Winding Pam 197
 

BTW, this is my first PAM as well as the first manual wind watch I have ever owned. Pics will be coming shortly as I just received it in mail.

I am rather surprised at how tense the winder feels as I turn. There is decent amount of resistance as I wind, and if I ease the grip the winder spins back on its own running down most of the power. Is this normal or did I buy a damaged watch?

The 197 has the 8 day JLC movement one of the most efficient out there. It should take about 40 or so winds to get it fully powered and there was never much tension on the ones I have had the past. Does it hold the PR?

What does running down most of the power refer to? The PR?

That is not normal.

basically i let go of the crown it spins back on its own until PR indicator reaches zero. I dropped it off at a local watch guy ( Gears and Jewels ) who would give me an estimate by end of Wed. Shreve & Co recommended the guy if I don't want to wait 12 weeks to get the watch back from panerai.

A question: would it diminish value of the watch if I don't get it serviced by official panerai service center?

wow...sound like that JLC movement needs major repair...
I have heard good things with Chatel in Carmel and I believe they have a parts account with Panerai. But with the JLC movement, it may have to go back to Panerai Service.
have you tried calling the Panerai Beverly Hills Boutique?

Dude, someone sold you a busted watch. That is NOT normal. The 190 is the smoothest winding watch I've had the pleasure of winding up.

TALK TO SELLER ASAP!

yeah i got the watch on ebay and paid thru paypal using amex so hopefully i am pretty well covered. the seller is one of the bigger watch dealers on ebay.

the watch guy here at sf just chuckled at how this thing just unwinds back on its own. he said something about broken spring but he has a thick french accent so i didnt quite understand. reckon i'd find out wed what the problem is.

I was following that recent sale (wire lug)?
Not sure how much for service, I would plan on a $1000 at Panerai service.
Good luck!

I have a JLC with that movement, smooth as butter winding and certainly a positive stop.
Actually less that 40 winds from flat to fully wound.

Contact the seller and inquire about warrantly policy. A successful seller (I reckon wirelug fits that description) would have in place, a course of action in these events to keep a good reputation.

Please, keep us posted an I hope you are able to resolve the problem quickly and painlessly, so you can enjoy the watch.

cheers
richard