for. And please keep us updated! And post pics!
 
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Thanks for the info guys. The Rolex is pretty much immaculate and hardly worn. There are two Panerai AD's fairly close to me, one in Calgary and one in Vancouver but they are high class boutiques that I highly doubt would take and sell pre-owned watches. All the high end dealers here in Edmonton have the usual Rolex, Omega, Breitling....etc but no panerai. I am really not feeling good about on-line purchases/trades now but this is what I had in mind.
http://www.watchuwant.com/watches/p...stainless-steel-boxespapers-100-complete-bnib

I'll call around and maybe I will have to take a trip and I will if I must. I really can't afford to have both the Rolex and the Panerai, so the Rolex has to go but I would like to get a Panerai in hand before I make a decision like this.

I will post some pics of my Submariner this weekend and keep you updated.

Thanks again.
 
Gotcha. Well. You handle a little less risk when selling your Rolex online. you can post FS threads on your very own BF, since you're a gold member! I would also suggest trying to sell on the rolex forums and at watchuseek.com. I see a lot of submariners on WUS.


When you sell, just collect your payment up front, bank wire transfer or hold the watch until the payment clears. Then ship your watch via Fedex Express with full insurance. And you should be good!


There always seems to be a healthy market for submariners on the For-Sale forums. Try that and then go to a Panerai AD and blow all the cash you made.
 
Here is mine... Waterproof to 2500' and made so thick that it doesn't need a helium escape valve. It keeps better time than the Rolex did. My wife still wears the 1971 Datejust I got her for our first anniv. The acrylic is cracked.

2012-06-28_22-38-41_989.jpg


rolexswinger.jpg


2012-06-28_22-48-15_586.jpg


2012-06-28_22-48-36_146.jpg
 
I suggest going on Timezone.com and doing a face to face deal at an AD to make sure the watch is authentic. You will save thousands. I know a few people in Calgary and Vancouver if you need names.
 
roughneckrob said:
Thanks for the info guys. The Rolex is pretty much immaculate and hardly worn. There are two Panerai AD's fairly close to me, one in Calgary and one in Vancouver but they are high class boutiques that I highly doubt would take and sell pre-owned watches. All the high end dealers here in Edmonton have the usual Rolex, Omega, Breitling....etc but no panerai. I am really not feeling good about on-line purchases/trades now but this is what I had in mind.
http://www.watchuwant.com/watches/p...stainless-steel-boxespapers-100-complete-bnib

I'll call around and maybe I will have to take a trip and I will if I must. I really can't afford to have both the Rolex and the Panerai, so the Rolex has to go but I would like to get a Panerai in hand before I make a decision like this.

I will post some pics of my Submariner this weekend and keep you updated.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

They might not discuss it, but all high-end watch stores will take trade-ins. You just won't get a very good price from them, but they'll take a current watch from you for trade.
 
petah said:
I suggest going on Timezone.com and doing a face to face deal at an AD to make sure the watch is authentic. You will save thousands. I know a few people in Calgary and Vancouver if you need names.
Click to expand...

Bro, any help would be great.
 
CWL said:
They might not discuss it, but all high-end watch stores will take trade-ins. You just won't get a very good price from them, but they'll take a current watch from you for trade.
Click to expand...

I'll have to call some close to home and see what they are prepared to offer. I would love to find an AD who has pre-owned Panerai in stock and we can make a straight across deal.
 
OJ Whatley of Whatch-u-Want in hollywood fla. I have been here personally and he has the largest new and pre-owned Pana's and other high end watches. He is easy to deal with and has a big following.

I found him on the Internet and coincidentally live 2 blocks away from his office
 
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