Well, I ended up buying the 176 for sale here and elsewhere. I just got it back from the service center. I requested a gasket change and pressure test, but they said that everything was in great condition and did no work at all(free of charge too). The movement is also in excellent shape and runs spot on.
I have ordered a Panerai orange rubber strap for it, here is how it looks now.
Doh, I just noticed the smudges on the glass, I am used to plexi...
